Abstract: In order to reveal the Quaternary environment changes and human impact in Minhou area of the lower reaches of the Min River, Fujian Province, pollen and diatom analysis were carried out from the core FZ5 near Zhuangbianshan Neolithic site. The present result indicated that the Holocene marine transgression in Minhou began at about 9 000 cal. a B.P., and reached its maximum level at 7 500 cal. a B.P. Major marine regression occurred at about 1 900 cal. a B.P. Pollen analyses confirmed a dense evergreen broad-leaved forest during early and middle Holocene, indicating warm and humid climate condition. The optimal climate was relatively stable during the period between 7 500 and 1 900 cal. a B.P. The warm climate and local marine estuary environment were in favor of the development of the Neolithic culture (e.g. Tanshishan Culture) which was characterized with fishing and hunting economic lifestyles. Since 1 900 cal. a B.P., the pollen assemblages were mainly dominated by pioneer plants such as Dicranopteris, Poaceae and Pinus, suggesting a substantial change of the local vegetation. This forest alternation may be resulted from rapid development of human agriculture. High content of Poaceae pollen (including rice pollen type) was only found in the upper part of the profile, that confirmed the onset of large-scale development of rice cultivation at about 1 900 cal. a B.P.

Key words: Lower reaches of Min River, Minhou Basin, pollen, environmental change, human activities, Tanshishan Culture