Abstract: Rhinoceros mandibles and femora from Daheigou and Shigou were collected from Middle and Early Pleistocene strata, respectively. The specimens were attributed to Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis (=Stephanorhinus mercki) based on the following characters: constriction of the symphysis; lack of incisors; smooth enamel layer without cementum; and a long femur. The fossils of Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis herein reported represent the definite earliest record with certain provenance of this species in China. The teeth and foot bones of Elasmotherium from Shanshenmiaozui and Heitugou represent the best fossil materials ever recovered in the Nihewan Basin. In particular, tooth specimens are the first discovery in the Nihewan Basin. Based on dental morphology and dimensions, the elasmothere fossils recently discovered can be referred to the species Elasmotherium peii. The authors propose here that Elasmotherium peii is a valid species name and that all Early Pleistocene elasmothere fossils in China can be included in this species. The Quaternary elasmothere in China is quite different from those of the Caucasian region in the following aspects: thicker but less crimped enamel layer; metaconid much more developed; more elongated upper teeth; smaller M3 compared to M2; less developed metastyle; metaloph fused with ectoloph in M3; and lophs more developed in upper teeth. In addition, Chinese materials are also different from Elasmotherium sibiricum in their relatively less hypsodont teeth, thicker enamel and prominent roots. Recent biostratigraphic studies show that the Elasmotherium-bearing strata are Early Pleistocene in age. Since the Pliocene onward, the following rhinoceros taxa occurred in the Nihewan Basin: Chilotherium sp. (Pliocene), Elasmotherium peii (Early Pleistocene), Coelodonta nihowanensis (Early Pleistocene), Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis (Early to Middle Pleistocene) and Coelodonta antiquitatis (Middle to Late Pleistocene)

Key words: Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis; Elasmotherium peii; Nihewan; Early-Middle Pleistocene