Taicang is a county-level city with an area of only 620 square kilometers and a permanent population of around 800,000. Although it is right next to Shanghai, it doesn’t attract many tourists. However, it is known as the “Home of German Enterprises,” hosting over 530 German companies—a number that continues to grow—so it’s only natural that a German-style town exists here.
The Maritime Embankment Commercial Street is located along the Liuhe River on Haiyundi Road. It currently consists of three phases and is quite expansive, stretching about 2 km in length. In reality, Phases 1 and 2 are primarily office spaces with mostly local dining options; only Phase 3 is the popular, Instagram-worthy German-style town. If you’re driving, make sure you head to the correct phase.
Actually, Phase 3 is relatively small and cannot compare in size to Phases 1 and 2. Parking is underground, and the buildings are beautiful, featuring distinctly European architecture. The restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, but there is only one German restaurant, 1886, which is a large chain, so we decided to give it a try.
Another unique spot is the Bayern Munich Experience Center. It appears to be official, although there is no mention of it on their website. The place has a very laid-back vibe: admission is free, they don’t even sell any merchandise, and there’s just one staff member inside scrolling through their phone.
Inside, there is a full-scale replica of the Allianz Arena locker room, which seems to be updated every year.
The exhibits mainly focus on the team’s history and commemorate the 2013 treble-winning season.
The ambiance is quite nice.
1886 is a German restaurant chain that has been around for many years. It features an automotive theme, and its signature decor is a car suspended from the ceiling that spins continuously—this location is no exception.
The menu offers standard German fare: hearty meats and rich, oily dishes. The first few bites are delicious, though it can get a bit heavy if you eat too much. The accompanying sauerkraut is excellent.
The sausage platter includes a variety of sausages, including cheese-filled ones, black pepper, spicy varieties, and more—the portion of meat is massive.
The Flaming Pork Knuckle is doused in liquor and set alight right at your table. The skin is crispy and fragrant, and the portion is huge as well. For their main courses, one dish is truly enough for two people.
This place is perfect for a quick stopover when you’re driving to a farther destination—grab a meal while passing through. However, making a special trip just to visit isn’t really necessary.
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