Chinese archaeologists have uncovered six Late Paleolithic sites in Xinbin Manchu Autonomous County, located in Liaoning Province, marking a significant addition to the region's human history, extending it by over 10,000 years.

The findings were made during the ongoing fourth national cultural relics census, as reported by official sources.

The sites, primarily found in Nanzamu and Shangjiahe townships, are situated on elevated terraces and hillsides near water sources, conducive to early human habitation.

Archaeologists have collected a range of stone tools from these locations, including flake tools, scrapers, unifacial cores, disc-shaped cores, and other implements.

Xiao Jingquan, a member of the expert team for the cultural relics census in Fushun, noted that these recent discoveries offer valuable insights into the activities and distribution of ancient human populations along the middle and upper stretches of the Hunhe River.

Zhao Hailong, a professor at the School of Archaeology and Museology at Liaoning University, stated that these findings are crucial in filling gaps in the archaeological record for Paleolithic sites in the region.

He emphasized that the evidence acquired from these sites is essential for understanding ancient humans' tool-making strategies, technological advancements, and cultural exchanges within the area.

Among the significant discoveries is a site at Langtougou, where archaeologist Quan Yuedong uncovered a finely crafted stone tool.

This tool, approximately the size of an adult's hand, is made of grayish-blue stone and features distinct flake scars, indicating its use for cutting or scraping purposes.

The newly identified sites, including Langtougou, contribute to the understanding of Paleolithic life and culture in Xinbin.

Historically, the region, while rich in archaeological significance, had yielded few prehistoric artifacts, previously being mostly known for Neolithic remains estimated to be around 5,000 years old found along the Taizi River.

Xiao highlighted the importance of prioritizing archaeological studies in Fushun and the Qingyuan Manchu Autonomous County.

He called for systematic research to identify stratified Paleolithic deposits and to discover animal fossils associated with the stone tools, which would strengthen the scientific foundation of Paleolithic archaeology in Fushun.

Since the commencement of the fourth cultural relics census, Fushun has reported the discovery of 59 new immovable cultural heritage sites.

The assessment of the stone artifacts collected from these sites, in conjunction with records from previous archaeological surveys, has confirmed their association with the Late Paleolithic period.