Zhoukou
Country: People's Republic of China · 9,026,015 inhabitants
Attractions
Wikivoyage
Zhoukou (周口 Zhōukǒu) is in East Henan，on the Shaying River. It is known for its long-standing role as a regional transport and trading hub. The city's origins trace back to ancient settlements around the states of Chen and Cai, two historical polities active during the Zhou Dynasty. During the Han and Tang periods (roughly 200 BCE–900 CE), the region developed further as agriculture and river trade expanded. Zhoukou remained a collection of counties for most of its history and did not form a unified prefecture-level city until 2000. Today, Zhoukou is a steadily growing regional center with strong agricultural, commercial, and cultural significance.
Wikipedia
Zhoukou (Chinese: 周口; pinyin: Zhōukǒu; Wade–Giles: Chou-k’ou; postal: Chowkow) is a prefecture-level city in eastern Henan province, China. It borders Zhumadian to the southwest, Xuchang and Luohe to the west, Kaifeng to the northwest, Shangqiu to the northeast, and the province of Anhui on all other sides. As of the 2020 census, its population was 9,026,015 inhabitants. However, as of the 2018 estimation, 1,601,300 lived in the built-up (or metro) made up of Chuanhui district and the northern part of Shangshui county.
The rich history and geographical advantages of Zhoukou have made it a unique city. As the ancient capitals of Emperor Yao and the birthplace of Laozi, it carries a profound cultural heritage of China. At the same time, the remnants of the Chen and Chu cultures endow Zhoukou with a distinctive historical charm. The development of the Lin'gang New City showcases the city's modernization process and economic vitality.
The convergence of the Sha Ying rivers has endowed Zhoukou with unparalleled geographical advantages, making it a hub known as the Central Plains Port City. This bestowed upon Zhoukou significant importance in ancient times, and today, with further improvements in transportation infrastructure, its advantages are even more pronounced.
The integrated transportation network comprising highways, railways, and waterways has provided robust support for the city's development, facilitating economic growth and connections with the outside world. This transportation advantage has not only driven the local economy of Zhoukou but has also positioned it as a vital nexus linking the Central Plains with other regions.