Why did Zhigu become an important port and commercial centre?

Zhigu became a vital port and commercial centre primarily due to its strategic location on high ground at the confluence of the Ziya and Hai rivers. This positioning allowed it to serve as the primary storage, transfer, and distribution hub for grain and other foodstuffs arriving from central and southern China.1

The town's importance was further solidified by the Yuan government, which recognized its role as a shipping centre by establishing offices to regulate navigation and customs, while simultaneously expanding its harbour and warehouse facilities. Additionally, the area developed into a major salt production site through the construction of salterns along the Hai River, which bolstered its economic significance.1