Tai’er Zhuang Ancient Town

Tai’er Zhuang, located 70 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Zaozhuang in Shandong Province, is the largest water town in China. Historically, it was an important hub along the Grand Canal. A section of the ancient Grand Canal is still well preserved here. The architecture here, influenced by the merchants coming both south and north through the canal, is of various styles. During World War II, the famous Battle of Taier’ Zhuang was fought here and the town today is memorialized as the “First Memorial Museum of World War II in China".  
 

With a size of 2 square kilometers (1 sq mi), Tai’er Zhuang Ancient Town is an ideal place for sightseeing, covering 18 ponds and many traditional constructions. The Inner River extends about 15 kilometers (9 miles). On either side of the river there are many traditional buildings. Visitors can take a boat around the whole water town at the ancient piers.
 

In Tai’er Zhuang Ancient Water Town, visitors can see the only remaining Grand Canal retaining wall between Beijing and Hangzhou, about 3 kilometers (2 miles) long. Moreover, some old wharfs, like Dangdianhou Deck and West Gaojia Deck, are still used by sightseeing boats. 
 

Diversified old buildings inside Tai’er Zhuang Ancient Town reflect the cultural combination of south China and north China. Eight different architecture styles naturally integrate with each other here: Shanxi Style construction, Anhui Style architecture, South Fujian architecture style, South Shangdong Style Residence, Religious Buildings, Western Architecture, water town architecture and South China architecture.
 

During World War II, the Battle of Tai’er Zhuang was an important victory against fascism. If tourists are curious about the war in this ancient town, they are advised to start their visit at the west gate and walk to the War Memorial Zone with its war relics. Then go to the Jiuhe hotel where many old photos show the real life during war-time.  Two other World War II sites, Wanjia Grand House and Zhizun Bridge, are also worth a visit. In addition, there is the Relics of World War II Park consisting of three parts: relic display museum, World War II Story Museum, and the shot-hole wall. After visiting the mosque that was present during the war, visitors can end their travel at the east gate.
 

First, visitors need to take a high-speed train to the Zaozhuang Railway Station. Then, take BRT Bus line 10 from the Railway Station and get off at the Tai’er Zhuang Ancient Town Station. The bus ride takes about 90 minutes and costs CNY 5 per person. To take a taxi from the Zaozhuang Railway Station to Tai’er Zhuang will cost about CNY300.
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Entrance Fee	1. CNY 160; the ticket is valid for three days to visit Tai’er Zhaung 2. CNY 200; the ticket is valid for 3 days, including unlimited  entry to Tai’er Zhaung, and one entry each to Shuanglonghu Wetland Park, Grand Canal Wetland Park, Xianghe Manor, Lizongren Historic Material Museim, and Memorial Museum of Tai’er Zhuang War   3. Free for children below 1.4 meters (4.6 feet).
Canal Cruise	1. CNY 25-1,000 for inner canal cruise; price depends on what kind of boat visitors take.                       2. CNY 20 for outside canal cruise
Transportation fee inside the ancient town	1. CNY 10 for a round trip bus ride between visitor center and the west gate; 2. CNY200/hr for sightseeing bus