Despite its small size, Tai'erzhuang in Shandong province is famed for its number of traditional temples, waterways and museums. Subject of a recent CNN Travel report said Tai'erzhuang is among the most beautiful five water towns in China. It is also known for a fierce battle between Kuomintang and Japanese troops in 1938.

Established in the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), Tai'erzhuang became prosperous in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties as the result of a canal built through the town as part of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.[China.org.cn /Photo by Han Jiajun]