A Study On Causes Of The Origin Of Rice Famring In South China

Based on the archeological discoveries found in Middle and lower reaches Yangtze River, and Lingnan area as well, during the period from 18 000 year B.P to 8 000 year B.P, this paper tries to make an observation on the causes of the origin of rice agriculture in south China. In the paper, sites including cave sites and Open-air sites in Yangtze River valley are divided into four cultural development periods. And sites have found in Lingnan area are divided into three cultural development periods. The first cultural stage of Yangtze River valley dates back to 23,000 years ago, however, with which there is no cultural stage in Lingnan area could be compared. The second cultural stage of Yangtze River valley is dated from 20,000 year to 15,000 year, which can be compared with the stage one of Lingnan area dating back to 20,000 years ago to 18,000 years ago. The third cultural stage of Yangtze River valley is dated from 15,000 year to 12,000 year, which can be compared with the stage two of Lingnan area. The fourth cultural stage of Yangtze River valley is dated from 12,000-8,000 year, which can be compared with the stage three of Lingnan area.The contrast of culture appearance in these two areas demonstrated that 20,000-15,000 years ago, the Yangtze reaches and Lingnan area experienced the similar culture development phase. The pebble tool industry once occupied the leading position, but 20,000 or 18,000 years ago, small flake tool took the dominant position. 15,000 years ago, the pebble tool industry returned to its dominant position. And from this time on, wild rice planting silica was discovered in Yangtze River valley site, which indicated that cultural difference between the two area began. 12,000 years ago, the above difference was more evident. During this time, the two regional culture was on the different path of development.After the preliminary research, we believed that rice farming originated in Yangtze River valley, which confirmed the view of Mr. Yan Wenming. Based on the inspection of climate and natural environment in south China, the paper pointed out that the global climate change is one of the main causes of origin of rice farming in south China. Around 18,000 year B.P, the last Ice Age reached its peak, leading the sharp drop of the temperature. After then, the temperature went up. Till 8,000 years ago, it was warm and humid in Yangtze River valley. The climate change had little impact on the natural environment, that's why early people living in Lingnan area continued their cultural tradition .But the change impacted the Yangtze River valley greatly. Early people living here had to adjust their livelihoods, in order to cope with food crises because of seasonal changes. The domestication of wild rice and rice faming was a livelihood response of early people.