Zhoucun is not only proud of its developed business, but also of its rich cultural heritage.

Its age-old printing house named San Yi Tang printed the first version of Liao Zhai Zhi Yi, or Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio, which is a collection of weird tales with magic, devilry, vampirism and other fantastic themes written by Qing Dynasty novelist Pu Songling (1640-1715).

"Pu was once a teacher in Zhoucun. He often placed a stand selling tea drinks on the street and collected anecdotes told by businessmen from the whole country when he created Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio," says Zhang.

Zhoucun also enjoys a good reputation for its delicious clay oven rolls. The mouth-watering golden rolls topped with sesame seeds date back roughly 1,800 years to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220).

In 2001, Zhoucun was listed as one of the most significant tourist destinations in Shandong. The local government has invested approximately 2 billion yuan ($290 million) in developing tourism in the village.

The ancient village is witnessing a series of face-lift projects. The old stores along the main streets are being repaired and maintained to ensure the original characteristics of the ancient village are kept intact.

"It will enable the tourists to experience the authentic Shandong commercial culture and traditional folk custom," says Zhang.

(China Daily June 24, 2008)