Zhoukou

Understand

Zhoukou (周口) is a city located in eastern Henan Province, surrounded by Zhumadian, Xuchang, Luohe, Kaifeng, Shangqiu, and Anhui Province. With over 9 million residents, Zhoukou serves as an important city in the Central Plains region. Zhoukou is known as the birthplace of Laozi, the founder of Taoism, and has deep cultural roots connected to the ancient states of Chen and Chu. Visitors interested in Chinese history and traditional philosophy will find many sites related to these legacies. The city lies where the Sha River and Ying River meet, giving it the nickname “Central Plains Port City.” The rivers have played a major role in Zhoukou’s development as a transportation and trade center. Modern Zhoukou continues to grow, with the Lin’gang New City area showing the city’s rapid urbanization. The convenient network of highways, railways, and waterways makes travel to and from Zhoukou easy, and also provides a good base for exploring eastern Henan and neighboring Anhui.

Orientation Zhoukou administers:

Districts: Chuanhui District, Huaiyang District County-level city: Xiangcheng Counties: Fugou County, Xihua County, Shangshui County, Shenqiu County, Dancheng County, Taikang County, Luyi County

History According to ancient geographical records such as the Shang, Zhoukou developed along the Huai River basin and became an important cultural and agricultural center in early Chinese history. The area played a significant role during the Shang and Zhou periods, with Huaiyang identified as one of the core ritual and settlement areas in eastern Henan. During the Qin and Han dynasties, administrative units such as Chen County (Chenxian) and Huaiyang County were formally established, forming the early governmental structure of the region. These counties served as regional hubs and contributed to the development of local culture and economy. In the Ming Dynasty, the national administrative reform established the three-tier system of provinces, prefectures, and counties. At that time, the region of present-day Zhoukou was governed under Chenzhou Prefecture (Chenzhou Fu), with counties including Huaiyang, Chen, Taikang, and Shenqiu forming the core administrative units. In 2000, Zhoukou was officially designated as a prefecture-level city.

Culture Zhoukou is one of the important cradles of Chinese civilization and the cultural center of the ancient Chen and Cai states. It is closely associated with the legendary figure Fuxi, regarded as one of the earliest cultural ancestors of China. The region is also considered by many scholars to be one of the birthplace

Getting there

By plane The nearest airport is Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Zhengzhou. Zhoukou East Station offers express trains directly to the airport. Fifteen fixed-schedule trains depart daily for Xinzheng Airport Station. Zhoukou East Station – Xinzheng Airport

You can also catch a bus from the airport to Zhoukou. There are 12 buses to Zhoukou's East Bus Station each day. The bus fare is ¥70.

By train 1 Zhoukou East Railway Station (周口东站), Gaotie Avenue, Chuanhui District (川汇区高铁大道) (bus nos. 9, 25, 26, 29, 36, K101 and K201). Zhoukou's main high-speed railway station. Trains from Zhengzhou East Railway Station in Zhengzhou take about 1 hour to reach this station. (updated Mar 2021) 2 Zhoukou Railway Station (周口站), Gongnong Road, Chuanhui District (川汇区工农路) (bus nos. 4b, 5, 7, 18 and 36). Serves regular-speed trains only. (updated Mar 2021)

By bus There are four long-distance bus stations in Zhoukou City: Zhoukou East Bus Station, Huaiyang Bus Station, Zhoukou Central Bus Station, and Zhoukou Bus Terminal. Among these, Zhoukou East Bus Station, Huaiyang Bus Station, and Zhoukou Central Bus Station have the most frequent departures. Buses serve nearly every destination within Henan Province. While buses may not be as comfortable as trains, they are more affordable and avoid the crowded conditions often found on trains. Seats are guaranteed, though buses may depart only after reaching full capacity rather than strictly following a timetable. For long-distance journeys, some buses may feature sleeper compartments instead of standard seating.

3 Huaiyang Bus Station (淮阳汽车站), Provincial Highway 206, Huaiyang District (淮阳区206省道) (local bus routes Huaiyang 2, Huangyang 3, Huaiyang 8 and Huaiyang 9 (inner and outer cirle routes)), ☏ +86 394 2687897. The main bus station in Huaiyang District. (updated Mar 2021)

4 Zhoukou Bus Terminal (周口客运总站), Chuanhui District (川汇区) (on the west side of Zhoukou Railway Station; local bus nos. 4b, 7, 18 and 36). (updated Mar 2021) 5 Zhoukou Central Bus Station (周口客运中心站), Jiaotong Avenue, Chuanhui District (川汇区交通大道) (local bus nos. 2 (inner circle route), 5, 6, 11, 13, 18, 22 and 26). (updated Mar 2021)

6 Zhoukou East Bus Station (周口市汽车东站), Jiaotong Avenue, Chuanhui District (川汇区交通大道) (2 km east of Zhoukou Central Bus Station; local bus nos. 8, 10 (inner and outer circle routes) and 13). Buses from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport arrive at this station. (updated Mar 2021)

Getting around

The city's focal point is Wuyi Square (五一广场). This large public square becomes lively in the evening, when vendors set up stalls and locals gather to socialize. From the square, several main streets extend to different parts of the city. As Zhoukou has developed gradually as a regional center rather than being a historically large city, its urban layout is functional and practical, with open streets, green spaces, and a relatively logical street arrangement. Zhoukou is moderately spread out, but most attractions and neighborhoods are accessible by public bus. Bus fares are typically ¥1 or ¥2 per ride, depending on whether the bus has air-conditioning, with A/C buses being slightly more expensive but usually less crowded.

By Taix Taxi fares in Zhoukou begin at ¥6 for the first 2 km during the day, and ¥7 late at night (23:00–05:00). Each kilometer after the first 2 km costs ¥1.6. For trips longer than 9 km, the fare for the excess distance increases by 50% to ¥2.4 per km. When the taxi speed drops below 12 km/h, a time-based charge applies: the first 5 minutes are free, then ¥1 for every subsequent 5 minutes. All taxis are metered, but passengers should be aware that some drivers may overcharge. Drivers of local taxis and private cars sometimes use the phrase "Going or not?" （ '走不走'，Pinyin: zōu bǔ zōu）to pick up passengers.

See

1 Longhu National Wetland Park (Dragon Lake National Wetland Park, 龙湖国家湿地公园), Huaiyang District (淮阳区) (practically all bus routes in Huaiyang District circle or cross over the lake), ☏ +86 394 2682127. Open all day. A major wetland park covering an area of around 11 km². The park is an important breeding site for migratory birds. General entry to the park is free. A 50- to 60-minute boat ride around the lake costs ¥30 per adult passenger (children between 1 and 1.2 meters in height are charged ¥20 and children under 1 meter in height are given free tickets). You can also hire a boat for between ¥200 and ¥1200. (updated Mar 2021) 2 Pingliangtai Ancient City Ruins (平粮台古城遗址), Dazhu Village, Dalian Township, Huaiyang District (淮阳区大连乡大朱村) (take Huaiyang Bus 3 from the Huaiyang Bus Station and get off at the Pingliangtai bus stop.), ☏ +86 394 8273531. 08:00-17:00. The ruins of an ancient city believed to have been established more than 4600 years ago. Includes the oldest known urban drainage system ever discovered in China. ¥30. (updated Mar 2021) 3 Taihao Mausoleum (太昊陵), Middle Section, Longdu Avenue, Huaiyang District (淮阳区龙都大道中段) (take Huaiyang Bus 8 or Huaiyang Bus 9 (outer circle route) from the Huaiyang Bus Station; alternatively take the Huaiyang South HSR Bus from Huaiyang South High-Speed Railway Station), ☏ +86 394 2693610, [email protected]. 08:00-17:00. Mausoleum of Fuxi, a Chinese cultural hero. Normally ¥40, ¥20 during temple fairs. (updated Mar 2021) 4 Zhoukou Guandi Temple (周口关帝庙), 111 Fuqiang Street, Chuanhui District (川汇区富强街111号) (there is a bus stop just outside the temple; take bus no. 1 (inner and outer circle routes), 4, 4a, 6, 18 or 19), ☏ +86 394 8592826, [email protected]. 09:00-17:00 (winter), 08:30-17:00 (rest of the year). Founded in 1693 and further expanded during the 18th and 19th centuries, this is the largest temple in Henan Province dedicated to Guan Yu, a famous Han Dynasty general. ¥13. (updated Mar 2021) 5 Zhoukou Museum (周口市博物馆), 2 East Section, Wenchang Avenue, Dongxin District (东新区文昌大道东段2号) (bus nos. 4b, 6 and 16), ☏ +86 394 8530768, [email protected]. 09:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. Zhoukou's main museum. Free. (updated Mar 2021) 6 Zhoukou Safari Park (周口野生动物世界), 188 North Section, Zhongzhou Road, Chuanhui District (川汇区中州路北段188号) (inside Zhoukou Forest Park (周口森林公园); take bus no. 4 or 4a from the downtown area and get off at the final stop), ☏ +86 394 8236888, [email protected]. 09:30-17:30, no entry after 16:00. Zoo with more than 200 species and more than 10,000 animals. ¥138 (adults), ¥88 (seniors aged 60 or over and c

Do

Wuyi Square (五一广场) is the central hub of Zhoukou, where locals gather in the evenings to socialize, enjoy street food, and explore small vendor markets. The square is surrounded by several main streets that fan out to different parts of the city, making it a convenient starting point to explore Zhoukou’s neighborhoods. While Zhoukou is not a major tourist city, Wuyi Square offers a lively and authentic glimpse into local daily life.

1 Wuyi Square (五一广场), Wuyi Road, Chuanhui District, Zhoukou (周口市川汇区五一路) (Central square of Zhoukou; accessible via most local bus routes stopping nearby). Open 24 hours. The square is ideal for a casual evening stroll, people-watching, and trying local street foods. In the evenings, the area comes alive with vendors and locals hanging out. Several small parks and streets nearby offer additional spots for relaxation or short walks. Free. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Chenchu Ancient Street (陈楚古街), Huaiyang District (淮阳区) (on the east side of Dragon Lake; take bus no. K201 from Zhoukou East Railway Station and get off at the final stop). Street with shops that is built to look like it is old, although it is a modern construction. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Lingang New City Night Market (临港新城夜市), Near Zhoukou Normal University (周口师范学院附近) (Located in the Lin’gang New City area; best visited after sunset.). Evening only. A vibrant evening market popular with students, selling street food, accessories, and affordable fashion items. Low. (updated Dec 2025)

Festivals Fuxi Cultural Tourism Festival (伏羲文化旅游节) — A local cultural event held in Huaiyang District celebrating traditions related to Fuxi. 2024: The first edition opened on 11 March 2024, featuring participation from more than 30 publishing brands. 2025: The second edition opened on 8 March 2025 and extended until 30 March 2025, with continued involvement from cultural and publishing organizations.

Huaiyang Lotus Festival (淮阳荷花节) — An annual summer event centered around the lotus scenery of Huaiyang’s lakes. Dates: Held from 18 July to 18 September each year. Visitors can observe seasonal lotus blooms and attend various local cultural activities.

Buy

1 Zhoukou Agricultural Market (周口农贸市场), Near Renmin Road (人民路附近) (Located in downtown Zhoukou, about 10 minutes by bus from Chuanhui District government.). Early morning to 18:00. A traditional open-air market where locals buy fresh produce, dried goods, and regional specialties such as Zhoukou chili sauce and local pickles. (updated Oct 2025) 2 Wenchang Wanda Plaza (文昌万达广场), Northeast corner of Daqing Road and Wenchang Avenue, Chuanhui District(川汇区大庆路与文昌大道交叉口东北角) (Near central urban area, reachable by multiple local bus routes), ☏ +86 0394-8258666. 10:00-22:00. Wenchang Wanda Plaza is a large urban mall that reflects the modern side of Zhoukou. It houses a mix of retail stores and dining options and is often visited by locals for weekend outings or evening strolls. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Kaiyuan Wanda Plaza (开元万达广场), Kaiyuan Avenue, Chuanhui District (川汇区开元大道) (Central urban area, accessible via local buses), ☏ +86 0394-8907123. 10:00-22:00. Kaiyuan Wanda Plaza offers a spacious environment for shopping and light entertainment. While mainly visited by locals, it provides insight into the daily commercial life of Zhoukou. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Wanshunda Department Store (万顺达百货), No. 71, Qiyi Road Middle Section, Chuanhui District (川汇区七一路中段71号) (Located along Qiyi Road; accessible by local bus or taxi), ☏ +86 0394 8987777. 09:30-21:30. A mid-sized department store offering general daily necessities, clothing, and household items. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Taihecheng Shopping Center (泰和城购物中心), Northwest of the intersection of Lianhua Road and Gongnong Road, Chuanhui District (川汇区莲花路与工农路交叉口西北100米) (Situated near the Lianhua Road–Gongnong Road intersection; accessible by bus or taxi.), ☏ +86 039 48950777. 9:30-21:30. Mid-sized shopping mall with retail stores, dining options, and basic leisure facilities. (updated Dec 2025)

Eat

1 Beiwudu Spicy Soup (北舞渡胡辣汤), 160 m north of the intersection of Jian’an Road and Yuxin Street, Chuanhui District (川汇区建安路与育新街交叉口北160米) (Located in central Chuanhui District; accessible by local bus or taxi.), ☏ +86 13629897199. Morning. A hearty and spicy soup made with beef, vermicelli, tofu skin, and black fungus. It is one of the well-known breakfast dishes in Henan Province. ¥13 per person. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Dengcheng Pig's Feet Flagship Store (邓城猪蹄总店), 40 m south of the intersection of Qiyi Road and Jian’an Road, on the east side of the street, Chuanhui District(川汇区七一路与建安路交叉口南行40米路东) (Located in central Chuanhui District; accessible by local bus or taxi.), ☏ +86 13603875523. 11:00-14:30，17:30-22:00. s a special food in Zhoukou Dengcheng Town, and the production process has been spread for hundreds of years. Pig skin soft waxy elastic teeth, a bite down, mouth meat fragrance, taste infinite. In the middle and late Qing Dynasty, Dengcheng pig trotter became a tribute into the royal family. Its appearance of fresh color, fresh with tendons, taste meat mellow, tendon crispy, refreshing not greasy. ¥23 per person. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Brother's Chicken Stew (憨弟大盘鸡), about 500 m southeast of the intersection of Daqing Road and Jianshe Avenue, Chuanhui District(川汇区大庆路与建设大道交叉路口往东南约500米） (Located in central Chuanhui District; accessible by local bus or taxi.), ☏ +86 17106200008. 9:00-00:00. A dish featuring large pieces of braised chicken cooked with potatoes, bell peppers, and chili-based seasonings. It is commonly served with wide noodles added to the remaining sauce and is popular for its rich flavor and hearty portion size. ¥25 per person. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Jasmine Restaurant (茉莉餐厅), about 100 msoutheast of the intersection of Zhoukou Avenue and Qingfeng East Road in Chuanhui District(川汇区周口大道与庆丰东路交叉口往东南约100米） (Located in central Chuanhui District; accessible by local bus or taxi.), ☏ +86 394 8356969. 09:30-14:30,17:30-21:30. A local restaurant in Zhoukou offering a range of Chinese dishes in a casual dining setting. ¥78 per person. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Nan Hotpot (楠火锅), Intersection of Daqing Road and Wenchang Avenue (middle section), Chuanhui District(川汇区大庆路与文昌大道中段交叉口) (Located in central Chuanhui District; accessible by local bus or taxi.), ☏ +86 13700821522. A hotpot restaurant offering a variety of soup bases and ingredient selections in a standard dine-in setting. Around ¥63 per person. (updated Dec 2025)

Drink & nightlife

Beverage shops in Zhoukou are mainly concentrated in the commercial streets and shopping malls of Chuanhui District. Options include milk tea shops, fruit drink outlets, and cafés, most of which offer takeout service. Opening hours typically focus on daytime and early evening. Chain brands are common across the urban area and serve as convenient stops for a short break or quick refreshment during travel.

1 Chabaidao (茶百道（五一路店）), 30 m south of Zhoukou Hotel, east side of North Wuyi Road, Chuanhui District(川汇区五一路北段路东周口饭店向南30米) (Located near Zhoukou Hotel on North Wuyi Road; accessible by local bus or taxi.), ☏ +86 17639463042. A beverage shop offering milk tea and other tea-based drinks. Around ¥17 per person. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Cha-Bai-Dao (Guandi Old Street Branch) (茶百道 (关帝老街店)), No. 9-102 Guandi Old Street, Chuanhui District, Zhoukou (川汇区关帝老街9-102) (Located in central Chuanhui District; accessible by local bus or taxi.), ☏ +86 17677264683. A tea-drink shop offering fruit teas, milk teas and other beverage drinks. Around ¥16 per person. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Mixue Ice Cream & Tea (Yuxin Street & Bayi Road Branch) (蜜雪冰城 (育新街八一路店)), Intersection of Yuxin Street and Bayi Road, Chuanhui District(川汇区育新街-八一路交叉口) (Located in Chuanhui District; accessible by local bus or taxi.), ☏ +86 18639481127. Chain beverage shop mainly offering milk tea, ice-cream and tea-based drinks. Around ¥9 per person. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Guming Tea (Wenchang Wanda Branch) (古茗 (文昌万达店)), 20 m east of the intersection of Yuxin Street and Bayi Avenue, Chuanhui District(川汇区育新街与八一大道交叉口东20米) (Located inside/near Wenchang Wanda Plaza area; accessible by local bus or taxi.), ☏ +86 13080675994. A branch of a nationwide tea-drink chain offering milk teas and other tea-based beverages. Around ¥16 per person. (updated Dec 2025) 5 CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice (Wenchang Wanda Store) (CoCo都可（文昌万达店）), 4F–4079, Wanda Plaza, Intersection of Wenchang Avenue and Daqing Road, Chuanhui District (川汇区文昌大道与大庆路交叉口万达广场4F4079). A chain beverage shop offering milk tea, fruit tea, and other tea-based drinks. Around ¥12-¥25 per person. (updated Dec 2025)

Sleep

1 Tianming Jinjiang International Hotel (周口天明锦江国际酒店), 16 Ping'an Road, Chuanhui District (川汇区平安路16号) (across the road from Zhoukou Park and near the Zhoukou Municipal Government building; take bus no. 11 or 16), ☏ +86 394 6066666. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. The only 5-star hotel in Zhoukou. Rooms are available from about ¥420 per night (including breakfast). (updated Mar 2021) 2 Xihuang Hotel (周口淮阳羲皇宾馆), Shangcheng East Road, Huaiyang District (淮阳区商城东路) (on an island in the southwest corner of Dragon Lake; Huaiyang Bus 6 stops nearby), ☏ +86 394 7786688. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A 4-star hotel. Rooms are available from about ¥250 per night (including breakfast). (updated Mar 2021) 3 Hilton Garden Inn Zhoukou Huaiyang (周口淮阳希尔顿花园酒店), Huaiyang District, Zhoukou (淮阳区, 周口) (Near Dragon Lake; accessible by local bus or taxi), ☏ +86 394 6666000. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. High-end hotel with fitness center, room service, free Wi-Fi, and multiple breakfast options. Rooms from about ¥480 per night. (updated Oct 2025) 4 Guibao Hotel (瑰葆酒店), Intersection of Wenchang Avenue and Hengshan Road, Chuanhui District, Zhoukou (川汇区文昌大道与恒山路交叉口) (Located along a main road in Chuanhui District; easy access by taxi), ☏ +86 394 8586777. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A simple hotel providing basic accommodation for short-term stays. Rooms generally ¥180–¥280. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Tianhong Yayue Hotel (淮阳天鸿雅悦酒店), 1st Building, Tianhong Mall, North of Qingfeng Road, East of Xihuang Avenue, Huaiyang District, Zhoukou (淮阳区羲皇大道东侧清风路北侧天鸿商场一号楼1620室) (Located near commercial complexes in Huaiyang District; buses and taxis available), ☏ +86 394 2622222. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Budget to mid-range lodging option within a commercial building. Rooms generally ¥200–¥320. (updated Dec 2025) 6 Vienna International Hotel Zhoukou Taiqing Road (维也纳国际酒店（太清路店）), Building 2, Wanguo City, Taiqing Road, Chuanhui District, Zhoukou (川汇区太清路万国城2号楼) (In Chuanhui District near major commercial areas; accessible by taxi or bus), ☏ +86 394 8303333. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Standard business hotel offering basic facilities suitable for short stays. Rooms generally ¥260–¥420. (updated Dec 2025) 7 Zhongzhou Huayue Hotel (中州华悦酒店), Intersection of Hongge Road and Mingli Road, Huaiyang District, Zhoukou (淮阳区弘歌路与明礼路交叉口) (Located in central Huaiyang District; reachable by local bus or taxi), ☏ +86 394 2663333. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A mid-range hotel commonly used by business and local travellers. Rooms generally ¥220–¥360. (updated Dec 2025)

Go next

Henan offers many nearby destinations accessible by long-distance buses from Zhoukou:

Zhengzhou — The provincial capital, known for its modern urban layout, museums, and convenient transport links. About 2.5–3 hours by bus from Zhoukou East Bus Station or Zhoukou Central Bus Station. Kaifeng — A historic city with temples, lakeside parks, and one of the most active night markets in Henan. Roughly 2 hours by bus from Zhoukou. Known as one of China’s ancient capitals. Luoyang — Famous for the Longmen Grottoes and Old Town. Buses take around 4–5 hours with transfers, usually via Zhengzhou. A major historical center of Chinese civilization.