Taierzhuang Ancient City

Background

Taierzhuang Ancient City is in Taierzhuang District, Zaozhuang, Shandong, about 70 kilometres southeast of central Zaozhuang, on the middle section of the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal. The ancient city covers about 2 square kilometres, with about 15 kilometres of inner waterways, and sightseeing boats still set off from its old docks; its roughly 3-kilometre canal revetment is described as the only surviving stretch between Beijing and Hangzhou. The city brings together eight architectural styles: Shanxi, Huizhou, southern Fujian, southern Shandong folk houses, religious buildings, Western-style buildings, water-town buildings and Lingnan (South China) buildings, reflecting the north–south traffic along the canal trade route. At night, lantern light reflected on the water is one of the town's most popular sights. In the Wanli reign of the Ming dynasty, post stations and government offices were set up here to manage the canal, and Taierzhuang grew into an important trading town; an earthen wall was built in 1647, the fourth year of the Shunzhi reign of the Qing dynasty. Emperor Qianlong is said to have called it the "Number One Village under Heaven" during a southern tour. The Battle of Taierzhuang broke out in March 1938 and the old town was badly damaged; reconstruction began in 2009 and was completed in 2013. Most of the walls, streets and houses you see today are rebuilt, and the city also has a World War II Relics Park, a war memorial area and walls marked by bullet holes.

Local customs

• Take a boat along the inner waterways to see the old docks and canal revetment
• stroll the streets to see buildings in eight styles
• explore the lantern-lit ancient city at night
• visit the World War II Relics Park and the bullet-hole walls.

Travel tips

• The Taierzhuang Scenic Area, which includes the ancient city, is a national 5A-rated tourist attraction. There are several ticket combinations, with prices as published by the official source, and the main tickets can be used over three days
• the city is best explored by combining walking and boat rides. Holidays are crowded, so try to visit off-peak.
• You can take a high-speed train to Zaozhuang Station and then the BRT express bus, about an hour and a half, to the ancient city, or take a taxi
• check the official source for details. Spring and autumn are best for strolling and boating
• summer nights are lovely with the lanterns but muggy
• winter has fewer visitors, so dress warmly.