The largest ape that ever walked the Earth, Gigantopithecus blacki, lived in what is now China and went extinct between 295,000โ215,000 years ago.
๐ Height: ~3 meters (9.8 ft)
โ๏ธ Weight: 200โ300 kg (441โ661 lbs)
๐ธ Image: Paleo-anthro sculptor Bill Munns with his Giganto reconstruction in his Los Angeles backyard.
Actually I went to read after writing the comment and while originally they thought it might be a hominin, now they think it is actually more closely related to orangutans, making my comment kinda stupid. (Except I still think the face is off. Should be more understanding and kind, orangutangish.)
Don't tell anyone. Well you can tell the Librarian. We're scheduled for coffee next week anyway in the L-space. Feel free to tag along.