Exhibition highlights pioneer's work on human origins

A memorial exhibition honoring Pei Wenzhong, a pioneer of Chinese paleoanthropology and Paleolithic archaeology, opened at the National Natural History Museum of China in Beijing on Tuesday, highlighting his contributions to the study of human origins and the development of natural science museums in China.

Jointly organized by the museum and the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the exhibition, In Search of China's Origin, In Service of Public Enlightenment — A Memorial Exhibition for Academician Pei Wenzhong, traces Pei's scientific career, as well as his work in science education and museum development.

In 1929, Pei discovered the first complete skullcap of Peking Man at the Zhoukoudian site in Beijing, a landmark finding that brought the study of early humans in China to international attention. He went on to devote decades to research in paleoanthropology, Paleolithic archaeology, Quaternary mammalogy and stratigraphy.

Pei also played an important role in advancing public science education, mentoring young researchers and developing museums. As one of the key initiators of the preparatory committee for the Central Natural History Museum, he was closely involved in the institution's early development. Later, as director of the Beijing Natural History Museum, he contributed to the establishment and growth of natural science museums across China.

The exhibition traces Pei's career through four themes: his landmark discovery at Zhoukoudian; his field research into human evolution and prehistoric cultures across China; his efforts to make science accessible through writing, exhibitions and teaching; and his work to establish museums and advance China's natural history museum sector.

It features specimens, photographs, manuscripts, publications and archival footage, placing Pei's life and work within the broader history of modern science and museum development in China.

The exhibition is free to the public and runs through Nov 8.