Tai'erzhuang Ancient City: War Memories and Lively Scenes by the Canal

【Transportation Guide】 1. Take high-speed rail to Zaozhuang Station, then transfer to BRT Bus (Line B10) directly to the East Gate of the ancient city (approx. 1.5 hours) 2. Drive to "Tai'erzhuang Ancient City East Gate Parking Lot" (about 3 hours from Jinan) 3. Recommended night activity: Take a rowing boat (¥60/person one-way) through water streets under lantern lights 【Must-Visit Attractions】 √ Battle Relics Park: Bullet-riddled walls and old mosque tell stories of the 1938 bloody battle √ Canal Exhibition Hall: Explore the history of the "Living Canal" water transport √ Tianhou Palace: Rare Mazu Temple in the north with southern Fujian-style architecture √ Revival Square: Night light show transforms ancient walls into giant screens √ Moon River Street: Experience "Water Town North of Yangtze" charm on flagstone paths 【Unique Experiences】 ▶ Stroll through misty alleys at 7am to see horse-head wall reflections ▶ Weigh herbs at the "Materia Medica Museum" using traditional Tongrentang methods ▶ Ride a canopy boat in Hanfu (¥80/hour rental) while boatwomen sing canal work songs ▶ Drink tea at the Canjiang Office ruins listening to Qing Dynasty legends 【Food Guide】 ♨ Song Family's Signature Yellow Flower Beef Noodles with secret chili sauce (¥15/person) ♨ Canal Stone Baked Crispy Pancakes (¥5 each) freshly made ♨ Zhang Family Dog Meat (caution advised) stewed in 200-year-old broth ♨ Pancake Rolls with Golden Oil-Dripping Weishan Lake Duck Eggs 【Accommodation】 ☑ Blossom Hill Hotel (¥600+): Republic-era boutique with canal views ☑ Lotus Field Inn (¥300+): Wetland boat-house with stargazing skylight ☑ Budget option: Taicheng Memory Hostel (¥50/bed) with best night photography spots 【Tips】 ✓ ¥160 online ticket allows 3-day access with ID card ✓ "Tai'erzhuang Victory" live show every Saturday 8pm (separate ticket) ✓ October Canal Festival features fish lantern parades and Liuqin Opera ✓ Family activities: New Year painting rubbing/tie-dye workshops This battle-scarred city preserves both bullet-marked gates and elderly locals playing chess by the canal. Stay overnight to hear the most vivid canal stories after tour groups leave.