Taibai Lou

【Strolling through Qilu·The Hometown of Confucius and Mencius, the Capital of Canals】This is the birthplace of Confucius, Mencius, and Yan Hui; it is where the poetic immortal Li Bai spent the longest time of his life; it is a region through which the Grand Canal from Beijing to Hangzhou flows; this is the small city in southwest Shandong—Jining. The Chongjue Temple Iron Pagoda from the Northern Song Dynasty is over 900 years old and is one of the four great iron pagodas still existing in the country, with the exquisite Shengyuan Tower beside it. Nestled in a small alley built during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, the 'Cixiao Jianwan Archway' features high-relief carving, a royal decree construction, meticulously sculpted. The Dongda Temple by the ancient canal is the most striking ancient building in the downtown area of Jining, originally built during the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty, grand in scale and spectacular in sight, with the warm afternoon sun shining on the colorful glazed tiles, dazzlingly brilliant. In front of the Taibai Tower, the poetic immortal holding a wine cup still possesses the bold and unconstrained spirit of 'composing a hundred poems over a jug of wine'! When leaving Jining, passing through several streets lined with lush, vibrant Chinese parasol trees, it was a sight full of life and vigor!

As a native who has lived in Jining for more than twenty years, this was my first visit to Taibai Tower. Taibai Tower was originally known as 'Taibai Tavern', a tavern operated by the Helan family during the Tang Dynasty. Its original location was inside the east gate of ancient Rencheng (near today's Xiaozhakou). The great Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai moved with his wife Xu Shi and daughter Pingyang from Anlu in Hubei to Rencheng (Jining) in the 24th year of Emperor Xuanzong's reign (736 AD), living in front of the tavern, 'often feasting with comrades in the tavern'. Taibai Tower is located on the north bank of the ancient canal, north of Taibai Middle Road, and is named after Li Bai, who often drank and composed poetry here. After many reconstructions over the generations, its fame has lasted for more than a thousand years, and it is one of the eight ancient scenic spots of Rencheng (now Jining). ⏰Opening Hours: 9:00--17:30 (Closed on Mondays) 🎫Admission: Free, no reservation required

The Canal Capital, Cultural Jining. Jining is an important hub of the Grand Canal, and the Canal Governor's Office during the Ming and Qing dynasties was located here. The Grand Canal stretches for 230 kilometers within Jining, becoming the cultural artery of the city. When you come to Jining, after visiting the hometown of Confucius and Mencius, it is a must to walk along the canal. In Jining, without spending a penny on tickets, you encounter the living Grand Canal, meet the bustling Liangshan Port, encounter the Nanwang Diversion Hub that has been preserved in the form of ruins, and experience the thousand-year-old lifestyle in the streets and alleys of the ancient canal. Two days' time, to cover more ground, the itinerary is quite special forces-like, very suitable for college students who are not afraid of getting tired and want to travel on a budget, allowing you to walk and get to know the Grand Canal that has stepped out of history books. Itinerary Details D1️⃣: Nanwang Hub National Archaeological Site Park➡️Chiyou Tomb➡️Liangshan Port➡️Jining Cultural Center➡️Canal Memories ✅Nanwang Hub National Archaeological Site Park At the Nanwang Hub, experience the prosperity and changes of the ancient canal. This is the highest point of the Grand Canal, a miracle of ancient Chinese water conservancy construction. ✅Chiyou Tomb Leaving the Nanwang Hub, visit the little-known Chiyou Tomb nearby to explore ancient legends and stories. ✅Liangshan Port In the afternoon, arrive at Liangshan Port to feel the grandeur and charm of the modern canal. Standing on the shore, watching the ships come and go, you can hear the wind telling the same old stories from a thousand years ago. Liangshan Port is not a tourist attraction, and it is generally not open to the public, but arrangements can be made in advance. ✅Jining Cultural Center Enter the Jining Cultural Center, search for memories forgotten by time in the museum and library. ✅Canal Memories As night falls, stroll along the ancient canal and enjoy the bustling and brilliant Canal Memories at night. D2️⃣Canal Stroll➡️Taibai Tower➡️Manzhou Bookstore ✅Canal Stroll In the early morning, take a walk along the riverbank, through Zhugan Alley, Qingping Bridge, Xuanfu Alley, each place exuding ancient charm and style. ✅Taibai Tower Climb Taibai Tower to feel the poetic and talented spirit of ancient literati. Standing on the tower, overlooking the canal scenery, it's as if you can hear the recitations of Taibai from the Tang Dynasty. ✅Manzhou Bookstore Step into the new landmark of the city, Manzhou Bookstore, pick a book related to Jining, stamp it, and take it with you.

1️⃣ Taibai Tower: This place boasts a unique architectural style and a rich historical and cultural heritage. Here, one can learn about the life and creative works of Li Bai in Jining. 🎫 Ticket: Free 2️⃣ Lianyun Bridge: The lotus flowers 🪷 are beautiful in the summer. 🎫 Ticket: Free 3️⃣ Wenshang County Baoxiang Temple: The main hall currently houses a gilded wooden Buddha of Sakyamuni and colored stone sculptures of the Eighteen Arhats. It is known as 'the earliest famous site of the Northern Dynasties and the foremost sanctuary in the eastern lands.' 🎫 Ticket: 40 yuan per person ❤️ Recommended Reason: Hospitable Shandong's Jining is known as 'the hometown of Confucius and Mencius, and the capital of the Grand Canal,' an important cradle of the Chinese nation!