A new Cell Reports study presents genome-wide data from 61 ancient individuals (c. 4,500–200 BP) from Dahecun, Henan and two Shandong sites. It finds genetic homogeneity among central-plains Neolithic farmers, a shift of Shandong populations toward Yellow River ancestry around 3,000 years ago, and—remarkably—about 15% West Eurasian-related ancestry in two Tang–Song individuals.