In order to explore subsistence patterns in northern Shaanxi Province around 4,000 yr BP,28 human and 24 animal bones from the Shengedaliang site were sampled for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratio analysis.The results show that most people primarily subsisted on C_4 resources,e.g.millet and millet-related animal products,despite the fact that there was some intake of C_3 plants by some individuals.Stable nitrogen isotope values indicate that there were differences in meat consumption between individuals at the site.Pigs were mainly foddered with millet and millet byproducts,as well as some cattle,according to their highδ~(13)C values.However,most cattle and the sheep/goats consumed wild C_3 plants at Shengedaliang.Our above findings indicates that subsistence patterns in northern Shaanxi around 4,000 yr BP were characterized by millet farming,while the grassland animal husbandry,e.g.cattle and sheep/goats raising,displayed very little contribution to local economy.The intensive millet farming in northern Shaanxi provided enough food for population growth,ensured the accumulation of wealth,and consequently accelerated social differentiation and complexity. In order to explore the subsistence patterns in northern Shaanxi Province around 4,000 yr BP, 28 human and 24 animal bones from the Shengedaliang site were sampled for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratio analysis. Results that most people of subsisted on C_4 resources, egmillet and millet-related animal products, despite the fact that there was some intake of C_3 plants by some individuals.Stable nitrogen isotope values ​​indicate that there were differences in meat consumption between individuals at the site. Pigs were mainly foddered with millet and millet by products, Most cattle and the sheep / goats consumed wild C_3 plants at Shengedaliang.Our above findings indicates that the subsistence patterns in northern Shaanxi around 4,000 yr BP were characterized by millet farming, while the grassland animal husbandry, egcattle and sheep / goats raising, displayed very little contribution to local economy. intensive millet farming in northern Shaanxi provided enough food for population growth, ensured the accumulation of wealth, and accelerated accelerated social differentiation and complexity.