The climate in ancient China played a big role in farming and where people chose to live. Different places had different climates, which changed what crops could be grown and where communities formed.

Climate Zones

1. North China Plain: This area had a nice climate and rich soil, making it perfect for growing wheat and millet.
2. South China: The warm and humid weather here helped people grow rice, a crucial food for large groups.

Agricultural Practices

• Crops: In ancient China, about 60% of the farming in the south was focused on rice. In the north, people mainly grew wheat and millet. This difference affected what people ate and how their communities were organized.
• Irrigation Systems: To water their crops in the drier northern areas, people built smart irrigation systems. Around 120 BCE, they completed the Grand Canal, which helped move water by connecting rivers.

Settlement Patterns

• Early Settlements: People built their homes close to rivers, like the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers. The Yellow River basin was very important for farming and supported over 400 million people, making up almost 30% of China's population.
• Urbanization: By 1000 BCE, cities like Anyang became important centers for politics and culture because they were near fertile land.

Environmental Challenges

• Flooding: The Yellow River sometimes flooded, so people had to build dikes and reservoirs. This changed how they worked and used the land.
• Desertification: In spots like Inner Mongolia, the land became desert, which forced people to move and change their farming methods.

In summary, the climate in ancient China was very important in deciding what crops were grown and where people lived. This shaped how communities developed and organized society over time.