枣庄市

Why this place

Zaozhuang's Taierzhuang old town was rebuilt after being destroyed in 1938, and it now stands as a complete canal town on the Grand Canal — one of the largest such reconstruction projects in China. It is also where the Taierzhuang battle was fought, a rare Chinese victory in 1938.

What to see

• Taierzhuang ancient town — a rebuilt canal city with 90-odd bridges and a real canal quarter
• The Taierzhuang battle memorial
• The Grand Canal heritage sites of the old town

What to eat

• Zaozhuang is known for its spicy chicken and its Shandong-style freshwater dishes
• Canal-side snacks: fried cakes, sesame pastries and the local vinegar

Best time

April–May and September–October