Zhuxian Town

Zhuxian Town

Zhuxian Town in Kaifeng County, Henan Province, is located 20 kilometers south of Kaifeng City, Henan. Along with Foshan in Guangdong, Jingdezhen in Jiangxi, and Hankou in Hubei, it is one of China’s four major historic commercial hubs. Legend has it that during the Warring States period, it was the hometown of Zhu Hai, who lived in Immortal Village—hence the name Zhuxian (Zhu’s Immortal) Town. Zhu Hai was originally a butcher, but due to his exceptional bravery, he was recruited as a retainer by Lord Xinling. He later made great contributions in the battles of repelling the Qin army, rescuing Zhao, and preserving Wei. As a result, Lord Xinling’s legendary reputation is also inseparable from his discovery and appointment of Zhu Hai.

The golden age of Zhuxian Town was during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. At that time, the town covered an area of 25 square kilometers, with a population of over 200,000 and more than 40,000 civilian and merchant households. Streets crisscrossed the town, and goods were abundant. The Jialu River divided the town into East Town and West Town. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, East Town was the main commercial district. After the Qianlong era, due to repeated flooding caused by the Yellow River’s breaches, businesses gradually relocated from the lower-lying East Town to the West Town.

The woodblock New Year paintings of Zhuxian Town originated in the Tang Dynasty, flourished in the Song Dynasty, and reached their peak during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. With a long and rich history, they are one of China’s four major woodblock New Year painting styles. Yue Fei once achieved a great victory over the Jin army here at the Battle of Zhuxian Town. It is said that Yue Fei once routed 100,000 Jin troops with just 500 elite cavalry, leaving the Jin commander Wuzhu to lament, “It is easier to shake a mountain than to shake the Yue Family Army.”

Travel Tip: You can take a direct long-distance bus from the Kaifeng Long-Distance Bus Station to Zhuxian Town (7 yuan). When you visit, it’s a good idea to buy some New Year paintings and other local products.

Address: Zhuxian Town, Xiangfu District, Kaifeng City

Type: Ancient Town

Recommended Visit Duration: 1 day

Opening Hours: Open all day

Ticket Information: No entrance fee for the ancient town. However, the Yuewang Temple within the town charges 20 yuan, while other sites are free.

Zhuxian Town: Situated along the Jialu River and Yunliang River, Zhuxian Town has been a key transportation hub and commercial center in North China since the Tang and Song dynasties. During the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, it was ranked among China’s four great towns, alongside Foshan in Guangdong, Hankou in Hubei, and Jingdezhen in Jiangxi.

Established in the early Warring States period, the town was named Zhuxian after Zhu Hai assisted Lord Xinling in the “Jiefu Rescues Zhao” mission. It is recognized as one of Henan Province’s 117 key towns by the Henan Provincial People’s Government, and one of China’s 100 pilot small towns selected for comprehensive socio-economic development. It is also known as the hometown of Chinese woodblock New Year painting art.

Zhuxian Town enjoys convenient transportation and a prominent location. To the north… More detailed information about Zhuxian Town++