Explore Tianjin

Tianjin, located just southeast of Beijing, is a coastal metropolis with a unique blend of European charm and Chinese tradition. Once a foreign concession zone, Tianjin is known for its eclectic architecture, modern skyline, and laid-back atmosphere. As one of China’s major port cities and industrial hubs, it balances historical elegance with economic prowess, making it a fascinating and often underrated destination.

Start your exploration at the Five Great Avenues (Wudadao), where European-style mansions, cobblestone streets, and leafy boulevards reflect the city’s colonial-era legacy. Continue to the Italian-Style Town, a picturesque area with restaurants, cafes, and Renaissance-inspired facades. For a taste of Chinese culture, visit the Ancient Culture Street, lined with Qing-dynasty buildings housing folk art, calligraphy, and herbal medicine shops.

The Tianjin Eye, a giant Ferris wheel built atop a bridge, offers panoramic views of the Hai River and the city skyline. Museums such as the Tianjin Museum and the Porcelain House—a mansion covered entirely in porcelain shards—highlight the region’s rich cultural history. For spiritual sites, visit the Dule Temple in nearby Jixian County, one of China’s oldest wooden structures.

Tianjin’s culinary scene is another highlight. The city is famous for breakfast snacks like jianbing (savory pancakes), goubuli baozi (steamed buns), and ear-hole fried cakes. Food streets and night markets serve local delicacies in an authentic, unhurried setting.

Connected to Beijing by a 30-minute high-speed train, Tianjin makes for an excellent side trip or standalone experience. It’s a place where the old meets the new in elegant proportions—offering culture, flavor, and serenity without the crowds.