In ancient China, kitchens were an important part of the household, and they often featured built-in spice drawers. Chinese cuisine is known for its use of a wide variety of spices and herbs, which add depth and complexity to the dishes. The spice drawer in an ancient Chinese kitchen would have contained spices like ginger, garlic, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns. These spices were used in different combinations to create the unique flavors of Chinese cuisine. The spice drawer would have been located near the cooking area, allowing the cook to easily access the spices while preparing the dishes. Chinese cooks were skilled in the art of balancing flavors, and the built-in spice drawer was a practical and essential feature of their kitchens.