Potatoes came to China in the late 16th century, during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) — around the 1570s to 1590s.

Here’s the background and timeline:

1. Origin and Global Spread

   • The potato (Solanum tuberosum) originated in the Andes Mountains of South America (modern Peru and Bolivia).

   • After the Spanish conquest of the Americas in the 1500s, potatoes were brought to Europe and then spread along global trade routes.

2. Arrival in China (Late Ming dynasty)

   • Potatoes reached China through two main routes:

     • Overland route via Central Asia, entering through Xinjiang and Gansu.

     • Maritime route through Southeast Asia, possibly via Portuguese traders who brought them to Fujian or Guangdong ports.

   • Historical sources suggest that potatoes began to be cultivated in China by the end of the 16th century, alongside other New World crops like maize (corn) and sweet potatoes.

3. 18th–19th Centuries – Qing dynasty (Widespread Adoption)

   • By the Qing dynasty, potatoes had spread widely to northern and western regions such as Sichuan, Yunnan, Shanxi, and Gansu.

   • Because they grew well in poor soils and cold climates, they became a staple crop, especially in mountainous and arid areas.

4. Modern Times

   • Today, China is the world’s largest producer of potatoes, growing them for food, starch, and export.

   • The crop plays a major role in food security and rural agriculture, particularly in the north and southwest.