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Zibo Zhoucun Dye House

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On the flagstone-paved streets of Zhoucun Ancient Commercial City, rows of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings with upturned eaves and carved beams line both sides, retaining their rustic charm despite centuries of weathering. The site features the solemn deities of Kuixing Pavilion and Thousand Buddha Temple; folk and art museums showcase local customs and artistic heritage. Streets such as Dajie, Yinzi Shi Street, and Sishi Street... still bear the names that echo the prosperity of commerce from long ago. Strolling past the shops—silk and cloth stores, pawnshops and pharmacies, teahouses and dye houses, banks and money shops, calligraphy and painting stores and antique shops—you can almost picture the bustling commercial scene of a hundred years ago. In the early 1990s, the film "To Live," directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Gong Li, was shot here, becoming a source of pride for locals.

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On the flagstone-paved streets of Zhoucun Ancient Commercial City, rows of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings with upturned eaves and carved beams line both sides, retaining their rustic charm despite centuries of weathering. The site features the solemn deities of Kuixing Pavilion and Thousand Buddha Temple; folk and art museums showcase local customs and artistic heritage. Streets such as Dajie, Yinzi Shi Street, and Sishi Street... these alleyways with blue-tiled walls and gray facades still carry the imprints of a time when commerce flourished. Shop after shop—silk and cloth stores, pawnshops and pharmacies, teahouses and dye houses, banks and money shops, calligraphy and painting stores and antique shops—recreates the vibrant business scene of a century ago. In the early 1990s, the film "To Live," directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Gong Li, was shot here, becoming a source of pride for locals.

The Dye House is the former site of Donglaisheng Silk and Cloth Store from the Daoguang era of the Qing dynasty. With its classic front-shop-back-factory layout, this well-preserved building dates back nearly 200 years. The two courtyards that remain intact today offer a glimpse into the thriving dye industry of the late Qing period. In 2002, the popular TV series "The Dye House" was set here. The scenes of Chen Shouting building his business in Zhoucun were recreated on this spot. Chen Jie, the renowned screenwriter of the show, later created and filmed another TV series, "Dry Port," here. After Chen Jie’s untimely passing, a memorial hall dedicated to him was established within the courtyard, where visitors can learn about the stories behind "The Dye House" and "Dry Port."

From the Osmanthus Courtyard comes the melodious sound of Peking opera instruments, drawing local opera enthusiasts together. Famous Jinghu performer Yan Shouping and Peking opera artist Feng Zhixiao have both visited to offer guidance and perform.

Surrounded by deep courtyards and the soft glow of lantern light, a woman weaves here. Looms and workshops were once a staple in every household of the ancient commercial city—a lingering trace of the days when men traded and women wove.

Location

No. 90, Yinzi Shi Street, Zhoucun District, Zibo City, Shandong Province