This paper critically examines the state of paleoanthropological and Paleolithic research in China, focusing on the ongoing debate surrounding the origins of modern Chinese populations. Chinese scholars have long sought to frame their findings within a unilinear model of human evolution, tracing a continuous development from Homo erectus to modern Homo sapiens, often emphasizing nationalistic interpretations of a unique and uninterrupted Chinese civilization. However, recent genetic findings and fossil discoveries challenge this narrative, particularly in relation to the "Out of Africa" hypothesis. Key discoveries, such as the coexistence of Homo erectus and early Home sapiens in various regions of China, complicate the traditional view of an unbroken evolutionary trajectory. Additionally, debates surrounding the Movius Line and evidence of cultural exchange with the West reflect a growing recognition of complex, multi-derectional influence on human evolution. The paper suggests that reconciling archaeological and genetic data, while overcoming nationalistic biases, is essential for advancing understanding of the intricate evolutionary history of human populations in East Asia.