Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the historical significance of food and culinary practices in China, emphasizing how food has influenced various historical periods from the pre-Qin era to the Ming and Qing dynasties. It highlights the work of archaeologist Zhang Liangren, who has transitioned to a food blogger and published a book titled "A History of Eating in China" that explores the evolution of Chinese civilization through its food culture [3][4]. Summary by Sections Archaeological Insights - Archaeological findings, particularly from the Erlitou site, reveal a variety of cooking utensils used in ancient China, including pots, tripods, and containers for fermentation, indicating a sophisticated understanding of food preparation and consumption among the elite [4][5]. - The presence of large ceremonial vessels at the Erlitou site suggests that only the nobility had access to alcoholic beverages, reflecting social stratification in ancient Chinese society [4]. Evolution of Food Practices - During the Shang Dynasty, the variety of food utensils increased, with the introduction of new types such as the zun and you, alongside the continued use of earlier pottery. This indicates a growing complexity in food preparation and consumption practices among different social classes [5]. - The staple foods during the Erlitou and Shang periods included grains like millet and rice, with steaming and boiling being the primary cooking methods. The lack of milling technology limited the consumption of wheat grains [6]. Regional Dietary Patterns - The article notes the dietary shift during the Han Dynasty, where rice became the staple in the south, while wheat was primarily cultivated in the lower Yellow River region. This shift was influenced by agricultural practices and population pressures [7][8]. - The introduction of winter wheat cultivation in the Guanzhong region during the Han Dynasty was a response to food shortages, showcasing the adaptability of agricultural practices to meet the needs of a growing population [8]. Cultural Exchange and Trade - The Song Dynasty saw a flourishing of the food industry, supported by advancements in agriculture and commerce, as well as the production of exquisite porcelain and metal utensils that became popular both domestically and internationally [9][10]. - The export of Chinese porcelain and iron cookware during the Song Dynasty reflects the extensive trade networks established along the Maritime Silk Road, highlighting the global influence of Chinese culinary culture [10][12]. Technological Advancements - The development of iron smelting technology during the Song Dynasty led to the mass production of iron cookware, which improved cooking efficiency and contributed to the popularization of stir-frying and deep-frying techniques in Chinese cuisine [11][12]. - The article emphasizes that food production and consumption are central to social and economic life, connecting various societal roles from farmers to merchants and chefs, thus forming a complex web of relationships [12].

Core Viewpoint - Professor Zhang Liangren combines archaeology with food exploration through short videos to showcase the historical evolution of Chinese food culture and to raise funds for restarting stalled foreign archaeological projects [1][4]. Group 1: Background and Motivation - Zhang Liangren, a professor at Nanjing University with a focus on archaeology, began posting short videos on Douyin in August 2023, quickly gaining popularity with over 2 million followers [1][4]. - His motivation for embracing new media is not only to demystify archaeology but also to fund his halted foreign archaeological projects due to financial constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic [4][5]. Group 2: Content and Approach - Zhang's videos blend culinary experiences with archaeological insights, discussing historical food items from various Chinese dynasties, such as carbonized rice from the Neolithic era and the formation of the Eight Culinary Traditions in the Qing Dynasty [3][4]. - He humorously addresses his lack of traditional video blogger traits, such as appearance and acting skills, while leveraging his archaeological expertise to attract viewers [5][7]. Group 3: Academic Contributions - Zhang's new book, "A History of Chinese Food," summarizes his experiences from food exploration and presents archaeological findings related to ancient Chinese diets [3][9]. - He emphasizes the importance of food in understanding social and economic structures, arguing that food production, processing, consumption, and circulation form a vast social network [13].