Abstract: In 1920, Emile Licent, French priest and natural historian, found the first Paleolithic site in China, against, F. von Richthofen’s belief that there were no Paleolithic remains in North China. This discovery by Licent was a prelude to the study of Chinese paleoanthropology. There are two different views about this first excavated Paleolithic site; some people believe the site to have been Xinjiagou, but others consider it was Zhaojiacha. By examining Licent’s diary encompassing 10 years of travel, and conducting fieldwork, the authors believe that the first stone artifact found in China was a core unearthed in a loess layer at the Xingjiagou site on June 4, 1920. Therefore the Xingjiagou site, the first Paleolithic site identified in China, belongs to Wujiao town, Huachi County, Qingyang City, Gansu Province. Geographical coordinates are 36°21'49.00''N，107°45'41.07''E.

Key words: Paleolithic; History; Xingjiagou