Stage

Period

Dynasty

Climate

Feature

I

10,000-4000 B.P

Neolithic age

warm humid

Abundant river course, vast forest and grassland

II

4000-3500 B.P

Xia

cold humid

Increased river runoff, emerging of civilizations

III

3500-2500 B.P

Shang, West Zhou, Chunqiu Period

warm dry

Geochemical elements indicate the warm and dry environment

IV

2500-2000 B.P

Warring States Period, Qin, Han

cold humid

Suitable for cultivation

V

2000-1500 B.P

Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties

warm dry

Reduced ground water, restricted farming activities

VI

1500-1000 B.P

Sui, Tang, the Five Dynasties

cold humid

Re-flourished Social Activities

VII

1000 B.P-date

Yuan, Ming, Qing

warm dry

Rise in temperature, increased precipitation, and intensified drought