The Central Plains and northern regions of China boast an extensive prehistoric cultural heritage. The Lantian Man (Homo erectus Lantianensis) inhabited this region around 800,000–650,000 years ago, followed by the Peking Man (Homo erectus Pekinensis) between 700,000 and 200,000 years ago. After eons in the Paleolithic age, these societies transitioned to the Neolithic Age around eight thousand years ago, shifting from a lifestyle of hunting and gathering to early farming and the domestication of animals. This transition led to the establishment of clan-based villages and a move toward settled life.