Zhoukou

Zhoukou
周口市
Chowkow
Shaying River near downtown of Zhoukou City
Zhoukou in Henan
Zhoukou
Location in China
Coordinates (Zhoukou municipal government): 33°38′12″N 114°42′05″E / 33.6367°N 114.7014°E / 33.6367; 114.7014
CountryPeople's Republic of China
ProvinceHenan
Area
11,959 km2 (4,617 sq mi)
  Urban
141 km2 (54 sq mi)
  Metro
1,454 km2 (561 sq mi)
Population
 (2020 census for total, 2018 otherwise)
9,026,015
  Density750/km2 (2,000/sq mi)
  Urban
721,300
  Urban density5,100/km2 (13,000/sq mi)
  Metro
1,601,300
  Metro density1,100/km2 (2,900/sq mi)
GDP
  Prefecture-level cityCN¥ 226.4 billion
US$ 34.1 billion
  Per capitaCN¥ 25,682
US$ 3,866
Time zoneUTC+8 (China Standard)
Postal code
466000
Area code0394
ISO 3166 codeCN-HA-16
Vehicle registration豫P
Major NationalitiesHan
County-level divisions9
Township-level divisions1
Websitewww.zhoukou.gov.cn

Zhoukou (Chinese: 周口; pinyin: Zhōukǒu; Wade–Giles: Chou-k’ou; postal: Chowkow) is a prefecture-level city in eastern Henan province, China. It borders Zhumadian to the southwest, Xuchang and Luohe to the west, Kaifeng to the northwest, Shangqiu to the northeast, and the province of Anhui on all other sides. As of the 2020 census, its population was 9,026,015 inhabitants. However, as of the 2018 estimation, 1,601,300 lived in the built-up (or metro) made up of Chuanhui district and the northern part of Shangshui county.

The rich history and geographical advantages of Zhoukou have made it a unique city. As the ancient capitals of Emperor Yao and the birthplace of Laozi, it carries a profound cultural heritage of China. At the same time, the remnants of the Chen and Chu cultures endow Zhoukou with a distinctive historical charm. The development of the Lin'gang New City showcases the city's modernization process and economic vitality.

The convergence of the Sha Ying rivers has endowed Zhoukou with unparalleled geographical advantages, making it a hub known as the Central Plains Port City. This bestowed upon Zhoukou significant importance in ancient times, and today, with further improvements in transportation infrastructure, its advantages are even more pronounced.

The integrated transportation network comprising highways, railways, and waterways has provided robust support for the city's development, facilitating economic growth and connections with the outside world. This transportation advantage has not only driven the local economy of Zhoukou but has also positioned it as a vital nexus linking the Central Plains with other regions.