Zhoucun Ancient Commerce Site is a living testament to the Ming and Qing dynasties’ major trade centers, with its blue brick and gray tile buildings and winding alleys forming a flowing scroll of merchant guild culture. It preserves over 200 ancient buildings, including the Wang Family Salt Merchant Mansion’s carved door and pavilion, and the Ru Le Xiang Old Shop’s brick shadow wall, all telling of the brilliance of the Shanxi and Shandong merchants through exquisite craftsmanship. The “Three Carvings” – brick carving, stone carving, and wood carving – scattered throughout the alleys solidify the merchant guild’s “integrity-based” spirit into an eternal legend.
