In terms of the history of China, there is a lot that can be said about it.  The text edited by Patricia Buckley Ebrey entitled Chinese Civilization a Source Book is one that many would consider to be a wonderful introduction to the historical background behind the country that most people in the modern world today know as China.  This book edited by Ebrey goes through each era of Chinas past in a methodical way and explains the details in terms that both casual readers and curious students might be able to  easily comprehend.  With regards to Chinas history, a great deal of things in terms of events and turning points in history occurred during Chinas past.  For the average illiterate Chinese peasant who may have been living in the country during one period of time or another, some time periods in the past might have been more pleasant than others. 
  
For the average Chinese person, political strife, changes in leadership, or other similar hardships of certain particular times may have made life difficult in China.  In contrast, changes during other times in Chinas past and benefits that may have followed those changes might have made life during those other times easier, more enjoyable, exciting, and interesting.  As far as people and their individual tastes, likes, dislikes, relationships, beliefs, hobbies, and interests, a great deal of things differ from person to person.  As far as time periods in Chinas past go, one illiterate peasant may have been happy and content while another illiterate peasant who may have lived during the same era might have suffered and felt miserable.  Certain perceptions really depend on the person and any preferences and opinions he or she might have.
   
The Shang Dynasty would be a number one choice in terms of an era of Chinas past to live in.  Having the opportunity to exist during one of the earliest times at the beginning of a civilization that has withstood such a test of time would be an unbelievable experience.  The beginnings of Chinese divination, the start of Confucianism and daoist teachings, and other firsts.  The Qin Dynasty would make a quick number two on anyones list with the beginnings of the Great Wall of China being made during that time.  The Tang Dynasty was both a tumultuous time and a time of prosperity for the Chinese people who were alive during the era, and that would be an intriguing third option in terms of an era that would be an interesting choice with regards to a historical time period of Chinas past in which to be an illiterate peasant.  The Ming Dynasty as well as any time after the advent of communism that most students would consider to be part of the modern era could be a fourth and fifth choice, respectively.  When it comes to lifestyle choices, many people hold a lot of beliefs and differences in terms of the way they choose to live, and the more modern eras of Chinas past might hold a degree of appeal for some.           
   
With regards to illiterate Chinese peasants, it is certainly quite possible that some do exist in terms of the current modern age however, in terms of historical value, the current age and the communism in China during the present time period as well as the simple fact that the current age is something that is currently occurring somehow both serve to detract from the allure of being an illiterate Chinese peasant, and being a Chinese peasant at any point in time in the ancient past has a bit more allure.  In terms of previous time periods, there are a large number of eras in terms of Chinese history that have a certain appeal.  Being an average person during a certain era would definitely give someone a particular feel for the time period and would have an influence on the type of experiences that they could expect to have.  China is a large, densely populated nation that has been around for a lengthy stretch of time, and there are likely to be many average people that have lived in it during the course of its long, multifaceted history.