Population in mainland China has been steadily increasing since 500 B.C. The economy was mainly based on agriculture, with land and labor productivity affecting population growth. Land productivity rose significantly after 1730. Birth rate remained stable, but death rate fluctuated. The Chinese population and consumption have been in balance at least 6 times since 1400. For most of the last 550 years, population and consumption were above equilibrium levels due to advancements in traditional agriculture. This supports a cycle in Chinese population history.