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During the process of collecting materials in China, people in many small county museums in Fujian, Guangdong, and Zhejiang Provinces have generously helped me. I especially want to thank Mr. Chen Liqun of the Dongshan Museum, Mr. Huang Yizhao of the Xiapu Museum, Mr. Luo Zhaorong of the Shuicang Museum, and Mr. Zhang Jihuai of the Jieyang Museum. Without their kind help, I was probably lost in their mountainous land or island.
I want to thank Professor Tsang Cheng-Hwa and Professor Liu Yi-Ch‘ang of the Institute of History and Philology, Academia Sinica, for their generous help during my two visits to Taipei. Both of them kindly allowed me to examine many unpublished materials in their Institute. I admire their insightful knowledge of Taiwan archaeology and have benefited a great deal from the conversations with them. My thanks also go to Mr. Zhao Jinyong and Ms. Hong Xiaochun. Their research has helped me clarify many understandings of Taiwan archaeology, and their warm reception made my first visit to Taiwan a wonderful memory.
This monograph could not come to life without the insightful endorsement of Ms. Toni Tan, Director of Cambria Press. During the process of revising this monograph for publication, Mia La Londe, intern at Bishop Museum, provided valuable editorial assistance.
Finally, my deepest gratitude is due to my wife Liu Ruzhen, my son John, and my daughter Amy, to whom I owe everything that matters to me in this world. Their unconditional support has been the most important encouragement for me throughout the years. My parents taught me to value hard work, and it is their expectation that has motivated me to move forward forever in life. My dear mother passed away just after the monograph was accepted for publication, she will always live in my heart and in the way I am in this world!