Ancient China had delivery services, and even emperors of the Song Dynasty relied on eunuchs to place orders.

Foreign Media: Ancient China Already Had Takeout Services, and Song Dynasty Emperors Also Ordered Meals via Eunuchs

Modern takeout relies on smartphones and electronic payments, but similar meal delivery services already existed in ancient China.

According to historical records, takeout services emerged during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). At that time, urban elites would purchase takeout food as gifts to maintain social relationships. By the Tang Dynasty (618-907), takeout services had expanded to ordinary urban residents.

The Song Dynasty (960-1279) was the most prosperous period for ancient takeout services. At that time, "闲汉" (idle men) often lingered outside restaurants to take on jobs, acting as similar roles to today's delivery riders, delivering meals for customers specifically. The wealthy class used sedan chairs to transport food to maintain its temperature and dignity. Even the Song Dynasty emperor would order meals from restaurants outside the palace through eunuchs, thus gaining insight into the folk diet life.

In some areas, boats were also used to complete water-based takeout, forming a unique waterborne takeout model. These records indicate that the takeout culture has a history of over a thousand years in China, far earlier than the emergence of modern technology.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859012809843720/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.