Abstract: Based on pollen analysis and geochemical elements of the Xiawangdu Site in Ningfeng Plain, Zhejiang Province, and combined with 5 AMS14C dates and the archaeological cultural layers, regional environmental changes and human activities were revealed during the late cultural period of Hemudu and Liangzhu periods. The results show that the warm and humid climate conditions contributed to the settlement of the ancestors of Hemudu and evergreen deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest dominated in regional vegetation lanscape. Evidences from sporopollen, and geochemical elements show that the transgression of the Middle Holocene led to a cultural disruption in the area, and the impact of the ocean began to decrease from the fourth stage of Hemudu culture. Starting from
this period, the proportion of herbaceous pollen has vastly exceeded that of trees and shrub, especially increased pollen of Poaceae associated with cultivated crops with larger than 37 μm in size. This suggested increased human activities related to land use, as well as the rice cultivation in moderate scale near Xiawangdu site.

Key words: pollen, XRF, Mid-Late Holocene, Xiawangdu Site, palaeoenvironment, human activities