Core Insights - The discovery of the earliest rice cultivation in South China, particularly on Pingtan Island, dates back approximately 7,000 years, challenging previous assumptions about the timeline of rice agriculture in island regions [2][10][19] - The research indicates that early rice farmers likely migrated from the lower Yangtze River region to the coastal areas of Fujian, and subsequently to Taiwan and other Pacific islands, supporting the "Min-Tai origin theory" of the Austronesian peoples [3][19][20] Group 1: Archaeological Findings - The earliest evidence of rice cultivation in Zhejiang dates back about 11,000 years, while Fujian's earliest rice remains are approximately 7,500 years old, and Guangdong's evidence is limited to around 5,000 years [1][7] - The Pingtan shell mound site has yielded rice remains that are currently the oldest known in the South China coastal islands, with significant findings from the Xiying site, which dates back over 7,500 years [2][10] - The discovery of rice phytoliths at the Pingtan site indicates that rice cultivation was established earlier than previously thought, suggesting a complex agricultural history in the region [24][26] Group 2: Migration and Cultural Implications - The findings support the idea that early rice farmers were adept at maritime navigation, allowing them to migrate across the sea to Pingtan Island, which served as a stepping stone to Taiwan and beyond [3][11][19] - The research highlights the role of rice agriculture in the population growth and expansion of the Austronesian peoples, linking agricultural practices to cultural migrations [19][20] - The study of the Pingtan site contributes to the understanding of the origins and spread of the Austronesian language family, suggesting that the early rice farmers were likely ancestors of these groups [18][19][20]