Zhoucun Ancient Commercial Town is located in Zhoucun District, Zibo City, Shandong Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The core area covers 19.7 hectares with over 50,000 sqm of well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, hailed as "China's Living Museum of Ancient Commercial Buildings." With a long history as an important northern commercial hub during Ming and Qing periods, it earned titles like "Land Port," "Hometown of Silk," and "First Village Under Heaven." The area retains complete ancient commercial street patterns and architectural styles, providing valuable material for studying northern Chinese commercial culture.
History and Culture
Zhoucun's commercial history dates back to the Spring and Autumn period. By the Ming Jiajing era (1522-1566), it had developed into a sizable market. During Qing Qianlong's reign (1736-1795), it was officially named "First Village Under Heaven," reaching its commercial peak as a key distribution center for northern and eastern China.
In 1904, Zhoucun became one of Shandong's first three self-opened treaty ports alongside Jinan and Weixian, further boosting prosperity. At its height, merchant groups from across China gathered here, creating unique commercial culture and architecture.
The area preserves numerous Ming-Qing commercial buildings like shops, banks, and pawnshops, including century-old brands like Ruifuxiang and Qianxiangyi, vividly recreating ancient commercial prosperity.
Main Attractions
Main Street
The commercial town's 1,300-meter main thoroughfare, 8-10m wide, built during Ming Yongle period (1403-1424). Lined with 300+ well-preserved Ming-Qing shops including century-old brands like Ruifuxiang Silk Shop, it's hailed as "Living Fossil of China's Ming-Qing Commercial Streets."
Silver Market Street
Qing dynasty financial street named for its concentration of banks and draft banks. Preserved sites include famous banks like "Dade Tong" and "Risheng Chang," featuring exquisite two-story brick-wood structures reflecting Qing financial prosperity.
Thousand-Buddha Temple
Buddhist temple originally built in Tang dynasty with existing Ming-Qing architecture. Houses numerous historical steles and statues, most notably the Ming-era Thousand-Buddha Pavilion containing 1,000 exquisite bronze Buddha statues of high artistic value.
Zhoucun Sesame Cake Museum
Specialized museum showcasing the history and making of Zhoucun's famous sesame cakes. Visitors can watch demonstrations, taste fresh cakes, and experience this 1,800-year-old traditional food.
Cuisine
Zhoucun Sesame Cake
Zhoucun's signature snack, famous for being "thin, fragrant, crispy." Handmade using traditional methods with sweet and savory varieties. Old-brand shops in the area make them fresh daily.
Hot Pot (Zhu Guo)
Traditional Zhoucun dish with ingredients slow-cooked in special copper pots. The rich, nutritious broth is especially famous in "Zhoucun Three Delicacies" version.
Braised Pot (Su Guo)
Traditional festival food with layered fish, meat, tofu etc. marinated in special sauce and braised. Tender texture and rich flavor make it a must-try local delicacy.
Ticket Information
Full pass 70 yuan (covers Main Street, Silver Market St, Thousand-Buddha Temple). Sesame Cake Museum 20 yuan separately. Half-price for seniors over 60/students, free for children under 1.4m. Guided tours available with advance booking.
Tour Route
Recommended route: North Gate → Main St (visit old brands) → Silver Market St (financial history) → Thousand-Buddha Temple → Sesame Cake Museum (tasting) → Folk Culture Exhibition → South Gate. Full tour takes 3-4 hours.
Transportation
- Driving: About 30 minutes from Zibo downtown via Zhangzhou Rd, with parking available
- Bus: Take Zibo bus routes 34 or 238 directly to the ancient town
- Train: Nearest station is Zibo Station (~20km away)
- Airport: Nearest is Jinan Yaoqiang Int'l Airport (~100km)
Must-Visit Attractions
- Main Street: Walk China's best-preserved Ming-Qing commercial street
- Silver Market St: Explore Qing dynasty financial relics
- Sesame Cake Museum: Experience millennium-old food tradition
- Thousand-Buddha Temple: Admire Ming-Qing Buddhist art
- Folk Performances: Watch traditional commercial culture shows
Tour Suggestions
- Best seasons are spring/autumn for pleasant weather
- Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets
- Rent Hanfu costumes for period photos
- Evening lighting creates special atmosphere
- Allow time to sample local snacks like sesame cakes
Precautions
- Protect ancient buildings - no touching/graffiti
- No smoking in certain areas
- Follow rules - no entering restricted areas
- Secure belongings in crowded spots
- Respect local customs