Chuanhui District 川汇区

History

Between the 17th and 19th centuries the town was a major stop on the inland waterways between the Huai and the Yellow River, and in the Ming and Qing dynasties boats and carts converged here and merchants gathered. The three rivers split the city into three banks facing one another, in earlier times it was a hub of grain shipping by water, and it has long been called 'Little Wuhan' (小武汉). Traders from Shanxi and Shaanxi living in Zhoukou pooled funds for their own guild hall and temple to Guan Yu (关羽), which still stands.

What to see

The Zhoukou Guandi Temple (周口关帝庙), on Fuqiang Street (富强街) in Renhe subdistrict (人和街道), was also known as the Shanxi–Shaanxi Guild Hall (山陕会馆). Work began in 1693 and, after enlargements under successive Qing emperors, the complex was completed in 1852, 159 years later. It faces south and has three courtyards covering more than 21,600 square metres, with over 140 bays of halls, galleries and pavilions still standing. The buildings on the central axis include the gate, iron flagpoles, a stone archway, a stele pavilion, the main hall, an opera stage and the Spring and Autumn Pavilion (春秋阁). Side halls are dedicated to the river god, the Yan Emperor (炎帝), the god of medicine and the god of wealth, and a garden fills the rear court. It is known for its woodcarving, stone carving and painted decoration. The temple became a national key protected site in 1996, has housed a museum since 1986, and is listed by the Zhoukou city government among the city's national 4A scenic areas.

Getting oriented

Chuanhui is one of two districts among Zhoukou's ten county-level divisions, alongside Huaiyang (淮阳区). The district government sits in Laojie (老街, 'Old Street'), and the district also contains the Chenzhou Hui ethnic subdistrict (陈州回族街道).

Highlights

• Zhoukou Guandi Temple 周口关帝庙: Shanxi–Shaanxi merchants' guild hall built 1693–1852; national key protected site since 1996 and a 4A scenic area.