Taierzhuang Ancient Town

Before coming to Taierzhuang Ancient Town, I had heard of its reputation as the "No. 1 Village in the World." It is the center of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, so I had to take a good look around. I arrived at the ancient town in the afternoon and checked into a guesthouse near the center. I couldn't wait to start exploring after dropping off my luggage. As soon as I entered the town, I felt like I had traveled back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The ancient streets and alleys, the bluestone roads, and the canal water flowing through the town, with boats swaying on the river and the boat girls singing melodious songs, all had a special charm. Walking along the river, I saw various ancient buildings, including guild halls, temples, and shops. Among them, Rishengchang impressed me deeply. It is a representative of Shanxi merchant culture, and the exquisite wood and brick carvings give a glimpse of the prosperity of the past. There are also many exhibition halls in the ancient town, such as the Taierzhuang Battle Memorial Hall, which is a must-visit. There, you can learn more about the heroic history of the War of Resistance and gain a deeper respect for this ancient town. At night, the ancient town is simply stunning! As the lights come on, the entire town is illuminated in a colorful display, and the reflections in the river are like a dream. At this time, you can take a boat ride, enjoy the night view along the shore, and feel the breeze on your face. It's so pleasant. Don't miss the local food either. Huanghua beef noodles are a local specialty. The noodles are chewy, and the combination of beef and daylily is novel and tastes great. There are also vegetable pancakes with crispy crusts and a variety of fillings that are fragrant and delicious. For dining, I recommend the Zhaohuaxishi Chinese Restaurant. Travel tips: • Transportation: You can take a high-speed train to Zaozhuang Station and then transfer to a bus or taxi to the ancient town. • Accommodation: It is recommended to stay in the ancient town. Although the price is slightly higher, it is convenient for sightseeing, and you can enjoy the night view. I recommend the Sky Garden Hotel. • Tickets: Book in advance online for discounts. • Time arrangement: It is best to stay in the ancient town for one night so you can enjoy the scenery both day and night. In the morning, you can visit the exhibition halls, stroll along the ancient streets in the afternoon, and enjoy the night view and boat rides in the evening. Taierzhuang Ancient Town is really worth a visit. It not only has beautiful water town scenery but also a rich historical and cultural heritage. Once you visit, you won't forget it.