Zhoukou

Zhoukou is a populous prefecture-level city on the plains of eastern Henan, straddling the Sha and Ying rivers that once made it a busy Grand Canal-linked trading port. Deeply rooted in Chinese antiquity, it is home to the Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum, honouring the mythical founder Fuxi, and its county of Luyi is celebrated as the birthplace of Laozi, founder of Taoism. A former river-port district preserves old guild halls and temples. For an international student, Zhoukou offers ancient mythological and philosophical heritage, riverside history and a genuine window on populous rural Henan.