Zhouzi Ancient Town

Zhouzi Ancient Town

Penglai County, the hometown of Sima Xiangru, boasts two ancient towns—Zhoukou Town and Jinping Town—like two radiant pearls shining on opposite banks of the Jialing River.

Zhoukou Town, located by the Jialing River, is the seat of the Penglai County People's Government. It is also known as "Zhouzi Town" because the Song Dynasty scholar and author of the "Ode to the Lotus," Zhou Dunyi, once visited, lectured, and wrote here. The ancient town centers around four historic streets: Shanghe Street, Xiahe Street, Yandian Street (also called Red Army Street), and Shunhe Street. The traditional courtyard residences here remain in their original state from the Ming and Qing dynasties, quietly nestled along the Jialing River. From Longjiao Mountain near the ancient town, one can overlook the old town, traditional houses, ancient trees, the waters of the Jialing River, the Jialing Floodplain (Dongmen River Dam), and the continuous expanse of verdant mountains—a truly evocative sight. Ah, what a true “First Homeland by the Jialing!”

Zhouzi Town

At both the head and tail of the street stand a pair of large banyan trees. The one at the head of the street, located within the Chen family’s courtyard, requires six or seven people to encircle its trunk and is estimated to be at least 800–900 years old. Its sprawling branches shade a large part of the courtyard and stretch toward the tiled roofs of the ancient homes, enhancing the solemn grandeur of the old tree. The banyan tree at the tail of the street, by the ancient post road, is about four or five people in girth and no less than 400–500 years old. Its lush green crown catches the early autumn sunlight, radiating vitality and energizing all who gaze upon it.

The far-famed “Penglai God of Wealth Tower” is located by the Jialing River at the entrance of Xiahe Street in Zhouzi Ancient Town. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty, it was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. In 2006, the Penglai County People's Government made great efforts to establish the “First Homeland by the Jialing” tourism brand. As part of this initiative, they decided to restore famous sites such as Zhouzi Ancient Town and the God of Wealth Tower. While respecting the historical appearance, modern elements were incorporated to transform the God of Wealth Tower into a visitor hub that combines folk entertainment, specialty tea drinking, worship of the God of Wealth, and riverside scenic viewing.

God of Wealth Tower

Wanshou Palace in Zhouzi Ancient Town

Lianxi Shrine

Zhouzi Dock

Xiahe Street