Taierzhuang

Our tourist trip was to the historic old town of Taierzhuang. In just under two hours, the distance of 450 km from Cangzhou to Zaozhuang is covered by train. Then, it takes another 80 km and one and a half hours by taxi for about 18 euros to get to Taierzhuang. The city was almost completely destroyed in fierce battles against the Japanese in 1938 (more on that later) and was rebuilt in its original style just over 10 years ago, including temples and towers. The area is about 1.5 km² large and is bordered by the old city wall and waterways. What I did not know was that an entrance fee had to be paid. Unfortunately, our hotel was located within the old town, where no cars can drive in the narrow alleys. This meant paying an entrance fee and lugging our luggage to the hotel over cobblestones. An elegant solution with electric caddies, which would only operate for sightseeing and supply tours, would have been appropriate here. Otherwise, you can find beautiful photo opportunities everywhere with the old houses, now home to many restaurants, souvenir shops, music bars, and a special type of store: women and girls can transform into Chinese princesses with clothing, headdresses, and makeup. Architecturally, gray brick is predominant. There are also some well-designed museums and exhibitions on the premises, and you can walk on the city wall. Boat trips on the canals are offered day and night, with mostly female boat operators using their legs to paddle. Taierzhuang is a popular excursion destination, as shown by the crowds of people. However, I am the only foreigner (looking European), which causes children to occasionally look at me in astonishment: No, I do not belong to the scenery as a ghost giant.