Overseas Chinese media take a night tour of the ancient city of Taierzhuang to explore the ancient charm of the Grand Canal culture

On October 17 in Zaozhuang, Canada’s Sourcing Media Vice President Tang Mingtao shared his thoughts while standing at the Wanggong Bridge pier in the historic Tai’erzhuang. “Being here, I can truly feel the bustling past and magnificence of the Grand Canal. It’s not just a waterway; it’s a cultural link connecting different regions.”

The overseas Chinese media tour in Shandong, running from October 14 to 20, saw representatives from nine overseas Chinese media outlets from countries including South Korea, Ireland, Germany, and Italy exploring the deep connections between this ancient city and the Grand Canal during their nighttime visit to Tai’erzhuang.

Located at the heart of the Jinghang Grand Canal, Tai’erzhuang has a rich history dating back to the Qin and Han dynasties, flourishing during the Tang and Song dynasties, and reaching its peak in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Recognized as “the first town in the world” by the Qing Emperor Qianlong, it once boasted the vibrant phrase “singing for ten miles, and the market never closes.” In 2014, the Grand Canal was successfully listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the Tai’erzhuang section recognized for its cultural significance.

The ancient city features a three-kilometer stretch of the old canal and a network of 15 kilometers of water streets and alleys, earning it the title of “a living fossil of canal culture” as it silently witnesses historical changes.

On the evening of October 16, the overseas Chinese media group participated in a rowing experience on the canal. “The river in front of the Wanjia Courtyard is the ancient Grand Canal, which has flowed continuously for over 400 years since its opening in the 32nd year of the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli reign,” explained “boat girl” Cui Rui. She added that in 1959, the canal underwent renovations, resulting in the preservation of this section as part of current scenic waterways, which the World Tourism Organization refers to as a “living canal.”

Along the ancient waterway, there are remnants of a 960-meter long ancient wharf and various historic docks, all recognized as key cultural heritage sites in China. “This dock, known as the 400,000 dock, was built in the 28th year of the Qing Emperor Qianlong’s reign and was originally a private dock moved from Shanxi, primarily used for loading and unloading goods. There are still 13 similar docks within the city,” Cui noted.

Zhou Tianhao, Vice President of Canada’s Time Weekly, remarked after the explanation, “The 400-year-old trade route of the Grand Canal has undoubtedly contributed to Tai’erzhuang’s prosperity, and these wharfs and docks are crucial windows to understanding the culture of the Grand Canal.”

Historically, merchant ships traversing this section of the Grand Canal would spend between five to ten days waiting at the Tai’erzhuang lock. The lock facilitated a massive influx of people and goods into Tai’erzhuang, rapidly boosting its economy and establishing it as a significant hub for both water and land commerce.

Additionally, travelers brought cultural exchanges from various regions, blending Qinjin and Huaiyang cultures and giving rise to the unique charm of “the water town in northern Jiangsu.” “Many overseas visitors often feel they could be in places like Wuzhen or Zhouzhuang. This is precisely the reason,” Cui explained.

During the event, a roundtable discussion was also held. Feng Shangwei, Deputy Minister of the United Front Work Department of the Shandong Provincial Committee, noted that Shandong is a cultural powerhouse, home to 226 key cultural heritage sites in China. He expressed hope that overseas Chinese media would effectively promote Shandong’s rich historical background and bridge connections between Shandong and the world.

Guo Jipeng, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Europe’s New Overseas Chinese Network, reflected on the significance of the night tour through Tai’erzhuang. “It deepened my understanding of the immeasurable value of protecting and passing down such cultural heritage in fostering cultural confidence. In my future reporting, I will strive to convey the unique charm of Tai’erzhuang and the Grand Canal culture to overseas readers, allowing more people to appreciate this historical splendor and the importance of its culture.”