Defining Tianjin is difficult. Its proximity to Beijing made Tianjin a refuge where diverse groups laid low in modern history. Traces remain in winding alleys, with over 1,000 distinct buildings comprising an architectural "museum."
Today, Tianjin is China's second largest commercial and industrial city, and northern hub for finance and trade. Major seaports and industrial bases drive growth. Tianjin has a proud personality, preserving folk arts, wit, and bold dialects over the centuries. This singular spirit allows Tianjin to thrive independently alongside Beijing.
Key districts:
Heping: Commercial center and attraction hub with the Porcelain House, Fifth Avenue, Xikai Catholic Church, Xiaobailou, etc.
Nankai: Cultural heart featuring the Ancient Culture Street, Water Park, Tianhou Palace, Zhou Enlai Memorial, etc.
Hexi: New business district with the Galaxy Mall, International Trade Center, Guoxin Building, etc.
Jixian County: Northern outskirts famous for fossils and mountain goods, centered on Chengguan Town.
Tianjin stands apart as a city of unique charm.
Tianjin Crosstalk Festival
The Baiyun Guan Temple Fair is famous for its bustling crowds and long duration. Many old Beijing customs are on display, like touching the stone monkeys and crossing the Fengqiao Bridge to toss coins for good luck. You'll also find traditional snacks, handicrafts, and exhibits of folk culture paintings.
Location: Baiyun Guan Temple
Time: From Lunar New Year's Day to the 19th day of the first lunar month
With impressive incense offerings and crowds, Baiyun Guan's extended temple fair offers a deep immersion into Beijing's living folk culture. Marvel at traditional arts and try tasty snacks as you take part in centuries-old traditions. By engaging in these unique local customs, you'll gain a better appreciation of historic Beijing.
Tianjin Beer Festival
The Baiyun Guan Temple Fair is famous for its bustling crowds and long duration. Many old Beijing customs are on display, like touching the stone monkeys and crossing the Fengqiao Bridge to toss coins for good luck. You'll also find traditional snacks, handicrafts, and exhibits of folk culture paintings.
Location: Baiyun Guan Temple
Time: From Lunar New Year's Day to the 19th day of the first lunar month
With impressive incense offerings and crowds, Baiyun Guan's extended temple fair offers a deep immersion into Beijing's living folk culture. Marvel at traditional arts and try tasty snacks as you take part in centuries-old traditions. By engaging in these unique local customs, you'll gain a better appreciation of historic Beijing.
Tianjin Rose Festival
The Baiyun Guan Temple Fair is famous for its bustling crowds and long duration. Many old Beijing customs are on display, like touching the stone monkeys and crossing the Fengqiao Bridge to toss coins for good luck. You'll also find traditional snacks, handicrafts, and exhibits of folk culture paintings.
Location: Baiyun Guan Temple
Time: From Lunar New Year's Day to the 19th day of the first lunar month
With impressive incense offerings and crowds, Baiyun Guan's extended temple fair offers a deep immersion into Beijing's living folk culture. Marvel at traditional arts and try tasty snacks as you take part in centuries-old traditions. By engaging in these unique local customs, you'll gain a better appreciation of historic Beijing.
Queen of Heaven Palace Royal Society
The Baiyun Guan Temple Fair is famous for its bustling crowds and long duration. Many old Beijing customs are on display, like touching the stone monkeys and crossing the Fengqiao Bridge to toss coins for good luck. You'll also find traditional snacks, handicrafts, and exhibits of folk culture paintings.
Location: Baiyun Guan Temple
Time: From Lunar New Year's Day to the 19th day of the first lunar month
With impressive incense offerings and crowds, Baiyun Guan's extended temple fair offers a deep immersion into Beijing's living folk culture. Marvel at traditional arts and try tasty snacks as you take part in centuries-old traditions. By engaging in these unique local customs, you'll gain a better appreciation of historic Beijing.
Sitting in Tianjin and Watching the Changes in the Sky
As dusk descends on Tianjin, head up into the sky aboard the world's only ferris wheel built on a bridge - the Tianjin Eye. Capture a breathtaking panorama of the city bathed in golden hour light. Watch the sun sink below the horizon, scattering the river and skyline with rosy hues. As the Eye slowly rotates higher, see Tianjin's lights flickering on one by one below. Gaze down at the Haihe River shimmering in the fading glow. Feel a thrill as darkness blankets the metropolis, yet it sparkles brightly with illumination. This stunning vantage point offers views of traditional Chinese-style architecture juxtaposed with glittering modern skyscrapers. Let your camera linger on remarkable landmarks like the Drum Tower and Five Main Avenues. Time your ride for dusk to experience the full transition from day to night. As sunset fades, the wheel rotation reveals Tianjin's gleaming nocturnal persona.
Living in the Story of Li Shunde
Step into living history at Tianjin's Li'shun De Hotel, one of the few still operating hotels to witness China's tumultuous 20th century. Founded in 1863 as China's first Western-style hotel, Li'shun De brims with legends. View Empress Dowager Cixi's portrait and former US President Herbert Hoover's documents. See the gramophone used by Puyi, China's last emperor, and the piano where the fictional Fourth Miss Jiao performed. Dr. Sun Yat-sen resided in a suite here, along with a golden Buddha gifted by the Panchen Lama. Revolutionary leaders like Huang Xing and Cai E secretly plotted to overthrow President Yuan Shikai within these very walls. Even after his abdication, Puyi frequently dined and relaxed at Li'shun De. Strolling the creaking wooden corridors and admiring the antique architectural details transports you back in time. Stay in this living relic to experience Tianjin's fascinating history first-hand.
Coincidentally encountering a large ship under the Liberation Bridge
Spanning the Haihe River, the imposing Liberation Bridge is one of Tianjin's most iconic landmarks. Originally built as a double-leaf bascule bridge, its deck could pivot open to allow ships to sail beneath while traffic crossed above. This engineering marvel once offered the spectacular scene of "ten thousand nations' ships passing under the bridge." Though no longer in regular operation, the bascule bridge still swings open on major holidays. Position yourself along the riverbank and have your camera ready if you're lucky enough to witness this rare event. Watch in awe as the colossal central span gracefully lifts and rotating towards the sky, revealing a stretch of water for waiting boats to cruise through. It's a glimpse into Tianjin's past as a bustling port city, when vessels from around the world could traverse its waterways. Don't miss your chance to capture the majestic Liberation Bridge in action and recreate an awe-inspiring view of Tianjin's history.
Change your gameplay and take a ride on the Haihe River
Looking for a fresh way to enjoy Tianjin's iconic Haihe River? Skip the standard sightseeing cruise and head out on the water in style by chartering a private yacht. Gather a group of friends or family and take to the river in your own luxurious vessel. Admire Tianjin's glittering skyline from the comfort of the open-air deck as you breeze along the famous waterway. Toast to spectacular city views with sparkling wine and gourmet bites prepared by your onboard chef. Capture Instagram-worthy moments of striking landmarks like the TV Tower and Five Main Avenues. As dusk falls, experience Tianjin lit up in dazzling fashion. With your private yacht, you can customize the cruise route and pace. Sail leisurely past historic sights then drop anchor to watch a stunning sunset. Cruising the Haihe River by luxury yacht lets you savor Tianjin's blend of old and new in first-class fashion.
Best Travel Time
The cultural attractions in Tianjin are mostly concentrated in the urban area and can be visited throughout the year. Spring and autumn have a mild climate, making them a great season to visit Tianjin. If it's summer to visit the seaside, you need to check the situation of the seaside in advance. Tianjin is also a city that produces seafood, and the prices are relatively cheap, making it suitable to visit when seafood comes down. When traveling in winter, pay attention to the rain, snow, and fog forecast on the highway, but don't worry because the train from Beijing to Tianjin runs every 30 minutes, which is safe and comfortable.Ships
Tianjin Port is China's largest man-made harbor, with passenger ships to Dalian (summer only), Yantai and other destinations. More routes operate in summer - check with the passenger terminal for winter schedules. The Tianjin-Dalian route resumed May 28, 2013.
There are also two international routes:
- Tianjin - Kobe, Japan: weekly service, Mondays
- Tianjin - Incheon, South Korea: weekly service, Thursdays and Saturdays
Tianjin Railway Ferry Ticket Office:
Longmen Building, Tianjin Binhai New Area
Tel: 022-24211527
To get there: Take bus No. 9 to Zheng Tong Building (former Tanggu District Government) stop.
With domestic routes along the Bohai Sea and international service to Japan and Korea, Tianjin Port is a hub for maritime travel from northern China. The terminal is conveniently accessed from downtown Tianjin aboard transit. Schedule flexibility varies seasonally, so confirm sailings in advance.