In the early 20th century, the French naturalist Emile Licent was among the Chinese and international scholars who opened a new chapter in archaeological research in China. From 1914, he spent more than two decades embarking on a scientific journey covering nearly 50,000 kilometers, during which he made important contributions to the study of geology, paleontology, and early human history. For this year's International Archaeology Day, on Oct. 17, we retrace Licent's steps and look back on a life of remarkable discovery.