The fossil of Wushan Man was first discovered in Longgupo, Zhenlongping Village, Miaoyu Town of Wushan County in 1985. The fossil of the left mandible with two molars and some bony plates were excavated that year.

In 1986, three fore-teeth and a jaw with two teeth were unearthed. This was found together with the animal fossils. After the research by the authoritative professors, the fossils were found to belong to a new species of Homo erectus. Later they were named Home erectus wushanensis. In common terms they are called Wushan Man.

According to research, Wushan Man lived about two million years ago. They are the earliest men found living in the territory of China. The teeth of Wushan man are stronger than those of modern people and the skull resembles modern man in many respects.

The discovery of the fossil is of great importance to the research of human origins and the development history of the Yangtze River Valley.