The contribution of the Neolithic cultures of the Yangtze River to the origins and growth of agricultural populations in Southeastern Asia was vital. According to archaeological and comparative linguistic evidence, the early steps to organized agricultural villages, rice and millet cultivation, and animal husbandry began in 11000 BP. These developments led to the establishment of Austro-Asiatic and Austronesian-speaking populations into South and East Asia. Besides, recent archaeological discoveries stress the assumption that the pottery was originally developed in South China. Therefore, the region is of high historical significance.
Considerable regional variability in Neolithic cultures in the region of the Yangtze River is demonstrated between 6500 BP and 1900 BP, while evidence of rice cultivation suggests the growth of paddy rice agriculture over the mid-lower Yangtze Valley.
Chengbeixi culture developed in the period between 7000 BP and 5000 BP in the Middle Yangtze Valley, in Hubei Province. Findings of large quantities of rice husks and straw as pottery tempers and the discoveries of house ruins suggest that rice was most likely domesticated in Chengbeixi assemblage, although historians have not reached a definite conclusion. During that Developmental Stage, the improved rice variety that evolved from the previous site of Pengtoushan culture (8900 BP - 8000 BP) at the Incipient Stage was the result of advanced irrigation and drainage technology that facilitated tidal movement. Besides, livestock domestication equaled agricultural growth including dogs, sheep, pigs and water buffaloes.
The significance of Chengbeixi assemblage to rice cultivation is further supported by the palaeoclimate changes that occurred between 8400 BP and 8000 BP. Although, in 7000 BP, the palaeoclimate in the Yangtze Valley was mostly warm providing a good, tropical environment for the animals in the region, the palaeoclimate changes that occurred led to a significant reduction of many ripe fruits and nuts. Although the faunal resources in the Yangtze Valley remained relatively unaffected, the dry and cold palaeoclimate reduced the territories of the animals and consequently their quantity.
On the other hand, historians suggest that because of the unique physical and geographical conditions in the Chengbeixi site, prehistoric foragers were forced to seek their survival and development in a more favorable environment. Besides, because of the reduction of fruits and nuts and the dominance of herbs, prehistoric foragers were directed to the consumption and cultivation of wild grasses such as rice.
Over time, the distinguishing morphological traits such as seed size and leaf color of the rice varieties that were cultivated in Chengbeixi, suggests that foragers were cultivating many and different variations of rice.
Whether mid-lower Yangtze Valley paddy agriculture was domesticated or not requires further study and research. Yet, in spite of lacking definite historical conclusion for the domestication of rice cultivation in Chengbeixi site, there is undisputed indirect evidence that mutations led to a reduction in the degree of grain, which is a prerequisite for domestication.
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