Zaozhuang
Overview

Zaozhuang
Zaozhuang metro is located at the southern end of Shandong province. This is a region with striking water sceneries. The historical water town of Tai’erzhuang combines the beauty of Venice with classic charm of Lucca of Italy. The Weishan Lake Wetland is the largest wetland in China. Xiong Er Mountain National Geology Park boasts as the longest underground valley in China from earthquakes 400 years ago. The Baogudu Plateau tops 72 mountain plateaus in Shandong as a national park. Last, but not the least, the world’s number one “Pomegranate Orchard” of 8,000 hectares (20,000 acres) lies in the region. Pomegranate was first transported by Han Merchant into Africa via the Silk Road. It is called the silk and sprice road from Morocco at North Africa.
It was in Zaozhuang that human inhabitations were discovered 7,300 years ago. Approximately 4,300 years ago, the city-states were established near Zaozhuang.
The Grand Canal of China started 2,700 years ago. Canal traffic on the one hand energized the region via merchandise trade. And on the other, it also promoted cultural diversification. Culture and literature flourished and nurtured philosophers like Mozi; carpenters/architects like Luban; and novelist like Jinsan Jia.
The serene mountain views compliment the winding Grand Canal at Zaozhuang. And The Weishan Lake is equally mesmerizing at sunset. It is definitely a sight not to miss. With colorful landscapes ranging from marshes of plains to hills and mountains, you could say Zaozhuang is a feast for the eyes.
According to the 2012 census in Zaozhuang, the population has reached 3.5 million. Since Confucianism originated from Shandong province and Zaozhuang is part of Shandong, the locals are profoundly influenced by it. However, even though the locals are growing in the atmosphere of Confucianism, you still can see the “Xiangma” spirit in their blood which represents indomitable courage, and the Tai’er Zhuang battle is reflected in their character.
Railroad Guerrilla Theme Park. Zaozhuang is a strategic stronghold that connected south and north regions of China. Japanese colonizers certainly saw this. Japan invaded Shandong during the World War II. Railroads were built by the Japanese to transport troops and ammunitions throughout China using Zaozhuang as a hub. Many civilians suffered heavy casualties in Shandong during the war against Japan. The Japanese had burned the historical water town of Tai’erzhuang (“Zhuang” means village in Chinese) to ashes. Local Chinese guerrillas, who fought against Japanese invaders, had repeatedly sabotaged Japan railway tracks and taken over the ammunition depot. The Zaozhuang story of fighting on the railroad was written into a novel. Years later, a film bearing the same name became a national #1 hit. A restored town with a complete World War II scene was recreated to remind visitors what Shandong suffered in the 1940s. You can see typical Shandong villages, Japan strongholds, Japanese army patrolling the streets, Japanese prisons tortured the Chinese people, etc. The re-enactments of Japan’s surrender at the end of the war is performed few times daily at the theme park during the travel season. Shandong had suffered unproportioned casualties from the Japanese invasion.
Tai’erzhuang. An UNESCO designated cultural heritage water-town. Tai’erzhuang, considered to be China’s most beautiful water town, is located in Zaozhuang region. “Zhuang” in Chinese means village. Taierzhuang blends in with 15 km of water throughout the entire town of 3 km2 with buildings and streets fully restored to its original look 150 years ago. Visualize a Venice version of an oriental water town gate opening in front of your eyes while strolling down the historical streets of Tai’erzhuang.
This old city is a rebuilt of the original castle that was completely destroyed by the Japanese army during the World War II. However, a section of a wall with vivid bullet holes are kept intact for educational purpose. Another burial site was also kept to remind people of its history. The solders’ remains continue to be found at the construction sites within the town. History is certain to be remembered and not to be repeated.
Take a look at the architectural varieties. Eight major styles of Chinese architecture are all presented in one place, thanks to the canal traffic which brought people together. Time is tight in the next 48 hours; Tai’erzhuang has a lot to explore. 72 temples, numerous merchants, theatres, museums, talent shows, folklore performances, lion dances on poles, lightshows at night, bar-hopping over lit up streets, rock concerts, restaurants, chartered boat tours in the day or night with live singing onboard, all add up to the fun during your visit. Be sure to stay overnight in town as you will not want to miss a spectacular night show. Be prepared to receive requests from the locals to take pictures with you because foreigners are a rare sight for the locals. Smile and wave back to sweet girls and boys who greet you in English. The sense of a sudden descend into the real world of China is both gratifying and unforgettable.
Zaozhuang – a place to relax, recharge and uncover.
Planning
There are 30 themed hotels in Tai’erzhuang. Architectural styles integrate with the naturalness, simplicity, seclusion, and elegance – from fancy to simple – of the city. There is a 7-day motel with clean beds starting at $20/day. It is part of a national chain.
Most restaurants and bars around town are within walking distance and open until late, so visitors have a wide selection to choose from for meals. This is a walkable old town with streets clearly described in 4 different languages, including English and Japanese. This is the only town in Shandong that you will not get lost easily. The locals are also extremely friendly.
Zaozhuang and Tai’erzhuang are both within an hour drive from Linyi airport. They can also be reached via the Beijing Shanghai high-speed train, with 2.5 hours from Beijing and 3 hours from Shangha.
Zaozhuang should be planned for at least 3 nights, and include Tai’erzhuang for the one-night stay.
Food & Drink
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Zhangwang Salted Duck (张汪板鸭)
Zhuangwang Salted Duck it Tengzhou’s traditional herbal cuisine. 3 hours braising and over 15 hours air-dry, the moisture of meat are completely evaporated. This is traditional method of how Chinese prep it. The will allow herb based secret source to settle deep into the meat and add to its flavor.

Pearl Fish ball soup
Zaozhuang’s fish ball soup is local draw. Fish are caught from the Weishan Lake, largest in Shandong, and the balls in the soup are very tiny. The trick lies in the balance freshness of the fish, cucumber, and egg white.
Experience
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Wang Xuezhong Art Museum
Wang Xuezhong Art Museum and Tengzhou Art Museum opened in March 1988 was named after the famous contemporary Tengzhou calligrapher and art theorist in China, Wang Xuezhong. In the museums, there are more than 500 original fine works of calligraphy and painting from various periods by Mr. Wang Xuezhong.

Hulutao Village (Gourd)
The Hulutao Village is located 1 km southeast of the town center. It currently governs 12 natural villages. The village is surrounded by endless mountains and is covered by almost 89% of the forest.

Night boat ride at Tai’erzhuang
Your “captains” are beautiful women who will entertain your boat ride experience with live singing.

Tai’erzhuang War Memorial
Re-enactments of a heroic battles against the Japanese by the joint hands of the Communist and Nationalist army are acted out here at the memorial as one of the shows.

Xie Yu Tea House
Built in 1732 in Tai’erzhuang, a complete tea ceremony and tea exhibits awaits your visit.

Baodugu
Claimed to be the best of 72 plateaus, it is a 4 hectare plateau lush grasslands and located 20 km northeast of Shanting District, Zaozhuang City.

Weishan Lake Red Lotus Wetland in Tengzhou
Along the Weishan Lake 30 km shoreline are extensive wetlands flourished with lotuses and reeds. This is the largest wetland in Shandong, and remains largely untapped even today. In July and August, you will see flocks of ducks and geese everywhere. It is recommended to ride the boat on the wetlands with a local guide. Otherwise, you will surely be caught by the reeds. There is no better place to hug nature. This wetland is a vacation destination itself.

Tai’erzhuang, the ancient town
Designated as UNESCO’s cultural heritage water-town, the ancient town of Tai’erzhuang is considered to be China’s most beautiful water town in the Zaozhuang region. You will find the entire town surrounded by water with buildings and streets fully preserved to its original look of 150 years ago. Just the architecture alone leaves a smile on your face. There are 8 major styles of architecture on these buildings. But other than that, there are a ton of activities to find yourself filling up 1 full day, from morning to night…

Xiong’ershan Large Rift Valley (熊耳山双龙大峡谷)
One of our top 3 highly recommended places in Zaozhuang is the Xiong’ershan Large Rift Valley. The rift is merely a show piece of an earthquake, where even between two mountains so narrow that one person can barely squeeze through. A mysterious feeling immediately shadows as you take your first step into the rift valley. How exactly was this unique speculation founded? Especially the view at “Yixian Tian”.

Container Village (柜组部落)
Waste containers now turned into luxury resort rooms is now rising up as one of the modern and entertaining neighborhoods to stay at. Bars, music, gift shops, live performances all run late into the night. You will be entering into a different world.
Shopping
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Events
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Tai’erzhuang Spring Festival
New Year’s bell proclaims onset of #Chinese Lunar New Year festivity. Absolutely we will foresee precautions but we do not foresee our lightshow will be dimmed even a bit.


The Grand Canal Immaterial Culture Exhibition
The First Tai’erzhuang Immaterial Culture Exhibition was held nine days from June 9th to the 18th, 2018 in the ancient city of Tai’erzhuang. A joyous show with performances combined with Beijing, Tianjin, Zhejiang, and other eight provinces will perform their best traditional performances together. Beijing Taiping Drum, Linqing Dragon Light, Shandong Drum, Lion Dance, Xiapai Suona horn, Meihuazhuang fist position, shadowboxing, and etc., approximate 30 traditional performance from eight provinces would be shown during the festival.
山东省文化和旅游厅 Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism
美国友康科技有限公司 U-Combination Technology (USA) Inc.
Authorized agency for Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism in the U.S.
(山东省文化和旅游厅在美授权机构)
150 E Swedesford Rd, Suite 101,
Wayne, PA 19087
For help planning your visit, please contact us now:
E-Mail:
tours@travelshandong.