During the imperial era the population of the southern provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi (collectively known as Lingnan) increased as peasants migrated into the region from North China and elsewhere. Significant growth occurred especially in the Ming era (1368-1644) because of long periods of relative peace and economic prosperity.

Source: Robert B. Marks, Tigers, Rice, Silk, and Silt: Environment and Economy in Late Imperial South China (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998), p. 85.