Rice Cultivation in Southern China

Timeline

1. 700–1200Taihu Lake basin · JiangnanPonds, dikes, and drainage-irrigation systems raised per-mu yields of Jiangnan rice; the Song saying 'When Suzhou and Huzhou are ripe, all under heaven are fed' reflects the close relationship between rice cultivation and the southward shift of the economic center, with early- and late-rice rotation gradually maturing.
2. 1321–1330Rice-growing areas of the Jiangzhe Province · Jiangzhe ProvinceThe Yuan dynasty maintained Jiangnan paddy waterworks through the Directorate of Waterways and local officials; rice remained the main source for Dadu's grain transport and market-town food trade, with tenant farmers paying land taxes as summer tax and autumn grain, while rice varietal selection and manure application continued intensive farming traditions.
3. 1300–1800Coastal Fujian and Guangdong · South ChinaTerraced hills and coastal sandy fields in the south expanded the boundaries of rice cultivation; migrant reclamation brought new rice varieties and techniques, and double-cropping rice gradually spread in warm regions, supporting population growth and food demand of overseas trade ports.