Tianjin

Tianjin, China's third-largest city, lies 120km southeast of Beijing. This major port city has a population of over 15 million and a history dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The city offers visitors a chance to walk through colonial-era mansions, taste local dumplings, and ride a Ferris wheel over the Hai River.

Wandering the Five Great Avenues

The Five Great Avenues area contains Tianjin's largest collection of early 20th century European-style buildings. Over 230 structures from former Italian, French, British and German concessions line the tree-lined streets. Walk past the former residence of the last emperor Puyi and grand banking institutions along Tianjin Financial Street.

Discovering Ancient Culture Street

Ancient Culture Street recreates the atmosphere of the Qing Dynasty with traditional Chinese architecture. Ornate archways and temples line the street, while shops sell handicrafts and antiques. Visit the nearby Tianhou Temple, built in 1326, which now houses a folk customs museum.

Tasting Tianjin's Culinary Specialties

Tianjin's cuisine emphasizes seafood due to its coastal location. Try the "Eight Great Bowls," a set of eight meat-based dishes that represent local flavors. Taste Goubuli baozi, steamed buns filled with pork and other savory ingredients. For quick snacks, look for street vendors selling fried dough twists (mahua) or candied hawthorn berries on sticks (tanghulu).

Navigating Tianjin's Public Transportation

Tianjin has a metro system with six lines covering major areas of the city. It's an efficient way to reach most attractions. The city also has a comprehensive bus network, though route information may be challenging to understand without Chinese language skills. For short trips, use shared bikes available through smartphone apps.

Understanding Tianjin's Climate

Tianjin experiences distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Winters are cold and dry, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) have milder temperatures, typically ranging from 10-25°C (50-77°F), making these seasons comfortable for outdoor exploration.

Viewing the City from Above

The Tianjin Eye, a 120-meter-tall Ferris wheel, sits atop a bridge spanning the Hai River. From the top, you can see the city and river spread out below. At night, the wheel's illumination creates reflections on the water. For a different perspective, visit the Binhai Cultural Center in the Binhai New Area. Here you'll find the Binhai Library, known for its white terraced bookshelves curving around a central sphere.