The Ancient Canal of Taierzhuang

The Ancient Canal of Taierzhuang

The Taierzhuang Canal runs from east to west and is a curved section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, stretching 42.5 kilometers in total. This stretch of the river flows from higher ground in the west to lower ground in the east, creating a significant elevation drop. As a result, within this less-than-100-kilometer waterway, eight locks were constructed, causing large numbers of ships and goods from both north and south to gather in Taierzhuang while waiting to pass through the locks. The river was filled with vessels, their masts standing like a forest. Owing to the long waiting periods, many merchants disembarked and settled in the town, leading to a rapid gathering of traders in what had been an obscure little village. Soon, Taierzhuang became a widely renowned hub for both overland and waterborne trade, as well as a flourishing commercial town, presenting a vibrant scene described as “merchants lining the streets, fishing boats dotting the river at night, songs echoing for miles, and markets bustling day and night.”

The Taierzhuang Canal is known as a "living canal." With its well-preserved ancient streets and strong sense of daily life, it truly offers a feeling of stepping back in time to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The World Tourism Organization has called it the only remaining Qing Dynasty cultural heritage site along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

Suggested Duration

30 minutes

Transportation

External Transportation

1. Zaozhuang Railway Station is served by high-speed trains connecting to Beijing South, Shanghai Hongqiao, Tianjin West, Nanjing South, Jinan West, Qingdao, Hangzhou, and Xuzhou East stations. Travelers from these areas can conveniently travel to and from Taierzhuang via the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway. Zaozhuang West Railway Station is serviced by trains from major cities across Shandong Province and other provinces.

2. Zaozhuang does not have an airport. Travelers may use nearby airports such as Linyi Airport in Shandong, Xuzhou Guanyin Airport, or Lianyungang Baitabu Airport. From there, transfer to other modes of transportation to reach Taierzhuang. Those who prefer may also drive to the destination.

Internal Transportation

Local public buses in Taierzhuang cost one yuan per ride and are unmanned.

Admission Fee

Included in the ticket for the Taierzhuang Ancient City

Opening Hours

Open all day

Location

Southern part of Taierzhuang District, Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province