Tianjin, China

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Tianjin (天津; Tiānjīn) is a municipality in China.

Tianjin (Chinese: 天津; pinyin: Tiānjīn) is a metropolis in northern China and one of the five national central cities of the People's Republic of China. It is governed as a direct-controlled municipality, one of four such designations, and is, thus, under direct administration of the central government. Tianjin borders Hebei Province and Beijing Municipality, bounded to the east by the Bohai Gulf portion of the Yellow Sea.
As a dual-core city, Tianjin is divided into the old city and the Binhai New Area. Binhai New Area is a new growth pole in China, and it maintains an annual growth rate of nearly 30% of the GDP. It is a base of China's advanced industry, financial reform, and innovation.
In urban population, the city ranks sixth in China and its urban land area (Binhai New Area is not included) is fifth after Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, and Guangzhou. Tianjin's urban area is located along the Hai River, which connects to the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers via the Grand Canal in Tianjin. Tianjin was once home to foreign concessions in the late Qing Dynasty and early Kuomintang (KMT) era. The municipality incorporates the coastal region of Tanggu, home to the Binhai New Area and the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA).
Tianjin's climate is similar to, though slightly warmer than, its neighbor Beijing. Overall it can be described as continental; winters are cold and dry, as nights below −10 °C (14 °F) are not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid, with days reaching above the upper 30's °C (100 °F) not out of the question. The best time to visit is autumn, though if you do not mind dust storms, spring would also be an excellent choice.

Climate

Tianjin has a continental climate similar, though slightly warmer, to its neighbor Beijing. It features moderate rainfall measuring 511.4mm on average, each year. Extremes have ranged from -22.9°C (-9.2°F) to 40.5°C (104.9°F). Winters are freezing, influenced by the vast Siberian Anticyclone. Despite the fact that its southeastern suburbs reach the Bohai Sea, the city often sees temperatures below -10°C (14°F) and temperatures down to -15°C (5°F) aren't very uncommon. The average January temperature is -3.4°C (25.8°F) and the average high and low temperature is 2°C (35°F) and -7.4°C (18.6°F) respectively. Snow is uncommon, not because of temperature, but usually because of the lack of precipitation falling during these months. Spring usually arrives by the end of March or early April when temperatures start to rise above 20°C (68°F). During this part of the year, Tianjin is occasionally affected by sandstorms originating in the Gobi Desert. Summers in the city are characterized by sweltering heat and much rainfall. Temperatures usually top 30°C (86°F), but they may occasionally rise above 35°C (95°F) during heat waves. Autumn usually arrives by mid-September and it's similar to spring, albeit being slightly cooler and wetter.

Source: http://wikitravel.org/en/
Tianjin

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Tianjin, China: Port Information

Tianjin port is the world's top-level and China's largest artificial deep-water harbor, and the throughput capacity ranks fifth in the world. Located in Binhai Economic Zone, a national new economic zone of China, Tianjin harbor is the port of call of international cruises visiting the wider area, including Beijing.
New cruise port terminal can greet 6 cruise ships simultaneously. There are all the tourist facilities for your comfortable pastime in the port.
Beijing is about 90 km away from the port. You can use taxi or transportation offered by your cruise company.

Get around Tianjin, China

By bus
Founded in 1904, the Tianjin bus system was the first in China, and the metro was second in the nation (1970) and today the city is well served by public transportation. It's well worth your time to look up popular bus routes. Buses are comfortable and clean.

By taxi
Taxis are abundant. It is strongly recommended to avoid taxis not waiting in the proper queue at popular places for tourists (such as a railway station). The same advice applies at tourist stops, it is best to walk a few blocks to a regular street to catch a metered taxi. Ride with illegal taxis at your own risk.
There are Tianjin tourist maps with destinations written in Chinese characters and English. Pointing at where you want to go will get you a long way with taxi drivers. It might be a good idea to take a magnifying glass along as many of the drivers have trouble with the small font.
You can rent a taxi driver for the day or even for just a few hours.
Another caution about taxis is that there are toll roads in some parts of China. In a taxi, you will be expected to pay the base fare plus the toll fee. The driver pays the toll and receives a receipt at the toll booth. At your destination, you ask for the receipt(s) and pay that amount plus the base fare. If you are going a long way, you may also be asked to pay for the return toll fee. That is a legitimate request, although you could argue that the driver will pick up another fare to pay for the toll anyway. You may or may not succeed with the driver. Tipping isn't common practice, as in most Chinese cities.

What to see in Tianjin, China

Buildings

The Five Avenues (五大道; Wǔdàdào; lit. The Five Avenues), Wudadao, Heping, Tianjin (和平区五大道) (Best route: cross between Hebei Lu and Chengdu Dao→Chongqing Dao→Changde Dao→Dali Dao→Xinhua Lu→Machang Dao→Munan Dao→Hong Kong Lu→Chongqing Dao→Nanhai Lu→Hebei Lu). Fifth Avenue (Wudadao) is located in the south of the downtown Tianjin, a parallel street from east to west named under five cities of southwest China, namely Chongqing, Changde, Dali, Munan and Machang. Local Tianjinese call it the "Fifth Avenue", together with over 230 buildings of all kinds from the architecture of Britain, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain, as well as over 50 houses ever been lived by celebrities. Colorful architecture style range from the Renaissance, Greek, Gothic, Romantic, Eclectic, and Carson, which constitute a true fun of art. The second part is the residential area, with the first small Western-style residential area for foreign people who opened up concessions, whose residence next to the office area, close to Jiefang Road, around the former Italian concession in the east of Marco Polo Plaza. In the 20th century, due to the current situation, Tianjin's position in China had become very special and important. On one hand, social and political unrest made concessions a haven for ousted politicians and businessmen, on the other hand, Tianjin had geographically profits for transportation and duty-free customs and was full of opportunities. Various dignitaries and rich people lived in Tianjin. Living in a small Western-style house was more comfortable and convenient than a traditional courtyard and the Fifth Avenue was located in a prime location of the British concession, thus people rushed in to build their houses here. The neighbourhood became Tianjin's rich area at that time. Tianjin was undoubtedly the first in term of the size of the rich area among the affluent cities in modern China.
Tianjin Ancient Culture Street (古文化街; gǔwénhuàjiē), 天津市南开区鼓楼北 North of Gulou, Nankai, Tianjin, +86-22-27275039. Open throughout the day, extended opening hours on holidays or major events. Tianjin Ancient Culture Street was opened on New Year´s Day in 1986, the overall construction has the folk architectural style of Qing dynasty, with Tin Hau (Matsu Temple) located in the center of the whole street. There are nearly hundreds of stores along the street, among them Yangliuqing painting gallery and painted clay sculpture of Clay Figure Zhang are most famous, as well as calligraphy and painting brushes(文房四宝) of Four Treasures and Spring Church, cultural antiques of Sui Man Chai and cloisonne (景泰蓝), double-sided embroidery (双面绣), jade carvings (牙玉雕), art ceramics (艺术陶瓷), Chinese and Western musical instruments and gold and silver jewelry from other dozens of famous artists and craftsmen. All goods are genuine, affordable and with good quality. Free.
Former Concessions in Tianjin. The Concessions in Tianjin were concession territories ceded by the Chinese imperial Qing Dynasty to the great powers in Tianjin. Tianjin's position at the intersection of the Grand Canal and the Peiho River connecting Beijing to the Bohai Bay made it one of the premier ports of northern China. Foreign trade was approved there for the British and French by the 1860 Peking Convention. Its importance increased even further when it was connected to the Tangshan coal fields by the Kaiping Tramway, the railroad that eventually connected all of northern China and Manchuria. Between 1895 and 1900, the two original powers were joined by Japan, Germany, Russia, and by Austria-Hungary, Italy and Belgium – countries without concessions elsewhere in China – in establishing self-contained concessions each with their own prisons, schools, barracks, and hospitals. The European settlements covered 5 square miles (13 km2) in all, the riverfront being governed by foreign powers. Austro-Hungarian concession (1901–1917) During the Boxer rebellion and its aftermath 1899-1901, Austria-Hungary participated in the Eight-Nation Alliance and helped in suppressing the rising. However, Austria-Hungary together with Italy sent the smallest force of any of the combatant nations. Four cruisers and 296 Hungarian enlisted soldiers were dispatched. Belgian concession (1902–1931) The former Belgian Concession was established in 1902. Located on the eastern bank of the Hai River (Hai He), the Belgian government and business community did not invest in concession development, therefore there were not many buildings constructed in this area, and those that were built are no longer extant. British concession (1860–1943) The British concession, in which the trade centers, was situated on the right bank of the Hai River below the native city, occupying some 200 acres (0.81 km²). It was held on a lease in perpetuity granted by the Chinese government to the British Crown, which sublet plots to private owners in the same way as was done at Hankou. The local management was entrusted to a municipal council organized on lines similar to those in Shanghai. The seat of government was the stately Gordon Hall, situated on Victoria Road (now Jiefang Lu). French concession (1860–1946) The former French concession was established in 1860. After more than 100 years, almost every prominent building in the original concession is still extant, including the French Consulate, the Municipal Council, the French Club, the Catholic Cathedral, the French Garden and many others. Many of the bank buildings along the financial street (currently Jiefang Lu, formerly the Rue de France) are still in existence today. German concession (1899–1917) Germany by the late 1870s was on a course of extensive economic involvement in several Chinese provinces, among them the Tientsin area. The German enclave south of the Hai River was situated between the British and one of the Japanese concessions. In July 1877 xenophobic groups threatened the life and property of German merchants in Tientsin. Local unrest intensified, mainly due to poor harvests and resulting famine, and Tientsin business interests requested armed protection. The German admiralty then dispatched the corvette SMS Luise to China. This initial show of support eventually evolved into a permanent presence in Chinese waters by initially modest German naval forces. Italian concession (1901–1947) On September 7, 1901, a concession in Tientsin was ceded to the Kingdom of Italy (Regno d'Italia) by the Qing Dynasty of China. On June 7, 1902, the concession was taken into Italian possession and administered by an Italian consul. After World War I the Austro-Hungarian section was added to the Italian, doubling its size. It became the headquarters of the Italian Legione Redenta (an "Italian legio" made of irredentist troops in the defeated Austro-Hungarian empire), that fought in 1919 against Lenin's Soviet troops in Siberia and Manchuria. Japanese concession (1888–1945) The former Japanese concession was established in 1888. The Japanese army occupied the entire city of Tientsin from 1937 until their defeat in 1945. ** Russian concession (1903–1920) The former Russian concession was established in 1903. The former Russian concession in Tientsin (1903–1920), originally an area of more than 398 hectares, was never completed. Located on the eastern bank of Hai He River along a bend in the river, it was originally divided into two districts (east and west). In 1920 the Beiyang government of the Republic of China retook the land and concession from the Russian SFSR. In 1924, the Soviet Union renounced its claim on the concession. American concession The United States never requested or received extraterritorial rights in Tianjin. A de facto concession was administered from 1869 until 1880, principally under the aegis of the British mission. Ultimately, the American concession territory became part of the British Concession in 1902. The United States maintained a permanent garrison at Tientsin from January 1921, by the 15th Infantry, US Army until 1938 and by the US Marine Corps until December 8, 1941, the day after Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan.
Tianjin Eye (天津眼(tiānjīnyǎn) or Yongle Bridge ferris wheel), Tianjin Eye, Hongqiao (天津市红桥区天津眼‎) (Bus 1, 4, 12, 18, 34, 177, 609, 610, 611, 619 Station: Jingang Qiao (750 meters away)). Maintenance on Monday morning, still open in the afternoon. Tianjin Eye is a 120-meter (394 ft) tall giant Ferris wheel built above the Yongle Bridge (formerly Chihai Bridge) which straddles the Hai River. It is claimed to be the only such wheel to have been constructed over a bridge. Tianjin Eye has 64 exterior transparent capsules, ideal for 360º sightseeing. A round-trip requires 40 minutes. It is able to see within a radius of 40 km on the top on a clear day.
Tianjin Italian Town (意大利风情旅游区 (yìdàlìfēngqínglǚyóuqū)), Guangfu Dao 39, Hebei (河北区光复道39号) (Bus No.27, 868 and 901 and get off at the East Station.). 24 hours. Tianjin Italian Town is also known as the Italian Concession which was built in 1902. The Italian Town was finished in 2005. It covers the area from Coast area to the Victory Road. Across the river from Italian Town lies the Ancient Culture Street, Peace Shopping and Pedestrian Street, Tianjin Financial Road, Little White CBD (小白楼) and Tianjin Municipal Government. Owning a unique location, the Italian Town is merged with different cultures. Here you can find the celebrities’ residences, chic bars, international restaurants, western art deco, etc. Among those buildings, the most famous are Liang Qichao’s Yinbin Room, Residence of Feng Guozhang, Residence of Cao Yu, Residence of Hua Shikui, First Worker Cultural Palace and Italian Military Camp. Although the Italian Town is named after a street, actually it is a small town. The center of the town is the Macro Polo Plaza. The layout of the street is shaped like a chess board. Both sides of the street are decorated with lamp lights and green trees. In addition, the well-preserved fences and other ancient buildings make the town full of Italian aroma. The Free Path is the only pedestrian street in the Italian Town and most of the buildings are restaurants and bars which attracts many tourists. Most restaurateurs are from Apennines Peninsula. Here one can not only taste the real pizza, Italian pasta, and other Italian aperitifs, besides, he can also enjoy the Italian performances and other Italian clothes and handicraft exhibitions. There are 24-hour bars, cafés, restaurants, art museum, and cinemas, attracting tourists from all over the world. Free.
The Tianjin Tower (津塔; pinyin: Jīntǎ, or '''Tianjin World Financial Center''' Chinese: 天津环球金融中心; pinyin: Tiānjīn Huánqiú Jīnróng Zhōngxīn). It is a modern supertall skyscraper located in the Heping Business District of Tianjin, China, on the banks of the Hai River. The mixed-use tower is 336.9 meters (1,105 ft) tall and contains 74 floors above ground and 4 below, with an observation deck at 305.2 meters (1,001 ft). The area of the glass unitized curtain wall, manufactured by Jangho Group, is 215,000m². It is notable as the first office building in Tianjin to be equipped with double-decker elevators.
Dabei Monastery (大悲院; Dàbēiyuàn; lit. Great Compassion Temple), Tianwei Road, Hebei District (河北区天纬路; Héběiqū Tiānwěilù (About 2 km W of Tianjin North Railway Station. Take buses 1, 2, 4, 12, 18, 34, 177, 609, 609, 610, 611, 619, 632, 641, 646, 659, 670, 671, 818, 861, 878, 904 to Jingangqiao Stn (金钢桥; Jīngāngqiáo) on Zhongshan Rd (中山路; Zhōngshānlù) and walk NW of Tianwei Rd). 09:00-11:20, 14:00-16:30. The monastery was first built in the Ming Dynasty, but has been heavily rebuilt and renovated since and consists now of the West Monastery from 1669 and the East Monastery from 1940. It is the largest and oldest in town covering 10,600 m² (114,000 ft²). The temple houses Tianjin Buddhist Institute and exhibits quite many ancient statues. The Dabei Buddhist Monastery is made up of two parts: old monastery and new monastery. The old monastery refers to the three great halls in the west yard. The construction of the old monastery was started at the beginning of Qing Dynasty and was renovated in the eighth ruling year of Kangxi Emperor in Qing Dynasty. The east yard features in the new monasteries. The statue of Sakyamuni oblated in the Daxiong Palace from the east yard was created in Ming Dynasty. The whole Sakyamuni Statue is 7 meters high, 6 tons weight, with 9,999 small Buddha carved on the lotus throne. Inside the Great Compassion hall, a 3.6-meters-high-mud-statue of Thousand-hand Kwan-yin is oblate. The monastery was once famous for holding a skull relic of Xuanzang, however, the relic was presented to India in 1956 when it was taken to Nalanda - allegedly by the Dalai Lama - and presented to India. The relic is now in the Patna museum. And from then on, Great Compassion monastery takes the image of Xuanzang Master instead of the spirit bones for the worship of the Buddhist. There are memorials for Xuanzang Master and Hongyi Master in the east yard, while the west yard becomes an office for Cultural Relic Palace, Abbot Palace, and Chinese Buddhism Association Tianjin Branch. In the Cultural Relic Palace of the west yard, there many collections from every dynasty since Wei and Jin Period including hundreds of Buddha statues which are made of various materials from bronze, iron, stone to wood. Vegetarian Food Dabei Great Monastery is the only monastery in Tianjin providing vegetarian food, so it's good news for vegetarian visitors. Food made by the famous Tianjin Dabei Buddhist Monastery Vegetarian Food Corporation is served in the monastery, which includes Longevity Perch present basket, soybean vegetarian, muti-vitamins-calcium noodles, deepfreeze eight precious vegetarian steamed-buns and vegetarian dumplings etc.
Yuhuangge Taoist Temple.
The Century Clock of Tianjin (天津世纪钟).
Hai River, Hai River Cruise +86 22 27059678. The Hai River at Tianjin is formed by the confluence of five rivers, the Southern Canal, Ziya River, Daqing River, Yongding River, and the Northern Canal. The southern and northern canals are parts of the Grand Canal. The Southern Canal is joined by the Wei River at Linqing. The Northern Canal joins with the Bai He (or Chaobai River) at Tongzhou. The Northern Canal (sharing a channel with Bai He) is also the only waterway from the sea to Beijing. Therefore, early Westerners also called the Hai He the Bai He. At Tianjin, through the Grand Canal, the Hai connects with the Yellow and Yangtze rivers. The construction of the Grand Canal greatly altered the rivers of the Hai He basin. Previously, the Wei, Ziya Yongding and Bai Rivers flowed separately to the sea. The Grand Canal cut through the lower reaches of these rivers and fused them into one outlet to the sea, in the form of the current Hai He. History During the Boxer Rebellion, Imperial Chinese forces deployed a weapon called "electric mines" on June 15, at the Peiho river before the Battle of Dagu Forts (1900), to prevent the western Eight-Nation Alliance from sending ships to attack. This was reported by American military intelligence in the United States. War Dept. by the United States. Adjutant-General's Office. Military Information Division. Like the Yellow River, the Hai is exceedingly muddy because of the powdery soil through which it flows. The silt carried by the water deposits in the lower reaches, sometimes causing flooding. The waters from the five major tributaries only have one shallow outlet to the sea, which makes such floods stronger. Because China's capital (and second largest city), Beijing, and the third largest city, Tianjin, both lie in the Hai He Basin, Hai He floods cause a significant loss. To alleviate flooding, reservoirs have been built and artificial channels dug to divert excess water directly into the sea. For example, the Chaobai river is diverted to the Chaobai Xin river and no longer joins with the Northern Canal. Free.
Confucian Temple (孔庙), 2 Dongmenli, Nankai District (南开区东门里大街2号; Nánkāiqū Dōngménlǐdàjiē. 09:00-17:00. An important Temple of Confucius. Early Qing Dynasty temple with a hall to honor Confucius and other halls for prayers.
Grand Mosque (清真大寺; Qīngzhēndàsì), Xiaohuo Ln, Dafeng Rd, Hongqiao District (红桥区红桥区大丰路小伙巷; Hóngqiáoqū Dàfēnglù Xiǎohuǒxiàng) (Close to the Ancient Cultural Street, NE of Xibeijue Metro Stn (西北角; Xīběijué)). 9 AM-5 PM. Built in 1644 and constructed in wood. The mosque is still in use by the Tianjin Muslim community. Access for tourists to the interior is limited. Free.
Xikai Catholic Church (西开天主教堂; Xīkāitiānzhǔjiàotáng; also known as the French Church or the Catholic Church), Dushan Rd, +86 22 2835-8812. M-Sa 09:00-11:00, 14:00-16:00. This church really stands out as architectural eye-candy. Constructed in 1917 by French Jesuit missionaries, this Tianjin landmark features three massive green domes making it easy to spot miles away. The façade adds to the building's novel appearance with a series of orange and brown horizontal stripes. The interior, damaged during the Cultural Revolution, was beautifully refurbished in the later half of the Twentieth Century. Today it is fully embraced as one of Tianjin's greatest buildings. Morning church services are held daily. An English language mass is held at 11:30. There is also an interesting market behind the church.
Drum Tower (鼓楼; Gǔlóu), Gulou E St, Nankai District (南开区鼓楼东街; Nánkāiqū Gǔlóudōngjiē) (Bus 652 will take you right to the door, buses 161, 635, 652, 657, 855, 863, 865 will also get you really close). The tower was originally built in the Ming Dynasty but was destroyed during the cultural revolution. The Drum Tower was rebuilt in 2001 and now actually houses a bell and not drums. The tower is home to varying exhibitions. Free.
Tianjin Radio and Television Tower (广播电视塔; Guǎngbōdiànshìtǎ), 1 Jinzi Rd, Hexi District, +86 22 2334-3557. The Tianjin Radio and Television Tower is a 415.2 m (1,362 ft) tower in Tianjin, China used primarily for communication. It was built in 1991 at a cost of $45 million. Approximately two-thirds up the tower is an observation pod with floor space 253m (830 feet) (used mostly for communication equipment). The fourth largest tower in the world. But this one might be the most spectacular as it is surrounded by water.

Parks

Tianjin Water Park (Chinese: 天津水上公园; Tiānjīn Shuǐshàng Gōngyuán). It is the largest urban park and recreation area in Tianjin. The recreation area of the Tianjin Water Park has one of the city's highest Ferris wheels. Visitors are also encouraged to travel on the lakes via rowing boats and high speed water shuttles. The park changes its theme according to season, for example, during spring there is the Tulip Show, and in autumn there is the Chrysanthemum Show.
Beining Park. This park could easily elevate to shrine status, especially during spring when the trees and flowers begin to bloom with incomparable color. Ponds and pavilions linked by 29 arch bridges suffuse the entire park with a keen sense of serenity, making it the ideal spot for a quick city escape. The park's main feature, the Zhiyuan Pagoda, extends 244 feet high. It can be scaled by either stairs or elevator. Carved murals on the pagoda's inside walls are worthy of attention too.
Central Park.
Seaside Amusement Park.
Soviet aircraft carrier Kiev Theme Park (前苏联航空母舰主题公园).
Tianjin Zoo. The Tianjin Zoo is located in Nankai District, Tianjin, China, as the south-most part of the Water Park complex. Construction began in 1975 and it was opened to the public on January 1st, 1980. It houses approximately 3,000 animals of 200 species.
Tianta Lake Scenic Area.
Tianjin Polar Marine Theme Park (天津海昌极地海洋世界; Tiānjīn Hǎichāng Jídì Hǎiyáng Shìjiè), Tianjin Binhai New Area Xiangluowan Business District No. 61; 天津市滨海新区响螺湾商务区第61号(Tiānjīn Bīnhǎi Xīn Qū Xiǎng Luówān Yóuxiāng Qū Qì 61 Hào), 022-66227777. A large building where you can see a wide variety of fish and mammals from both the Northern and Southern polar regions such as Penguins, Polar Bears, Whales, Seals, Wolves, a wide variety of marine life, etc. You can also check out the Dolphin performances that they have scheduled a few times a day. Click [|here] for bus routes near you.

Museums

Tianjin Museum (天津博物馆(tiānjīnbówùguǎn)), Youyi Lu 31, Hexi, near Pingjiang Daokou(河西区友谊路31号,平江道口), +86(22)58793000. 9:00—16:30 (Tu-F, closed M. Tianjin Museum has modern exhibition halls with an area of 11,000 square meters as well as cultural and leisure facilities with multiple functions. It looks like a swan spreading its wings to fly from the lake surface. The Tianjin Museum has an extensive collection of ancient Chinese fine arts and exhibits on Tianjin's history. There are nearly 200,000 collections of art and relics, including calligraphy, paintings, bronzeware, ceramics, jadeware, seals, inkstone, Jiagu (bones or tortoise shells with inscriptions of the Shang Dynasty), coins, historic documents and relics of modern times. Free.
Tianjin Museum of Science and Technology (天津科技馆).
Tianjin Natural History Museum (天津自然历史博物馆).
Luzutang (Boxer Rebellion Museum).
Tianjin Museum of Modern History (近代天津博物馆), Hebei Road 314 河北路314号. The museum holds more than 1,000 historical pictures and a great deal of historical data, recording the history of Sino-foreign relationship for more than 400 years, from the middle of the 16th century to the middle of the 20th century. These pictures represent 15 countries, including Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, France, Holland, India, Italy, Israel, Japan, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, Israel, and the US. There are also approximately 400 contemporary photographs.
Tianjin Opera Museum (天津戏曲博物馆).
Garden of Serenity - Former Residence of Pu Yi, The Last Emperor of China (静园; Jìngyuán), 70 Anshan Road, Heping District; 和平区鞍山道70号(hépíngqū ānshāndào 9hào) (take bus# 3, 50, 673, 632, or 800 to Anshan Road. You can also take Subway line 1), +86-22-27311618, 22-27317393. Jingyuan Garden with a history of 80 years is a famous residence combining both Chinese and European architecture style. It is now one of the heritage sites under city protection and the important historic architecture under the protection of the city of Tianjin. Built in 1921, Jingyuan Garden, also named Qianyuan Garden, was the private residence of Lu Zongyu, minister-counselor to Japan appointed by the Northern Warlords’ Government. Later it was named by Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty on July 1929 when he settled here with his wives. “Jing” means stillness in English and the garden was named by the emperor who tried to strengthen himself with noble spirit by living in a peaceful environment. Jingyuan Garden with an area of 3360 square meters consists of three sets of courtyards, the front yard, the back yard, and the side yard. The main building is a two-storied Spanish architecture. The first floor serves as a living room, a dining room, guest rooms, and a kitchen, while the second floor as bedrooms, a library, and a chamber. The exterior walls and balconies with projecting brims were used to add more room to the building. In front of the garden will be built a garden, in which enormous poplars, pagoda trees, and cloves are planted and some ponds and pavilions are constructed. Besides, a reception office, a kitchen, a garage, and a tennis court will be built on the northeast side of the garden. Jingyuan Garden integrates different architecture styles, such as Japanese and Spanish. The structure and material of gates are of typical Japanese style, simple and plain, while the low pitched roof and the detailed decoration are of obvious Spanish architecture style. The garden is now displayed following its original arrangements of furniture and adornments. And there also exhibit some paper materials and photos related to the daily life and political life of Pu Yi, the last emperor.
Former Residence of Zhang Ailing, No.61 32th British colonial street; 英租界32号路61号 Yīngzūjiè 32 hào lù 61 hào. Early modern Chinese writer whose stories have been adapted into such films as Ang Li's "Lust, Caution". Zhang Ailing lived here during her early childhood years.
Tianjin Fine Art Museum.
Memorial Hall of Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao (周恩来邓颖超纪念馆；Zhōu'ēnlái dèngyǐngchāo jìniànguǎn), 9 Shui Shang Gong Yuan Xi Road, Nankai District; 天津南开区水上公园西路9号. 09:00-16:30, no entrance after 16:00; Closed on Mondays. The three-story museum is dedicated to the memory of premier Zhou En-lai and his wife, Deng Yingchao, and features photos, documents, and dioramas of significant events in their lives. The museum is located near the Tianjin Water Park.
Former Residence and Mausoleum of Huo Yuanjia (霍元甲故居纪念馆; Huò yuánjiǎ gùjū jìniànguǎn), XiQing District 天津市西青区 (Take bus#156 or 162 for roughly about 40 minutes.). 09:00-18:00. A large museum featuring the life of Huo Yuanjia (a historical figure played by Jet Li in the film "Fearless") and his contributions to China and Kungfu. The museum also displays a wide variety of weapons he collected. Just outside the museum is the tomb of Huo Yuanjia himself. Also surrounding the museum and residence is where you can find a professional wushu/kung fu school. 60rmb.
Memorial Hall of the Beiping-Tianjin Campaign (平津战役纪念馆). 09:00-18:00. Opened in 1997 this museum celebrates the Communist's victory over Kuomintang in January 1949. The clash involved more than one million soldiers and was one of four major battles fought between the two sides. Three major halls (Prelude, War History, and Special Subjects) present vivid battle accounts through films, photos, and paintings. There are also tanks, cannons and armored cars leftover from the war on display too. And in being true to form with all other Communist themed museums there are several statues of some of the party's most prominent leaders.
China House Museum, 72 Chi Feng Road(赤峰道), He Ping District（和平区）, 86-022-27123366. 09:00~17:00. The China House is a priceless building decorated with about 4,000 pieces of ancient porcelain, 400 pieces of jade stone carving, 20 tons of crystal and agate and million pieces of ancient Chinese ceramic chips. China house museum is a private museum which belongs to the Tianjin Yueweixian Cultural Industry and Investment group. It is built with more than 700,000,000 pieces of Chinese porcelain; 15000 ancient porcelain bows, dishes, and vases; 300 ancient porcelain-cat pillows; 300 stone lions; 300 marble sculptures; more 20 tons natural crystal, etc. Inside the museum, there are 4 floors, filled with Chinese ancient furniture, woodcarving, etc. All the exhibits are collected by the chairman of the museum, Zhang Lianzhi. The Porcelain House is located in a bustling area, close to the former residence of Zhang Xueliang, an instigator of the Xi’an incident and a patriotic hero in China. Originally a 100-year -old French style villa, the residence is a five-storied building with a total area of 3,000 square meters. The porcelain used to decorate the house can date back to the Han Dynasty. Visitors can almost find every type of porcelain from the house, which combines traditional Chinese architecture and western architecture. On the roof of the house is embedded a 768-meter-long dragon relief made by over ten thousand pieces of porcelain and an eye-catching English word, ‘China’, with some Chinese characters and the flag of China on both sides. Inside the house, there are many famous paintings comprised by ceramic chips, including the world-famous painting, Mona Lisa. Besides, the walls of the house are named the ‘peace wall’, consisting of 635 vases made during Republic China and the late Qing Dynasty.

Streets and areas

Ancient Cultural Street (古文化街; Gǔwénhuàjiē), Gongbei Ave-Gongnan Ave, Nankai District (南开区宫北大街-宫南大街; Nánkāiqū Gōngběidàjiē-Gōngnándàjiē) (2 km E of Xibeijue Train Stn (西北角), buses 1, 4, 12, 15, 611, 612, 619, 624, 824 will also take you much closer to the street). Street not only lined with shops and cafes but also with interesting architecture, including lots of copies of Qing Dynasty buildings. Some of the most interesting buildings are Tianhou Palace (天后宫; Tiānhòugōng; Mazu temple), Yuhuang Cabinet (玉皇阁; Yùhuánggé; Ming Dynasty building) and Tongqingli (large residential building). This street is worth a visit even if it is very touristy. **Tianhou Palace (天后宫; Tiānhòugōng; Mazu temple), temple dedicated to the goddess Mazu and biggest in the North China region.
Gulou Street (鼓楼街; Gǔlóujiē), Gulou West Street-Gulou E St, Nankai District (南开区鼓楼西街-鼓楼东街; Nánkāiqū Gǔlóuxījiē-Gǔlóudōngjiē) (Getting off at Xinanjue Train Stn (西南角) you will be 500 m S of the far western end of Gulou St, bus 652 is running along part of the street, and buses 161, 635, 652, 657, 855, 863, 865 are crossing the street). An ancient cultural street full of cheap and tasty cafes.
Jiefang Road North (解放北路; Jiefang Beilu). Running north-south a couple of streets back from the River Hai, this street is where colonial banks built their branches in Tianjin during the treaty-port era and will definitely be of interest to those interested in colonial architecture or history. Many of the buildings have been retained and are well-preserved, giving the street a distinctly European feel. No longer the central business district, it isn't a very busy street, with noticeably less car and pedestrian traffic than other parts of the city, making it a good place to spend a couple of hours wandering. Most of the buildings now house local Chinese banks so feel free to have a look inside (though staff may object to photography) at the interiors, many of which feature original wooden paneling and stained glass. Also on the street is the 'Chinese Museum of Finance' which is home to several interesting financial artifacts, including the only share certificate in existence featuring a picture of Mao Zedong.
Heping Road. One of the busiest shopping precincts in Tianjin.
Machang Dao. Lined with large English style homes, another cultural street in Tianjin.
Binjiang Dao. Binjiang Dao is Tianjin's main thoroughfare and shopping area. Ask some of the locals and they will try and compare it with the glitz and glamour of Shanghai's Nanjing Lu, possibly the most famous shopping area in the whole of China. With that in mind, it may seem that the people of Tianjin are making one hell of a claim. However, whilst Tianjin may still have quite a way to go in becoming the Shanghai of the north, Binjian does not deserve to be left in the shadows. Making a serious comparison with Nanjing Lu may well be folly, but Binjiang does have several similar qualities. First, and possibly most striking, is the architecture. Like Shanghai, Tianjin also grew around a large colonial presence from Europe and America. Evidence of this is still relatively clear, if you can avert your eyes from the mesmerizing glare of neon signs, you will see that many of the buildings to which they are attached are of classical European design. Two glorious examples of this are the Xinhua bookstore and the city's main post office. Scratch away their rather boring modern-day uses and remove their bulky signs, and you discover two wonderful old buildings.
Binhai New Area. The 183 km² Binhai New Area holds three administrative areas: Tanggu, Hangu, and Dagang, as well as some towns.

Stadiums

Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium, The Water Drop (天津奥林匹克中心体育场; pinyin: Tiānjīn Àolínpǐkè Zhōngxīn Tǐyùchǎng). The stadium hosted games for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup and Football preliminaries at the 2008 Summer Olympics. It covers 78,000 square meters and has a capacity of 60,000. It as a length of 380 meters, a width of 270 meters, and a height of 53 meters. The stadium is nicknamed "The Water Drop" because the outside of the venue was designed to resemble a drop of water. The stadium cost nearly 1,500,000,000 Yuan to build. The architects were AXS Satow.
TEDA Football Stadium (Chinese: 泰达足球场). It is a professional football stadium in Tianjin, China, home of Tianjin Teda F.C. The stadium holds 37,450 people and was built in 2004. The stadium is located in the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA) and was designed by Peddle Thorp Architects, an Australian architecture firm.

Further away

Huangya Pass, 30 km north of Jixian (take a train from Tianjin East Railway Station for Jixian, departure 8:30, or take a bus from Hebei Coach Station to Jixian Coach Station, and then take a van), +86 22 22718718. It is a small section of the Great Wall of China located in the north of Ji County, Tianjin municipality, approximately 78 miles (126 km) north of urban Tianjin city. The site lies on a steep and abrupt mountain ridge. Huangya Pass was originally built over 1400 years ago in the Northern Qi Dynasty and reinforced with brick walls in the Ming Dynasty. In 1984, major repair work has been performed on over 3 kilometers of the wall including on 20 water towers and 1 water pass. The pass is a major tourist attraction within Tianjin and was listed as a site of relics protection in 1986. **Overwhelming: With its walls and towers built on a mountain ridge with an average altitude of 738 meters, the Huangyaguan is really overwhelming. To the east, there is the cliff, and the west, crags. It winds its way across mountains like a dragon. Guarding a stronghold, it has been the north entrance of Jinxian. Striking: On the mountains with peaks rising one higher than another, the Great wall jumps its way up and down as a linkage between the cliff and crags. Since the mountain is sloppy, the steps are very high. In some sections, it looks like the wall is running straight up or down. When you look down, you will feel dizzy at the sight. Scenic: On Huangyaguan, you will be able to enjoy both mountain scenery and waterfalls and springs. Old: With a history of over 1400 years, the ancient walls first built in Beiqi, and reserved well until today. In Ming Dynasty, it was added with walls made of bricks. How to get there: There are tourist bus available every weekend at the Northeast Bus Station of Tianjin and there are also buses available from the Tianjin Railway Station, but fewer. Worth a visit for its water run-off controls, well-preserved Great Wall of China towers, challenging hiking and striking scenery.
Yangliuqing and Shi Family Residence (杨柳青; pinyin: Yángliǔqīng). It is a market town located in the western suburbs of the municipality of Tianjin. Despite its relatively small size, it has been named since 2006 in the "World famous historical and cultural market towns". It is best known in China for creating nianhua or Yangliuqing woodcuts. For more than 400 years, Yangliuqing has in effect specialized in the creation of these woodcuts for the New Year, using vivid color schemes to portray traditional scenes of children's games often interwoven with auspicious objects.
Dule Temple (独乐寺). The temple is of historical as well as architectural significance. Its oldest surviving buildings are two timber-frame structures, the front gate and the central hall (pavilion) that houses a colossal clay statue of the goddess Guanyin (Avalokiteśvara). Both structures date back to the Liao Dynasty and are among the oldest surviving wooden buildings in China.
Taku Fort. The first fort was built during the reign of the Ming Jiajing Emperor between 1522 and 1527. Its purpose was to protect Tianjin from attack by wokou sea raiders. Later, in 1816, the Qing government built the first two forts on both sides of the Haihe estuary in response to increased concerns about seaborne threats from the West. By 1841, in response to the First Opium War, the defensive system in Dagukou was reinforced into a system of five big forts, 13 earthen batteries, and 13 earthworks. In 1851, Imperial Commissioner Sengge Rinchen carried out a comprehensive renovation of the forts, building 6 large forts: two on the south of the estuary, called "Wēi" (威-Might) and "Zhèn"(震-Thunder, Tremor, Quake), three to the north, "Hǎi"(海-sea), "Mén"(门-gate) "Gāo" (高-high), and the sixth, the "Shitoufeng" (石头缝-Stone Seam) Fort, was built on a small ridge on the northern shore. Each fort had 3 large guns and 20 small caliber guns. Forts were constructed of wood, brick and an external curtain of two feet of concrete, the layering designed to avoid spalling and minimize artillery rounds' penetration. The forts were around 10 to 15m high, which located as they were in an exceedingly flat landscape, provided a critical vantage point.
Mount Pan (盘山; pinyin: Pán Shān). It is a mountain in Ji County, Tianjin Municipality, People's Republic of China. It is located 120 kilometers (75 mi) from Tianjin and 90 kilometers (56 mi) from Beijing. It has an area of 20 square kilometers and its highest peak is 858 meters above sea level.
Eight Immortals Mountain (八仙山).
Nine Dragon Mountain (九龙山).
Chaoyin Temple (潮音寺). The Chaoyin Temple was built in 1404 (Ming Dynasty). It used to be called Nanhaidasi Temple or Shuangshan Temple. It faces the Hai River Mouth at Dagu and is one of the few temples that faces east. It is the only cultural relics in the south of Tanggu District that opens to the outside world.
Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city (中新天津生态城; pinyin: Zhōng-Xīn Tiānjīn Shēngtài Chéng). The master plan of Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city was jointly developed by the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design, the Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute, and the Singapore planning team led by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore. The intention is for development to take place around a central core of conserved ecological wetlands and rehabilitated water bodies. The main center of the Eco-city will be located on the southern bank of a historical thousand-year-old river course, which has been planned for a variety of uses, including commercial, cultural and recreational ones.

What to do in Tianjin, China

There are a number of attractions of interest to the foreign travelers, in particular, the colonial architectures and streetscapes that are a vestige of Tianjin's legacy as a treaty port. The architecture is concentrated in three main areas: Wu Da Dao(五大道), Jiefang Road North(解放北路) and the Italian Town(意大利风情旅游区) located to the west of the train station. All of these areas are fairly compact and flat, lending themselves well to walking tours.

Have a Jiangzi, Jianbing Guozi and Lao Doufu breakfast in Dafulai
Spend a summer afternoon on the Race Course Road (Machang Dao)
Listen to an opera or comic Xiangsheng in New Guyi Street
Recall the celebrities teahouse on Xinhua Road
Interact with the common Tianjineses in Yanyue Teahouse
Listen a comic by Guodegang in Deyunshe
Taste the famous Kissling and its Brasserie
Feel a traditional large banquet of rich Tianjinese and see the rickshaw in Restaurant 1928
Go to the Chenggui Restaurant on a rainy evening
Have a seafood meal in Youpeng
Taste the old Tianjin in Red Flag Restaurant
Live in the history of the Astor Hotel
Expose yourself to the Hanging Garden of the Renaissance Hotel

What to eat and drink in Tianjin, China

Eat

Tianjin cuisine places a heavy focus on seafood, due to Tianjin's proximity to the sea. Prominent menus include the Eight Great Bowls (八大碗), a combination of eight mainly meat dishes. It can be further classified into several varieties, including the rough (粗), smooth (细), and high (高). The Four Great Stews (四大扒) actually refers to a very large number of stews, including chicken, duck, seafood, beef, and mutton.
Tianjin also has several famous snack items. Goubuli Baozi (狗不理包子) is a famous and traditional brand of Baozi (steamed stuffed bun) that is famous throughout China. Guifaxiang Mahua (桂发祥麻花) is a traditional brand of mahua (fried dough twist). Erduoyan Zhagao (耳朵眼炸糕) is a traditional brand of Zhagao, or fried rice cakes.
Tianjinese, don't leave without trying
The most famous restaurants in Tianjin include:

Goubuli (狗不理包子; Gǒubùlǐ Bāozi), 77 Shandong Rd, Heping District (和平区山东路77号; Hépíngqū Shāndōnglù), +86 22 2730-2540. Steamed buns restaurant also serving other dishes.
Guifaxiang Mahua, Limin Daokou, Dagu Nanlu 566, Hexi (河西区大沽南路566号利民道口).
Erduoyan Zhagao, Yuanyin Dao 24, Wangdingdi, Nankai (南开区王顶堤园荫道24号).

Other options include:

Xianfu Hui, Jinwan Plaza Building 3 Door A 1/F, Jiefang North Road 48, Heping District (和平区解放北路48号津湾广场3号楼A门1楼), +86 22 23219090.
Yimin Restaurant, Harbin Road 120, Heping District (和平区哈尔滨道120号), +86 22 27117218.
Biyuan Restaurant, within Tianjin Polytechnic University, Hedong District (河东区天津工业大学院内).
Huibin Restaurant, Wei Jin Road 219, Heping District (和平区卫津路219号).
Wei Ding Xuan, Drum Tower North Street 36, Chengxiang Middle Road, Nankai District (南开区城厢中路鼓楼北街36号), +86 22 27280123.
Yiguo Chu Restaurant, Xinhua Road 148, Heping District (和平区新华路148号).
Tianjinese Collection, Tian Wei Lu 22, Hebei District (河北区天纬路22号底商), +86 22 26223333.

Budget

Fu Baba, Street No.1 79 MSD-C1 District, near Xincheng Donglu, Binhai New Area (滨海新区第一大街79号MSD-C1区近新城东路).
Miao King's Kitchen, Ling Ao Shops 11, Binling Lu, Nankai District, opposite the Shuishang Primary School (Renai campus) (南开区凌宾路凌奥商铺11号, 水上小学仁爱校区对面).
Zhiwei Japanese Restaurant, Qiongzhou Road 52, Hexi District (河西区琼州道52号), +86 22 23890168.

Mid-range

Ding Tai Feng, Binshui Dao 18, Hexi District (河西区宾水道18号),+86 22 28138138.
Spicy Temptation, Isetan Department Store 8/F, New Town, Area C, Nanjing Road 108, Heping District (和平区南京路108号现代城C区伊势丹百货8楼), +86 22 27188585.
Sea fishing pot (Geely Tower), European Department Store 6/F, Geely Building, Nanjing Street 209, Heping District (和平区南京路209号吉利大厦米来欧百货6楼), +86 22 27212300.
Sea fishing pot (Geely Tower), Renren Le Shopping Plaza 3rd Floor, Xihu Dao 78, Nankai District (南开区西湖道78号人人乐购物广场3楼), +86 22 85685886.
Vista Qian City (Gulou), Drum Tower North Street 25, Nankai District (南开区鼓楼北街25号), +86 22 27255798.
Lucky Dumplings, Hedong Wanda Plaza 3/F, Jinbin Road 53, Hedong District (河东区津滨大道53号河东万达广场3楼).
Villa Dollar House, Chongqing Road 2, Heping District, junction with Hong Kong Road (和平区重庆道2号香港路口), +86 22 23138188.

Splurge

Yixiang Chun bamboo seafood (Long Serene Garden Hotel), Long Serene Garden 4th shophouse (ground floor), Xianyang Road, South Canal Road, Hongqiao District (红桥区南运河北路咸阳路龙悦花园第4底商), +86 22 27721888.
Li's Dish, Ao Cheng Hotel Apartment 17-18 Building 2/F, West Binshui Road, Nankai District (南开区宾水西道时代奥城酒店公寓17-18号楼2楼).
Cade Long Park, Binshui Dao 9 Annex 1, Hexi District, near Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (河西区宾水道9号增1号上海浦发银行旁), +86 22 88353635.
Sheraton Hotel, Zijinshan Rd, Hexi District, +86 22 2334-3388. Fine dining available at one of three top quality restaurants available onsite.
Bawarchi, 3/F Shanggu Business Complex West Building, 69 Tianta Rd, Nankai District, +86 22 2341-2786. Great Indian food, cooked in a traditional Indian tandoor clay oven by Indian chefs.

Drink

There are a number of expat bars catering to the visiting business community, most of which can be a little expensive so if you like something a bit more laid back and comfortable.
As far as clubs go, Tianjin is a big university city both for Chinese and foreign students so there are lots of places for dancing. The music policy tends to be mostly Western and Chinese dance, pop and hip hop/R&B, so if you have more alternative tastes in music the clubs are possibly not for you.

Le Procope Lounge, Chengde Road, Heping District, intersection with Shandong Road (和平区承德道山东路口), +86 22 27119858.
Bavaria Brauhaus, Liberty Avenue 41, Hebei District, near Yigong turntable of Italian Town (河北区自由道41号意式风情街一宫转盘旁), +86 22 24456112.
Babi Club, Qiongzhou Road 83, Hexi District, intersection with Taku South Road (河西区琼州道83号大沽南路口), +86 22 83816006.
Sitong Bar, (Somerset Olympic Tower B1 Floor, Chengdu Road 126, Heping District, intersection with Guizhou Lu (和平区成都道126号盛捷奥林匹克大厦B1楼贵州路口)), +86 22 23377177. Basement of Olympic Hotel, rather nice environment with good service.
Q Bar, Westin Hotel 2nd Floor, Nanjing Road 101, Heping District, intersection with Shanxi Road (和平区南京路101号威斯汀酒店2楼山西路口), +86 22 23890088.
Le-Nest, Qiongzhou Road 103, Hexi District, next to Hexi Stadium (河西区琼州道103号河西体育馆旁), +86 22 83816666.
China Blue, Raffles Hotel 49th Floor, Nanjing Road 219, Heping District, near Binjiang Dao (和平区南京路219号海航莱佛士酒店49楼近滨江道), +86 22 23215888-5293.
Berkley Bar, Chongqing Road 17, Heping District, near Hong Kong Road (和平区重庆道17号近香港路), +86 22 23130678.
83 Manor, Qiongzhou Road 83, Hexi District, Metro Line 1, Xiawafang Station, Exit C (河西区琼州道83号地铁1号线下瓦房站C出口), +86 22 23130678.
Mayflower, Meteorological Observatory Road 93, Nankai Road, near Purple Mountain Road (南开区气象台路93号近紫金山路), +86 22 58599898.
Venice Bar, Liberty Avenue 48, Italian Town, Hebei District, near Yigong Turntable (河北区新意街自由道48号一宫转盘附近), +86 22 87613413.
Barbie Bar, Tsuiheng Square, the Third Avenue 39, Binhai New Area, intersection with Xin Cheng Xi (滨海新区第三大街39号翠亨广场内新城西路口).
Hawthorn Club, Nanjing Road 349, Nankai District, opposite to Evening News Building (南开区南京路349号今晚报大厦斜对面), +86 22 23312888.
Alibaba, Nameless lane, Opposite Bengon's, Tongan Dao, Heping District (和平区同安道兵果士对面无名的小街; Hépíngqū Tóngāndào Bīngguǒshìduìmiàn Wúmíngdexiǎojiē). Good Western food, cheap beer, and table football. There is also a newly constructed Number 10 Downing Street themed private dining room for hire at the back. Also provides free internet access.
The Tavern, Joy Business Center, Bldg B, 3F, +86 22 23419696. More up-market and therefore slightly more pricey but a good place to hang out nonetheless. They have a good selection of draught beers and live music.
Rainbow Pub, 12 Yanhe Rd, Hexi District (河西区沿河路12号; Héīqū Yánhélù) (Near Sheraton). Very similar to pubs you might find in an English suburban town except the clientele are predominately Chinese. There is also a very kitsch Filipino band in residence here. Great fun and unpretentious. Has recently received some very poor reviews by expats in Tianjin.
New York Bar, Weijing Rd (Opposite Nankai Uni, 4F of the KFC). Was popular 2-3 years ago, but soon went down because of the DJ's who played there.
The Spot Café (The Spot Cafe), Heping District, Nanfu Fang Dajie (Across the street from Tian Yu Hotel on Diantai St), +86 22 27837104. 7:30 AM-midnight. An American owned coffee house providing coffees, teas, and pastries, as well as regular art and cultural events.
Hank's Sports Bar & Grill, No. 56, ShangGu Business Center, Nankai District (Intersection of TianTaNan Road & ShuiShangDong Road), 23417997. Noon till late evening. Steaks, pizza, hamburgers, cold beer & other drinks. A good family and foreigners' meeting place. Cable TV via Hong Kong and Slingbox from America. Is the only place in Tianjin that shows NFL football playoffs, and hosts a Super Bowl party.

Shopping in Tianjin, China

Tianjin has both modern shopping malls and distinctive traditional stores, for shopping delight. Binjiang Dao Business Street and Heping Lu Business Street are the busiest and most prosperous shopping centers in Tianjin. Most of the top shopping malls or department stores can be found on these two streets. Optionally, buy a good translator. Also, most restaurants have a picture menu where you can point and order. You could also learn the hand gestures for numbers that sellers and buyers occasionally use for negotiating. Always carry a pen and paper too.
There are other large shopping districts where only local people shop. You will be a novelty in those areas, but you do not need to be nervous. You will probably get some great deals because even the inflated tourist prices in Tianjin are half what they are in Beijing. Add in some friendly bargaining, and you will feel like the Champion Shopper of the World!

Binjiang Dao Business Street (滨江道), (Buses 3, 35, 45, 50, 503, 600, 606, 631, 632, 641, 643, 650, 657, 659, or metro line 1 to Yingkao Dao). The most famous shopping district. You'll find many big malls here with smaller Chinese stores as well as international brands like Zara, H&M, Nike, etc. There's a few other stores around Nanjing Road nearby, as well as a market behind the Xikai Church. The major shopping centers will all have food courts in the basement levels.
Quanye Chang (劝业场).
The Five Avenues (五大道).
Tianjin Old Town (老城厢).
Heping Lu Business District (和平路).
Little White Building (小白楼).
Binshui Dao (宾水道).
Weidi Dao (围堤道).
Nanshi, South Market (南市).
Baidi Lu (白堤路).
Haiguang Monastery (海光寺).
Tianjin Book Centre (图书大厦).
Wangdingdi (王顶堤).
Dazhi Gu (大直沽).
Ancient Cultural Street. Has a lot of souvenirs and trinkets, but you must know (or learn) how to bargain.

Tianjin is famous for the following products:

Tea. Buy from the best at the many authentic Chinese tea houses in Tianjin.
Ceramic Figurines. Tianjin is famous for its high-quality ceramics. These are a great souvenir to take home.
Shenyang Dao Antique Market. Biggest antique market in China, this is a place that is a must-see on any travelers list. Shenyang Dao Antique Market is filled with all kinds of shops selling porcelain items, paintings, gold, silver, copper, jade, etc.

Safety in Tianjin, China

Tianjin is known to be as safe as any city in China. Safety is really not a big issue in Tianjin.
Generally, you do not have to be too concerned about personal safety in China if you just follow the basics you would at home. Girls generally say they are happy to walk anywhere in the main city areas where there are lights. But if you come out of a night club drunk, you are an obvious target.
1) If you are going to a nightclub, it's best advised to avoid loud and anti-social behavior. Chinese really don't appreciate this sort of behavior. However, at places like Rainbow Bar, rowdy behavior from foreigners is more acceptable.
2) Unlike Beijing, many tourist places, museums, temples, and the Ancient Culture shopping areas close from 3-5 pm onwards.
3) There are several pedestrian bridge crossing but few tunnel crossings like Beijing. Many people cross at traffic lights or zebra crossings. But generally especially since the roads are wide and new due to recent construction, road crossing should be done with care.
4) Follow the locals but do not take unnecessary risks.
5) Make sure your cab driver turns on the meter. Many try to take a foreigner to their destination and overcharge them. If they do not turn it on either ask them to stop and get a new cab or refuse to pay at the end. Cheating Hotline: +86 22 23549000
6) Being a new train station, there is a bit of confusion when getting out of the Tianjin Station to your next connection. There is a taxi and bus hub. At the same time, there are many offering transport or day tours. It is illegal and it is better to wait until you find a travel agency or use the public bus or meter taxi to get to your next destination.

Language spoken in Tianjin, China

People from urban Tianjin speak Tianjin dialect, which comes under the Mandarin subdivision of spoken Chinese. Despite its proximity to Beijing, Tianjin dialect sounds quite different from Beijing dialect, which provides the basis for Putonghua, the official spoken language of the People's Republic of China.
English is widely spoken.

Tianjin, China

Tianjin, China

Tianjin, China

Climate

Tianjin, China: Port Information

Get around Tianjin, China

What to see in Tianjin, China

What to do in Tianjin, China

What to eat and drink in Tianjin, China

Eat

Drink

Shopping in Tianjin, China

Safety in Tianjin, China

Language spoken in Tianjin, China

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