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Named after the site of Peiligang in Henan, where the culture was first identified. The Peiligang culture is one of the earliest known neolithic contributors in China. It is primarily known for its early Chinese agriculture and pottery culture. And, the development of the early neolithic in the central plains.

It was located in the Yi-Luo river basin (in modern Henan Province, China). Along the middle and lower Yellow River and on the plains of northern and central China
The location provides important insights into early development of Chinese civilization.

Peiligang society appears to be egalitarian, with the people of each village working together with little political organization (1) and, apparently, no kings

They hunted deer and wild boar, and fished for carp in the nearby river
Using nets made from hemp fibers; as well as other specialized tools and weapons.

Peiligang people were among the earliest in China to practice agriculture
They cultivated millet and possibly other crops, which formed the basis of their diet.

They also domesticated animals, including pigs and dogs.

Villages are characterized by small (in modern comparison), sedentary villages
Relatively speaking, including the type-site, they ranged in size from 1 to 20 ha. And, may have contained up to 60 dwellings.

They typically consisted of semi-subterranean houses, which were round or oval in shape, and small in size. They also had well-arranged cemeteries. That were separate from the dwelling area(s).

Not long after the discovery of agriculture people mastered wine-making using rice, millet, and wheat
This is contemporaneous with the beginnings of true wine-making in the Caucasus (Mediterranean).

In 2022, this culture provides the earliest known example of ang-khak rice mould wine-brewing. That has been found in China (2)
Though and from the Jiahu site. Which predates Peiligang finds alittle, and sits to the south.

In addition to yielding the world’s oldest wine, possibly oldest rice, and earliest playable musical instruments (3). This area may also contain the earliest examples of Chinese writing. (4)

Pottery is a notable feature of the Peiligang culture too. They maybe the oldest in ancient China to make pottery (1)
Typically plain and functional. It was used for storage, cooking, and other daily activities. Such as cooking and storing grain. It was made by coiling and smoothing techniques. And, there were variations too.

In the north. There were less cord markings on the pottery. Where as in the south, a greater variety of forms
Including basins, cups, serving stands, and pot supports. There were even some pieces found that appeared to be shaped like silkworms.

Development of pottery and rice domestication may not only be linked to subsistence requirement but pain and illness; and, thru alcohol consumption and death
Globular jars have been commonly found as grave goods in burials. Indicating a link between drinking and mortuary rituals.

They used a variety of stone tools, including grinding stones, axes, and sickles
They produced bone tools and ornaments, indicating a level of technological development and craftsmanship. And, there is evidence they had interactions with other cultures. As indicated by the exchange of goods, and ideas.

Did you know? Sawtooth sickles were found in this culture. Indicating the importance of agriculture.

There burials provide insights into their social structure and beliefs
Graves contained goods. Suggesting possibly beliefs in an afterlife. Items found included engraved tortoise shells with beads and stones inside.

Other notable Peiligang sites include: Shawoli, Egou, Shigu, Shuequan, and Jiahu

Peiligang culture is significant for understanding the early development of agricultural societies in China, and the foundations of Chinese civilization. It provides a glimpse into the lives of some of the earliest farmers and settled communities in the region.

Cite: 1) Liu, Li (2005). The Chinese Neolithic: Trajectories to Early States (https://books.google.com/books?id=lhT0Z4L4g-kC&pg=PA25). Cambridge University Press. p. 25. ISBN 9781139441704.

2) McGovern, Patrick E., et al., 2004 “Fermented beverages of pre- and proto-historic China.” PNAS 101(51):17593-17598

3) “9,000 Year Old Chinese Flutes – Nature Article” (http://www.shakuhachi.com/K-9KChineseFlutes-Nature.html).

4) Li, X; Harbottle, Garman; Zhang Juzhong; Wang Changsui (2003). “The earliest writing? Sign
use in the seventh millennium BC at Jiahu, Henan Province, China”. Antiquity. 77 (295): 31–44.
doi:10.1017/S0003598X00061329 (https://doi.org/10.1017%2FS0003598X00061329).
S2CID 162602307 (https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:162602307).

Bibliography: Allan, Sarah (ed), The Formation of Chinese Civilization: An Archaeological Perspective, ISBN 0-300-09382-9

Liu, Li; Chen, Xingcan (2012). The Archaeology of China: From the Late Paleolithic to the Early
Bronze Age (https://archive.org/details/archaeologychina00liul). Cambridge University Press.
pg. 141 (https://archive.org/details/archaeologychina00liul/page/n164)–150.
ISBN 978-0-521-64310-8.