Chinese archeologists said Thursday they have found evidence indicating rice was grown in Shanghai 5,000 years ago.
The archeologists said analysis of remains of rice and soil unearthed in Guangfulin site in Shanghai's Songjiang District, indicated rice was grown 5,000 years ago in the region, or during a period known as Songze Culture by Chinese experts.
An article on the discovery was published by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in its bulletin.
The research was conducted by Professor Zhang Yulan from Shanghai-based Tongji University and Song Jian, a research fellow with Shanghai Museum.
Previously, carbonized rice grains, ploughs and stone-made reaping hooks were unearthed in the relics classified as dating back to Liangzhu Culture between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago.
The Guangfulin site was first unearthed in 1961.
(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2003)