Tianjin

Tianjin (天津; Tiānjīn) is a major city in North China that neighbours the capital city of Beijing. In 2020, it was home to almost 14 million people. Tianjin is divided into the old city and the Binhai New Area. Binhai New Area is growing fast, with many international companies establishing branch offices. It is a base of China's advanced industry, financial reform, and innovation.

Understand

Tianjin is a metropolis in northern China and one of the five national central cities of the People's Republic of China. Tianjin borders Hebei Province and Beijing Municipality, bounded to the east by the Bohai Gulf portion of the Yellow Sea.

In terms of urban population, it is the sixth-largest city of the People's Republic of China. 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 era.

Tianjin's climate is similar to, though slightly warmer than, its neighbour Beijing. Overall it can be described as continental; winters are cold and dry, as nights below −10°C are not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid, with days reaching above the upper 30s °C 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.

History

Tianjin has been trading port since historic times and used to be called "Zhigu" (直沽), or "Straight Port". In 1404, the Yongle Emperor renamed the city Tianjin, meaning "the Heavenly Ford", to indicate that the Emperor forded the river at that point.

Due to its proximity to Beijing, Tianjin was involved significantly during the Opium Wars. Many concession areas in the city were run by the European powers as well as the United States and Japan, leaving many foreign architectural reminders of their rule, notably including churches and thousands of villas.

On August 12, 2015, Tianjin was rocked by a devastating series of chemical explosions at the Port of Tianjin in the Binhai New Area. 173 people died as a result with 797 receiving non-fatal injuries.

Get in

By plane

Tianjin Binhai International Airport (IATA: TSN), 39.13016°, 117.35427°. It is a second alternative to high-speed train, especially if wanting to reduce the added travel time and cost that comes associated with flying into Beijing -- about 120 km (75 miles) from Tianjin. The home base of Tianjin Airlines and the delightfully humble Okay Airways, domestic routes include most major Chinese cities. A few international routes are available, including destinations in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Mongolia.

Metro Line 2 connects the airport directly to Tianjin station, with a fare of just ¥3. There are also four Airport Shuttle Bus (dead link: December 2020) routes, and the most expensive price is ¥25. No change is given on the bus, so make sure you have exact change for the fare.

From Beijing Capital International Airport

China's main airport in Beijing is a good alternative for getting to Tianjin, especially for long-distance flights from Europe or the Americas. Ticket prices inside China may be lower as well, so this option is worth checking.

Take the Airport Express train into Beijing, the subway to Beijing South Station and the bullet train to Tianjin (see below). It takes at least 3½ hours.
There is a direct bus between Beijing Airport and Tianjin. It should take 2½ hours but is frequently late. The bus does not go to central Tianjin, but to a bus terminal a little outside. There is a metro station nearby (Anshanxidao, Line 6). From there you can have someone pick you up, or take a taxi.

By train

Tianjin Railway Station 📍, sometimes known locally as the 'East Station', is the main station in Tianjin.

It serves the bullet train to Beijing South train station. One-way tickets are ¥55 for Economy, ¥66 for Business, or ¥94 for VIP. The bullet train designation is a 'C' and takes about 33 minutes, traveling up to 300 km/h.

Metro Line 2 directly connects Tianjin Railway Station and Tianjin Airport.

There are shuttle buses between Tianjin railway station and Tianjin airport. A ticket costs ¥15 per trip. The bus stops about 200 m from the train station northern gate (back gate). When you get off the shuttle bus, walk along the pavement to reach the train station.

By taxi, the fare from Tianjin railway station to Tianjin airport is about ¥50-65. Use the official taxi stand (just follow the signage)- it is advised not to use any of the touts that offer taxi services.

If leaving the station by taxi, be prepared for a production-line approach to getting the punters into taxis. Marshals keep the queue moving so have baggage ready to stow and a destination in mind or possibly be forced to go to the back of the line and wait your turn again.

Tianjin South Railway Station 📍 serves as an intermediate station for bullet trains between Beijing South and Shanghai Hongqiao. It is far from the city center, but Metro Line 3 connects the station to the city center. Taxis here are mostly of the illegal variety, so plan accordingly.

Tianjin West Station 📍 is the terminus for trains between Tianjin West and Shanghai Hongqiao. It can be reached by Metro Line 1 and 6.

Binhai Station (formerly Yujiapu) is in the middle of the new financial district in the Binhai New Area, and just a few kilometers from the Binhai Library.

Tanggu Station serves the seaside district of the same name.

The inter-city trains between Beijing and Tianjin have a number range between C2001 and C2298:

C2001—C2198: From Beijing South Station to Tianjin, non-stop. C2201—C2268: From Beijing South Station to Tianjin, with stops at Wuqing Station (武清站) or Yizhuang Station (亦庄站); C2271—C2298: From Beijing South Station to Tanggu Station of Tianjin.

By car

Some spots in Tianjin, including roads and bridges, have names from Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Three Principles of the People (for example, Minquan Gate on Zhonghuan Road). Names harkening back to the era of the Republic of China on the mainland also appear (e.g. Beiyang Road). Many roads in Tianjin are named after a Chinese province or city. Also, Tianjin is unlike Beijing, in that very few roads run parallel to the major four compass directions.

Tianjin has three ring roads. Unlike Beijing, the Inner and Middle Ring Roads are not closed, traffic-controlled roadways and some often have traffic light intersections. The Outer Ring Road is the closest thing to a highway-level ring road, although traffic is often chaotic and sometimes more than chaotic.

By bus

Tianjin is well connected with other cities via bus. The price from Beijing is about ¥30.

There are also two school bus lines linking Nankai and Tianjin Universities and Tsinghua University. They depart daily at 15:45 and 16:45 from Tsinghua's North-West Gate.

By boat

Tianjin is connected by passenger boat to Dalian and Incheon, South Korea.

Get around

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 its public transportation. Within the city, traveling on a bus line that is less than 12 km (7 km) will cost ¥1.5, while ¥1 will cover a journey on any line over 12 k, even if you travel less than 12 km (7 mi) but on a line that is over this distance, the cost is still ¥1. It's well worth your time to look up popular bus routes. Buses are comfortable and clean.

A light-rail line runs between Tianjin Railway Station to the seaside area Donghailu in TEDA.

By taxi

Taxis are abundant. The minimum cost for 3 km is ¥8, (¥1.7 per km thereafter). Taxis also charge for the time while the vehicle is stationary at ¥1.7 for every five minutes (cost is exempt for less than five minutes). Avoid taxis from near the railway station. See note in the Get in-By train section above about how to avoid train station taxis. 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. The drivers are happy to wait, and the cost for two hours would be less than ¥100.

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 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.

By metro

The municipality consists of two rapid transit systems, Tianjin Metro and Binhai Mass Transit. They are being expanded from five to nine lines. Five lines are operating in the City and the Binhai area.

As of 2018, the network of Tianjin Metro and Binhai Mass Transit has 152 stations and 6 lines.

See

Landmarks

Tianjin Drum Tower (天津鼓楼; Tiānjīn Gǔlóu), Gulou East St, Nankai District (南开区鼓楼东街; Nánkāiqū Gǔlóudōngjiē) (about 500 meters north of Gulou Metro Station on Line 2; buses 161, 168, 169, 180, 184, 588, 635, 657, 658, 855, 863, and 865 will get you within 200 meters), 39.14059°, 117.17472°, +86 22 27288815. 09:00-16:30, no entry after 16:00. The tower was originally built in the Ming Dynasty, but was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. It was rebuilt in 2001 and now actually houses a bell and not drums. The tower is home to varying exhibitions. General admission is free. A fee of ¥10 is charged for special exhibitions
Tianjin Eye (天津眼 (tiānjīnyǎn) or Yongle Bridge ferris wheel), Yongle Bridge, Sanchahekou, Hebei District (河北区三岔河口永乐桥上) (about 2 km east of Tianjin West Railway Station; take bus nos. 904 or 910 from the station and get off at Yongle Bridge (永乐桥); some other buses that stop near the Tianjin Eye include the Xiaojingwei Tour Bus (小精卫游览线), Sightseeing Bus #1 (观光1路), the 516 city route (516路市区线), the 652 north route (652路北线) and bus nos. 849 and 954), 39.153364°, 117.180262°, +86 22 26288830. Tu-Su 09:30-21:30, M 18:00-21:30. The world's second largest Ferris wheel and the only Ferris wheel built on a bridge in the world. The Tianjin Eye has a diameter of 110 m and 48 transparent gondolas with 360º views. Ideal for seeing the surrounding scenery at a glance. One round requires 28 minutes. On the highest point, it is possible to see the scenery within a radius of 40 km. Adults ¥70, children under 1.2 meters ¥35, couple VIP ¥899 (2 persons within a separate gondola, can avoid queuing), Family VIP ¥799 (six persons or less)
Tianjin Radio & TV Tower (天津广播电视塔 Tiānjīn Guǎngbōdiànshìtǎ, 天塔 Tiāntǎ; Tianjin Tower), 1 Weijin South Rd, Hexi District (河西区卫津南路1号) (take a metro train to Tianta Station on Line 3), 39.091915°, 117.175346°, +86 22 23343557, +86 22 23343553. Nov-Apr: 08:30-21:30, May-Oct: 08:00-22:00. The eighth tallest freestanding tower in the world. But this one might be one of the most spectacular as it is surrounded by water. ¥45 (observation deck only), ¥100 (observation deck plus library, art displays, VR experience and more)

Religious sites

Dabei Monastery (大悲禅院; Dàbēi Chǎnyuàn; lit. Great Compassion Temple), 40 Tianwei Road, Hebei District (河北区天纬路40号; Héběiqū Tiānwěilù (less than 200 m from the Tianjin Eye; about 2 km southwest of Tianjin North Railway Station and about 2.5 km east of Tianjin West Railway Station; take buses 1, 12, 18, 34, 324, 469, 609, 610, 611, 619, 632, 641, 646, 659, 670, 671, 702, 818, 849, 861, 878, 904 or 954 to Jingangqiao bus stop (金钢桥; Jīngāngqiáo) on Zhongshan Rd (中山路; Zhōngshānlù) and walk NW down Tianwei Rd; see also the directions for the Tianjin Eye above), 39.154190°, 117.184072°, +86 22 26261769. Tu-Su 09:00-16:30, closed M. This Buddhist monastery was built in the Ming Dynasty, but has been heavily rebuilt and renovated since and now consists 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 the Tianjin Buddhist Institute and exhibits many ancient statues. The old West monastery consists of three great halls in the west yard. Construction of the old monastery started at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, and it was renovated in the eighth ruling year of Kangxi Emperor in the Qing Dynasty. The east yard features in the new monastery. The statue of Sakyamuni oblated in the Daxiong Palace from the east yard was created in the Ming Dynasty. The Sakyamuni Statue is 7 meters high, weighs 6 tons, and has 9,999 small Buddhas carved on the lotus throne. Inside the Great Compassion hall, a 3.6-meter-high mud statue of Thousand-hand Kwan-yin is oblate. The monastery was once famous for holding a skull relic of Xuanzang, but it was taken to Nalanda - allegedly by the Dalai Lama - and presented to India in 1956. The relic is now in the Patna museum. Since then, the 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 is an office for the 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 the Wei and Jin periods, including hundreds of Buddha statues made of various materials, from bronze, iron, and stone to wood. Vegetarian food: Dabei Great Monastery is the only monastery in Tianjin providing vegetarian food, which is good news for vegetarian visitors. Food made by the famous Tianjin Dabei Buddhist Monastery Vegetarian Food Corporation is served in the monastery. It includes Longevity Perch present basket, soybean vegetarian, multi-vitamins-calcium noodles, deepfreeze eight precious vegetarian steamed-buns and vegetarian dumplings, etc. ¥5
Tianjin Confucian Temple (天津文庙, 天津文庙博物馆 Tianjin Confucian Temple Museum), 2 Dongmennei St, Dongma Rd, Nankai District (南开区东马路东门内大街2号; Nánkāi Qū Dōngmǎ Lù Dōngménnèi Dàjiē) (a few hundred meters north of Dongnanjiao Metro Station on Line 2; a short distance west of Ancient Culture Street), 39.141231°, 117.183023°, +86 22 27272978, +86 22 27275017. Tu-Su 09:00-16:30, no entry after 16:00, closed M. Early Qing Dynasty temple with a hall to honour Confucius and other halls for prayers. ¥30
Tianjin Grand Mosque (天津清真大寺; Tiānjīn Qīngzhēndàsì), Xiaohuo Lane, Dafeng Road, Hongqiao District (红桥区红桥区大丰路小伙巷; Hóngqiáoqū Dàfēnglù Xiǎohuǒxiàng) (close to the Ancient Cultural Street; a short distance north of Xibeijiao Metro Station (西北角; Xīběijiǎo) on Line 1), 39.14790°, 117.16487°. 08:00-17:00. Built in 1644 and constructed with wood in traditional Chinese style. The mosque is still in use by the Tianjin Muslim community. Access for tourists and non-Muslims to the interior is restricted. The mosque should not be confused with the more modern Hongqiao Mosque that lies just a little further up the road. Free
Xikai Church (西开教堂, 西开天主教堂; Xīkāitiānzhǔjiàotáng; Xikai Catholic Church, St. Joseph Cathedral), 9 Xining Road, Heping District (和平区西宁道9号) (about 300 meters west of Yingkoudao Metro Station at the intersection of Lines 1 and 3), +86 22 27813325, +86 22 27811929. 08:30-16:00. Built in 1916 by French Jesuits. Free

Treaty port architecture

Colonial architectures and streetscapes that are a vestige of Tianjin's legacy as a treaty port. The architecture is concentrated in three main areas: the Five Avenues (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 (see the previous section). All of these areas are fairly compact and flat, lending themselves well to walking tours.

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. Colourful 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, 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 rich area among the affluent cities in modern China.
- Machang Dao. Lined with large English style homes, another cultural street in Tianjin.
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 panelling and stained glass. Also on the street is the 'Chinese Museuum of Finance' which is home to several interesting financial artifacts, including the only share certificate in existence featuring a picture of Mao Zedong.
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 the 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 Marco 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 aperitives, 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

Traditional architecture

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), 39.14212°, 117.18674°. Open throughout the day, extended opening hours on holidays or major events. 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). Tin Hau (Matsu Temple) located in the centre 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 craftmen.
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). Ancient cultural street full of cheap and tasty cafes. The street is named after the Tianjin Drum Tower, which divides the street into east and west sections. Other notable buildings include the Guangdong Guild Hall (home to the Tianjin Opera Museum) and the Xu Family Grand Courtyard (home to the Tianjin Old City Museum).

Parks and nature

People's Park (人民公园), 29 Huizhou Avenue, Hexi District (河西区徽州道29号) (a short distance west of Xiawafang Metro Station at the intersections of Lines 1 and 5), 39.104172°, 117.211838°, +86 22 23240371. 05:00-23:00. One of the oldest parks in Tianjin. It was originally established in 1863 as a private garden and handed over to the state in 1951. Free 2021-08-15
Tianjin Water Park (天津水上公园), 33 Shuishanggongyuan North Road, Nankai District (南开区水上公园北路33号) (near Zhoudengjinianguan Metro Station on Line 3), +86 22 23662596, +86 22 23916111, +86 22 23106033. 06:30-22:00, no entry after 21:30. Tianjin's largest urban park. It consists of three lakes and eleven islands. Surrounding the lakes are gardens and pavilions representing different architectural styles. General entry is free 2021-08-14
Tianjin Zoo (天津动物园), 68 (South) Shuishanggongyuan West Road, Nankai District (南开区水上公园西路68号南） (on the south side of Tianjin Water Park; take a metro train to either Nancuiping Station or Shuishanggongyuandonglu Station - both stations are on Line 6), +86 22 23916111. Mar 15 - Oct 15: 08:30-18:00, Oct 16 - Mar 14: 08:30-17:00, no entry in last 60 minutes. First opened in 1980, the zoo has around 3000 animals from 200 different species. ¥30 2021-08-14

Museums and historical sites

China House Museum (中国瓷房子博物馆, 瓷房子, China Porcelain House), 72 Chifeng Road, Heping District (和平区赤峰道72号) (about 400 m southwest of Hepinglu Metro Station on Line 3), 39.12379°, 117.19597°, +86 22 27123366. Apr-Oct: 09:00-19:00, Nov-Mar: 09:00-18:30, no tickets sold in last 30 minutes. 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 ancient 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. Built as a 100-year-old French style villa, the residence is a five-storied building with a total area of 3,000 square meters. Porcelain used to decorate the house can date back to the Han Dynasty. Visitors can almost find every type of chinaware from the house, which perfectly 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 the Republic of China and the late Qing Dynasty. ¥50
Former Residence of Zhang Ailing (张爱玲旧居), 83 Chifeng Road, Heping District (和平区赤峰道83号) (about 500 meters southwest of Hepinglu Metro Station on Line 3; close to the Former Residence of Zhang Xueliang), 39.122359°, 117.195456°. Early modern Chinese writer whose stories have been adapted into films such as Ang Li's "Lust, Caution". Zhang Ailing lived here for a very brief time during her early childhood years. The building is now a cafe.
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 70 hào) (take bus#8, 606, 631, 632, or 800 to Anshan Road; you can also Tianjin Tourist Bus #1 (津游1线) or take Subway line 1 to Anshandao Station), 39.122408°, 117.182586°, +86 22 27311618, +86 22 27317393, jingyuan@thard.com. 09:00-17:30, no entry after 17:00. Jingyuan Garden with a history of 80 years is a famous residence combined both Chinese and European architectural styles. It is now one of the important heritage sites under the city's protection. 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 style building. 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 architectural styles, such as Japanese and Spanish. The structure and material of the gates are of typical Japanese style, simple and plain, while the low pitched roof and the detailed decoration are of obvious Spanish architectural style. The garden is now displayed following its original arrangements of furniture and adornments. And there are also exhibits of some documents and photos related to the daily life and political life of Pu Yi, the last emperor. ¥20
Jingwumen Chinese Martial Arts Park (精武门·中华武林园, 霍元甲纪念馆; Huò yuánjiǎ jìniànguǎn, Huo Yuanjia Memorial), Xiaonanhe Village, Jingwu Town, Xiqing District (西青区精武镇小南河村) (at the intersection of Tuanbo Avenue and Ronghua Avenue (团泊大道与荣华道交汇处); take bus# 162, 365, 589 or the 667 outer circle route (667路外环); you can catch bus# 589 from Tianjin South Railway Station; bus# 162 may be caught from the Daxuecheng Metro Station on Line 3), 39.028021°, 117.128463°, +86 22 87841118. 08:30-17:00, no tickets sold after 16:30. A large museum devoted to 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. Also surrounding the museum and residence is where you can find a professional wushu/kung fu school. ¥60
Memorial Hall of Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao (周恩来邓颖超纪念馆; Zhōu'ēnlái dèngyǐngchāo jìniànguǎn), 9 Shuishang Gongyuan West Road, Nankai District (南开区水上公园西路9号) (take a metro train to the station of the same name on Line 3), 39.09362°, 117.15839°, +86 22 23592257, +86 22 81110903, zhoudeng1@mzhoudeng.com. 09:00-16:30, no entrance allowed after 16:00; closed on Mondays. Dedicated to the late Chinese premier Zhou Enlai (1898-1976) and his wife Deng Yingchao (1904-1992), both of whom are widely celebrated in China for their contribution to the socialist revolution. The memorial hall has an extensive collection of photographs and artefacts pertaining to the lives of the two individuals. Some notable artefacts include the printing press used to print the Tientsin Student newspaper during the May Fourth Movement, an aircraft donated to Zhou Enlai by the Soviet Union, Zhou Enlai's car and the urn that once contained both Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao's ashes. As of 2021, visitors are required to make a booking on WeChat before visiting (see website for QR code). General entry is free but there is a ¥10 fee to view Zhou Enlai's plane
Tianjin Art Museum (天津美术馆), 60 Pingjiang Avenue, Hexi District (河西区平江道60号) (opposite the east side of the Tianjin Museum; about 900 m south of Wenhuazhongxin Metro Station on Lines 5 and 6), 39.084074°, 117.207210°, +86 22 83883300. Tu-Su 09:00-16:30, no entry after 16:00, closed M (public holidays excepted). Visitors are expected to make a booking before visiting the museum. Bookings can be made on WeChat (see here for QQ code). Free
Tianjin Museum (天津博物馆), 62 Pingjiang Road, Hexi District (河西区平江道62号) (about 700 m south of Wenhuazhongxin Metro Station on Lines 5 and 6), 39.0841°, 117.20544°, +86 22 83883000. Tu-Su 09:00-16:30, 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. With fluent and concise exterior line, it is full of modernity and artistic quality. All of these make it characteristic and imaginative. It possesses cultural relics of almost 200,000 items, including calligraphy, painting, bronze, ceramics, jade article, stamp of ruler’s seal, carapace bone, coin, historical document, relics of modern times, folk craftwork and so on. Among them, there are nearly 1000 grade one cultural relics of the state. Appointments to visit the museum can be made on the museum's WeChat account (see website for QR code). Free
Tianjin Natural History Museum (天津自然博物馆, 天津自然历史博物馆), 31 Youyi Road, Hexi District (河西区友谊路31号) (opposite the west siide of the Tianjin Museum; about 600 meters south of Wenhuazhongxin Metro Station on Lines 5 and 6), 39.08423°, 117.20275°, +86 22 23347988, ctjnhm1914@163.com. Tu-Su 09:00-16:30, no entry after 16:00, closed on Mondays. Since 2020 all visitors have been required to make an appointment before visiting the museum. Visitor numbers are capped at 4500 on ordinary days and 7500 on public holidays. Appointments can be made on the museum's website (which is in Chinese only) and also on the museum's WeChat account (see website for QR code). Free
Tianjin Opera Museum (天津戏剧博物馆), 257 Dongmenli Street, Nankai District (南开区东门里大街257号) (next to the Drum Tower; 450 meters north of Gulou Metro Station on Line 2), 39.139923°, 117.175401°, +86 22 27273443, +86 22 27356475. As of July 2021, the museum is closed for repairs; it's expected to reopen in the second half of 2021. The museum is housed inside the Guangdong Guild Hall (广东会馆), a well-preserved historical building dating from the late Qing Dynasty that was originally used as a meeting place for merchants from Guangdong Province. The guild hall has a colorful history. Sun Yat-Sen gave a speech here in 1912. During the May 4th Movement of 1919, political activiists, including Deng Yingchao, gathered here to talk and hold performances. In 1925, the site became the office of the Tianjin Federation of Trade Unions. During the Japanese occupation, it was used as training center for police constables. Following the establishment of the PRC, it was converted into a school. It was finally turned into a museum in 1986.
Tianjin Science and Technology Museum (天津科技馆, 天津科学技术馆), 94 Longchang Road, Hexi District (河西区隆昌路94号) (about 600 meters west of Jianshanlu Metro Station (Line 6) and about 600 meters south of Leyuandao Metro Station (also on Line 6)), 39.08633°, 117.21204°, +86 22 28320315. W-Su 09:00-16:30, closed M Tu (public holidays excepted). Visitors are advised to make an appointment before visiting the museum, but it's possible to visit without a prior appointment as long as the daily limit on the number of visitors has not been exceeded. General entry is free. Admission to the planetarium is ¥20. English guides are available for ¥50 (assuming a group size of 20 or more people)

Further away

Binhai New Area

Binhai New Area Museum (滨海新区博物馆), 1/988 Zhongxin Road, Binhai New Area (滨海新区中心路988号附1号) (at the southern end of Hebin Park; about 2km south of Tanggu Railway Station and 3 km south of Tanggu Metro Station (Line 9); take bus 102, 104, 105 or 459 from the railway station or bus 109 from the metro station), 39.00990282324397°, 117.64184863812699°, +86 22 25862720 ext 607. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00, no entry in last 15 minutes, closed on Mondays. A local area museum focused mainly on the history and culture of Binhai New Area, including the historic port of Tanggu. The museum was previously known as Tanggu Museum (塘沽博物馆). Free 2021-08-15
Chaoyin temple (潮音寺), No. 1 Chaoyinsi Road, Binhai New Area (滨海新区潮音寺路增1号) (take bus 110 from Tanggu Railway Station or bus 822 from either Tanggu Railway Station or Binhai Railway Station; other buses that stop near the temple include buses 617 and 627), 38.987467172639505°, 117.66533874520077°, +86 22 65265740. 08:00-16:00. The Chaoyin Temple was built on 1404 (during the Ming Dynasty). It used to be called Nanhaidasi Temple or Shuangshan Temple. It faces the Hai River mouth at Dagu and is one the few temples that faces east. It is the only cultural relics in the south of the former Tanggu District that is open to the outside world. Free
Dagukou Forts (大沽口炮台, 大沽堡, Taku Forts), No. 1 Paotai Road, Tanggu East, Binhai New Area (滨海新区塘沽东炮台路1号) (take Tourist Bus 1 (旅游专线1路) from Binhai Railway Station or Shiminguangchang Metro Station (Line 9); the bus departs Binhai Railway Station at 08:00, 09:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 15:30; return buses depart at 09:00, 10:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 16:35), 38.976220°, 117.703825°, +86 22 25232288 (bookings), +86 22 25232806, +86 22 25233258 (emergencies), dagukoupaotai@163.com. Tu-Su 09:00-16:30, no entry after 16:00, closed on Mondays. A series of coastal forts that date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The forts played a major role in both the Second Opium War and.the Boxer Rebellion. Following the Boxer Rebellion, the forts were lagely dismantled. One fort - known as the Wei Fort - has been restored, though it doesn't look the same as it would have looked in the 19th century. Perhaps of greater interest is the Dagukou Fort Ruins Museum, which tells the history of the fort and has a sizeable collection of old cannons and other artefacts recovered from the ruins. ¥25
National Maritime Museum of China (国家海洋博物馆), 337 Haixuan Road, Sino-Singapore Eco-City, Binhai New Area (滨海新区中新生态城海轩道377号) (take a metro train to Donghai Rd Station on Line 8, then take Tourist Bus #2), 39.105099°, 117.78934°, +86 22 67185138, +86 22 67185139. Tu-F 09:00-17:00, Sa Su 09:00-18:00, public holidays 09:00-19:00, no entry in last 30 minutes, closed on Mondays. Visitors are expected to make an appointment before visiting the museum. You can make an appointment on the Chinese version of the website or on the museum's WeChat account (the WeChat account name is '国家海洋博物馆'; see website for QR code). Free 2021-07-17
Tianjin Binhai Library (滨海新区图书馆), 347 Xusheng Road, Binhai New Area (滨海新区旭升路347号) (take a metro train to Shiminguangchang Station on Line 9, the library is about 1.7 km west of the station), 39.016°, 117.68117°, +86 22 65545678, bhxqtsg@126.com. Tu-Su 09:30-20:00 (only the first three floors are open from 18:00 to 20:00), Mon 14:00-20:00. Part of the Binhai Cultural Center, it's a futuristic-looking five-level library. Free 2018-01-31
Tianjin Haichang Polar Ocean World (天津海昌极地海洋世界; Tiānjīn Hǎichāng Jídì Hǎiyáng Shìjiè), No. 61 Xiangluowan Business District, Binhai New Area (滨海新区响螺湾中心商务区61号; Tiānjīn Bīnhǎi Xīn Qū Xiǎngluówān Zhōngxin Shāngwù Qū 61 Hào) (catch bus no. 940 from Binhai Railway Station; alternatively take bus no. 110 from Tanggu Metro Station on Line 9), 39.00878°, 117.65581°, +86 22 66227777. 09:00-16:30 (slack season), 09:00-17:00 (normal season), 09:00-17:30 (peak season). A large building where you can see a wide variety of fish and mammals from 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. ¥245 (adults), ¥160 (children between 1 and 1.4 meters in height); tickets are valid for two entries

Jizhou District

Baxianshan National Nature Reserve (八仙山国家级自然保护区, Eight Immortals Mountains National Nature Reserve), Xiaogang Village North, Xiaying Town, Jizhou District (蓟州区下营镇小港村北) (get a long-distance bus to Jizhou Bus Station, then catch bus no. 291 and get off at the Xiaogang Village Entrance (小港村口); after alighting from the bus, you will need to either get a motorized pedicab or walk 3.5 km north to get to the entrance of the nature reserve; the last bus back to Jizhou Bus Station departs at 15:00 from the nearby Limutai Scenic Area), 40.192395°, 117.551392°, +86 22 22711033 (enquiries), +86 22 22711340 (ticket sales and complaints), tjbxs168@163.com. As of August 2021, the nature reserve is temporarily closed due to geological disturbances; normal opening hours are 08:00-17:00. The nature reserve takes it name from the Baxianshan Mountains, a mountain range consisting of 19 peaks. The highest peak is Juxian Peak (聚仙峰), which stands 1052 meters above sea level, making it the second highest land formation in Tianjin. ¥45 (entrance ticket), sightseeing vehicle (¥50)
Dule Temple (独乐寺), 41 Wuding Street, Jizhou District (蓟州区武定街41号) (take bus nos. 530, 535, 536, Jizhou 25, Jizhou 3, Jizhou 9, or Tourist Bus 11 - most of these buses can be caught from the Jizhou Bus Station), +86 22 29142904, +86 22 29142907. 08:00-18:00 (May-Oct), 08:00-17:00 (Nov-Apr). The Dule Temple is one of the best preserved ancient Buddhist temples in China and a major tourist attraction in Jizhou District. It was originally established during the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in the year 984 AD duing the Liao Dynasty. It consists of two wooden buildings: the gate building known as Shanmen (山门) and the Guanyin Pavilion (观音阁), which contains a 16-meter-high statue of Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion. ¥33 to visit the Dule Temple only; ¥50 for a combo ticket including not only the Dule Temple, but also the Jizhou Confucian Temple, the Luban Temple and the White Pagoda Temple
Huangya Pass (黄崖关长城 (huángyáguānchángchéng)), Huangyaguan Village, Xiaying Town, Jizhou District (蓟州区下营镇黄崖关村) (the easiest way to get here from downtown Tianjin is take a direct bus to Huangyaguan Village from Tongsha Bus Station (located near Tianjin Railway Station) - there are four buses per day taking about 2.5 hours and costing ¥48 per passenger; if you're already in Jizhou District, take bus no. 3), 40.248373°, 117.441951°, +86 22 22718106, hygcc@163.com. 08:00-17:00. Huangya, means "yellow cliff". The pass on the Great Wall of China takes this name from the yellowish hills and rocks nearby. Originally built in 557 AD, the Huangya Pass was repaired for the first time in the Ming Dynasty with bricks and for the second time in 1985. In 1986 it was listed as a key heritage protection site of Tianjin City. Now it is also a patriotic education and national defense education base of Tianjin. Besides, since 1999, there have been special tourism activities held here such as the-International Field Marathon. With various forms of water towers along the walls, and the "PhoenixTower" - the largest tower of the Great Wall and the most unique "Baguaguan Castle", Huangya Pass is like a library of the Great Wall. 3025m of the Huangya Pass section of the Great Wall have been restored along with 20 water towers and a water pass. This section has several features: Strong: With its walls and towers built on a mountain ridge with an average altitude of 738m, the Huangya Pass is really overwhelming. To the east there is the cliff, and in the west, there are crags. It winds its way across mountains like a dragon. Thrilling: 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 the crags. Since the mountains are steep, 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. Beautiful: On Huangya Pass, you will be able to enjoy both mountain scenery and waterfalls and springs. Ancient: The ancient walls were first built 1400 years ago and are well preserved well today. Overall ,worth a visit for its water run-off controls, well-preserved towers, challenging hiking and striking scenery. ¥85
Jiulongshan National Forest Park (九龙山国家森林公园, Nine Dragons Mountains National Forest Park), Xiangyu Village North, Chuanfangyu Town, Jizhou District (蓟州区穿芳峪镇果香峪村北) (take a train to Jiuzhou North Railway Station or a bus to Jizhou Bus Station; then catch the Cheshenjia Tourist Bus (车神架旅游专线) and get off at the Jiulongshan National Forest Park bus stop; it's a 2.5 km walk from the bus stop to the ticket office), 40.147287°, 117.504308°, +86 22 29742069, jlsfpark@163.com. 08:00-17:00. A sprawling national park centered around the Jiulongshan Mountains. Notable sights within the park include Baozang Temple, Shangxin Pavilion, Longquan Cave, Huanghua Ridge (the highest peak in the park) and Wanglong Peak (the second highest peak). ¥40 (entry ticket), ¥50 (tour guide), ¥5 (parking fee); adults over 70 and children under 1.2 meters can enter the park for free

Culture

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.

Tianjin is a respected home base of Beijing opera, one of the most prestigious forms of Chinese opera.

Tianjin is famous for its Xiangsheng (相声) stand-up comic crosstalk and comedians including Guo Degang and Ma Sanli. Ma Sanli (马三立) (1914–2003), an ethnic Hui and longtime resident of Tianjin, is renowned for his xiangsheng, a hugely popular form of Chinese entertainment similar to comedy. Ma Sanli delivered some of his xiangsheng in the Tianjin dialect. Tianjin, along with Beijing, is a center for the art of xiangsheng.

Yangliuqing (Green Willows), a town about 15 km west of Tianjin's urban area and the seat of Tianjin's Xiqing District, is famous for its popular Chinese New Year-themed, traditional-style, Yangliuqing colourful wash paintings (杨柳青年画). Tianjin is also famous for Zhang's clay figurines (泥人张) which are a type of colourful figurine depicting a variety of vivid characters, and Tianjin's Wei's kites (风筝魏), which can be folded to a fraction of their full sizes, are noted for portability.

Worship

Tianjin has a Buddhist Temple of Great Compassion, a Catholic St. Joseph's Cathedral (Laoxikai Church), a Catholic Our Lady of Victory Church (Wanghailou Church), a Tianjin Jewish Synagoge and a Roman Catholic Diocese of Tianjin.

Do

Fanta Wild Adventure (方特欢乐世界), No.4888, Zhongsheng Ave, Binhai District 天津市滨海新区中新生态城中生大道4888号 (Bus No.462, 528, 128, 932. Or take Fanta express bus at Lightrail Donghai Station.). 09:00-17:30 for weekday, closes at 18 for weekends and holidays. In case your kids want to go to a theme park. ¥200 for adult, ¥150 for kids between 120 - 150 cm
Panshan Ski Area (盘山滑雪场), Jizhou District. A dilapidated ski park for beginners to experience snow sports for the first or second time.There are several bunny hills strewn with the bodies of fallen beginners slow to pick themselves up, posing serious collision hazards. Entrance and ski equipment rental costs only RMB 5. If you need clothing, gloves goggles, helmet, or an instructor, rental costs will be charged and deducted from the RMB 200 entrance deposit. Snowboard rental costs RMB 50. Located in the outer lying north of Tianjin and about 2 hours from Beijing. RMB 5 minimum 2019-01-31
Haihe River (海河), +86 22 27059678 (Haihe Cruise). The Haihe River is one of the great rivers of northern China. North Canal, the Yongding River, Daqing River, Ziya River, South Canal, five rivers on three sides, north, west and south convergence to Tianjin. free

Buy

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 centres 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). Enormous street with block upon block of stalls and shops containing almost anything you may need.
Heping Road. One of the busiest shopping precincts in Tianjin.
The Ancient Cultural Street. Has a lot of souvenirs and trinkets, but you must know (or learn) how to bargain. A small silk handbag is worth ¥12-20; a set of 4-6 chopstick sets is worth about ¥50-60 in Beijing and about ¥35-45 in Tianjin; large dolls are worth about ¥80-120 depending on how excited you seem to the seller.
Shenyang Dao Antique Market. Biggest antiques 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.

Tianjin is also famous for the following products:

Buy tea from the best at the many authentic Chinese tea houses in Tianjin.
Tianjin is famous for its high quality ceramics. These are a great souvenir to take home.

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.

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. Tianjin style steamed buns restaurant also serving other dishes. Expect ¥50-100 for a couple
DaFuLai (大福来), a few branches in the city. Locals all know and love DaFuLai. It serves halal breakfast. According to legend, Empire Qianlong once visited this noshery in Tianjin, and at that time it mainly sold pancake. After having the pancake, the emperor asked for some soup. The hostess was unprepared, and she broke a pancake into small pieces, added boiled water, spices and seasoning. The emperor liked the taste, and gave the dish a name: GuoBaCai 锅巴菜, or GaBaCai 嘎巴菜, which it is named locally. After the emperor left, his retinue told the hostess: "Your luck has come. (Da Fu Lai = Big Luck Come)" Since then, DaFuLai's GuoBaCai has become one of the most popular breakfast dishes in Tianjin. While you might not appreciate the taste (many Chinese from other area do not like it either), DaFuLai is a very good place for people-watching, since almost all the customers there are local. Besides GuoBaCai, the tofu soup is also good (and sells fast). Expect to share table with others.
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.
Helen's Cafe (Hǎilún kāfēi; 海伦咖啡), Heping District, He Yan Dao Number 116, (Close to Qixiangtai Lu and the Wu Jia Yao Number 2 Bridge); Tiānjīn shì hépíng qū hé yándào 116 hào (wú jiā yáo 2 hào qiáo páng); 天津市和平区河沿道116号（吴家窑2号桥旁）. An excellent place to eat simple western food like hamburgers, fries, and pizzas. During the day, it is a nice and quiet place to study while you eat lunch. At night time, it's a very lively place for foreign expats to get drunk. Free Wi-Fi is available.
Kiessling (Qishilin; 起士林), 33 Zhejiang Rd, Heping District (Exit A of Xiaobailou metro station, next to Tianjin Concert Hall), 39.11489°, 117.2093°. The first western restaurant in Tianjin, opened in 1906-1907. Different floors offer different cuisine: 2F Russian, 3F German and 4F French.
YY Beer House, 3 Aomen Rd, Heping District (Behind the International Building), +86 22 2339-9634. A great inexpensive Thai restaurant offering a wide selection of beers. A great place to visit during the Thai Water Splashing festival in the spring!
Aulare Urban Latin Restaurant (艾伊莎贝西餐厅), Magnetic Plaza Building A4 2-16 (Binshui Xi Dao Nankai District), +86 187 2229 0691, tianjin@aulare.com. At Aulare, you can experience Latin, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and South and Central American flavors.
Kudos Thai, 88 Chengdu Rd, Heping District (Just near the communication bank of china, close to Guilin Rd), +86 22 23329988. 11:30-late. Well decorated Thai restaurant where the environment is cozy and modern. All food is authentically made by a Thai chef, without MSG or artificial additives. They've got a beautiful yard and nice terrace with a good view. ¥80-120
Amazon Brazilian B.B.Q. Bar, 189 Nanjing Rd, Heping District (In the basement of the Exchange), +86 22 8319-1098. Does exactly what it says on the tin and has an enthusiastic, if slightly kitschy Filipino band providing live music as you munch.
Alli Baba, 2 Hutong, Tongan Rd, Nankai University, +86 22 2351-3976. Featuring international cuisine and foreign student clientele close to the Nankai University campus, which has a whole range of dishes such as pasta, pizza, salad, etc.

Drink

There are a number of expat bars catering to the visiting business community, most of which can be a little expensive (¥25 upwards for a small bottle of beer) 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!

Sitong Bar, +86 22 23377177. Basement of Olympic Hotel, rather nice environment with good service. It is the most cosmopolitan music bar of Tianjin, best DJ´s after 22:00 combined with best music from filipino band.The best place for meet interesting people. Have become the only place people go. The Filipino band, Barman Fire Works and if everydays Good DJ music is present.
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). Comes in a close second to Jim’s. 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 2341-9696. More up-market and therefore slightly more pricey but a great place to hang out nonetheless. Run by the ever-welcoming British-born Aussie, David, 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 to the end. It has received some very poor reviews by expats in Tianjin.
Scarlet, 155 Weijin Lu (Above the KFC that is directly across from the main gate of Tianjin University (3rd floor)). This is a nice, pretty upscale dance club. There are a lot of Europeans as well as Chinese people that hang out here. Every Friday and Saturday they have open bar for ¥80, but there is a special restaurant and bar on the 2nd and 19th floors. Go through the main entrance on the 3rd floor and ask anyone that works there (a lot of them speak English) for directions or take the lift.
New York Bar, Weijin Road (Opposite Nankai Uni, 4th floor of the KFC building). Was one of the hits in Tianjin 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 Dian Tai St), +86 22 27837104. 07:30-24:00. An American-owned coffee house providing great coffees, teas, and pastries, as well as a variety of art and cultural events on a regular basis. ¥10

Sleep

Budget

Tianjin Starway Champagne Town Hotel, 82 Yingkou Road (Yingkou Dao), +86 22 58829999. It is located in downtown Tianjin, adjacent to the bustling Binjiang Dao Commercial Street and within easy reach of many popular stores and shopping centres. Guests can be whisked away to the airport using the airport shuttles departing from the hotel square.
Yangliuqing Manor, The outskirts of the city, in Yangliuqing, 20km from Beijintong road, near Ziya River (近郊杨柳青镇北津同公路20公里处近子牙河), +86 22 27921666. ¥59
Tianjin Jinluan Hotel, 268 Jintang Road (Jintang Gonglu), +86 22 58996648. The Tianjin Jinluan Hotel (Tianjin Jinluan Jiudian) is a courtyard style hotel located on Jintang Road, 500 m from a light rail station and close to large supermarkets and banks.

Mid-range

Astor Hotel, 33 Taierzhuang Rd, 39.12004°, 117.21035°, +86 22 2331-1688. Regarded as a major national historical relic preservation project. It combines British classic architectural style with modern amenities. It is comprised of two wings, be sure to check out one of the rooms in the old wing for a true Old World experience. The lobby can pass as a history museum lined with murals, plaques and other interesting finds.
Holiday Inn Tianjin Riverside, Phoenix Commercial Plaza Block A, Haihe East Road, Hebei District, near Jinhai Road (河北区海河东路凤凰商业广场A座近金海道), +86 4008825398. ¥654
Dickson Hotel, 18 Binshui Ave. Four-star hotel located in an ideal location, within easy access to the business and entertainment areas. The hotel provides Chinese and Western cuisine as well as offering a gym, jacuzzi and gift shop.
Somerset Olympic Tower Tianjin (天津盛捷奥林匹克大厦服务公寓), No 126 Chengdu Dao, Heping District, +86 22 2335 5888, enquiry.tianjin@the-ascott.com. Close to the Central Business District and surrounded by streets with restaurants, shops and entertainment. Ranging from one to three bedrooms. 2017-09-07
Tianjin Crystal Palace Hotel, 28 Youyi Rd, Hexi District, +86 22 2835-6888. You will not be able to miss this hotel, which looks like two beached cruise ships butted up against a lake. Has a good variety of features and amenities, but its location is a bit out of the way from downtown.
Tianjin First Hotel, 158 Jie Fang N Rd (Just across from the Hyatt and newly built Hisense Plaza), +86 22 3309988. Built in 1922, the rooms have high ceilings and a bit of a classic feel. In room internet can be had for ¥10 per day. Staff English ability is a bit low. ¥270 and up

Splurge

Renai Tuanbohu Spa Hotel, (近郊静海县团泊新城津王公路近团泊湖), +86 22 68578888. ¥152
The Westin Tianjin, Nanjing Road 101, Heping District 和平区南京路101号, 39.11691°, 117.20417°, +86 22 23890088. ¥1167
Hyatt Regency Tianjin, 219 Jiefang N Rd (City centre, on the banks of the Hai River), +86 22 23301234, bzcentre.tianj@hyattintl.com.
Renaissance Tianjin, 105 Jianshe Rd, Heping District, +86 22 2302-6888. Offering deluxe accommodations and superior facilities, it has a pool and fitness centre and meeting facilities.
Sheraton Hotel, Zijinshan Rd, Hexi District, +86 22 2334-3388. The Sheraton provides luxurious relaxation in every one of its 296 rooms.
Teda International Club, 7-2 Fukang Rd, Nankai District, +86 22 2300-5555. International 5-star hotel that is nicely decorated and equipped with modern facilities. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, satellite TV, IDD telephone, internet access, mini bar and 24-hour room service.
Shangri-La Hotel Tianjin, No. 328 Haihe East Road, Hedong District, +86 22 84188888. Luxury hotel in the heart of Tianjin's Hedong District. 2016-09-01
The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin, No 167 Dagubei Road, Heping District (Just next to the old Astor Hotel), 39.11998°, 117.20877°, +86 22 58578888. Elegant five-star hotel in the Heping District of Tianjin. 2016-09-01
Pan Pacific Tianjin, No. 1 Zhang Zi Zhong Road, Hongqiao District (5 minutes walk from the Xidan station), +86 22 5863 8888. Stylish hotel with 2 types of rooms and 4 types of suites along with a business center, a spa, fitness center and an indoor temperature. 2016-09-01
Ascott TEDA MSD Tianjin, No.7 Xincheng West Road, Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area, Tianjin 300457 China, +86 22 5999 7666, enquiry.tianjin@the-ascott.com. The property offers 224 luxurious apartments fitted with air-conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, separate living and dining areas, high-speed in-room Wi-Fi, and home entertainment systems.

Stay safe

Tianjin is known to be as safe as any city in China.

Generally you do not have to concern 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.

There are several pedestrian bridge crossing but few tunnel crossings like Beijing. Many people cross at traffic lights or zebra crossing. But generally especially since the roads are wide and new due to recent construction, road crossing should be done with care.
Make sure your cab driver turns on the meter. Many try to take a foreigner to their destination and over charge 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
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. If you really want to get one, the price is generally below ¥30 to the downtown.

Emergency hotlines

Fire: 119
First aid: 120
Police:110
Traffic Accident: 122
Counterfeit Crime: 12333

Connect

Tianjin Balitai Post Office (天津八里台), Weijin Rd, No. 215 District (Opposite The Gate of Nankai University), 23378621.

Cope

Though credit and debit cards are gradually becoming more widely accepted at department stores and supermarkets most stores and all attractions still operate on a cash-only basis and only the very largest or most expensive shops accept foreign credit cards. It's generally best to ensure that you have a decent amount of cash on hand when going out. ATMs are located at virtually all bank branches, and most of the large banks now accept foreign debit or credit cards. Bank of China branches all have the ability to take cards from foreign banks, and most offer English instructions. For more advanced financial transactions (converting currency or travellers checks, for instance) the best places to go are the Bank of China branch.

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Dagu Lu 1040, Hexi, near East Garden, University of Science and Technology(天津市河西区大沽路1040号,科技大学旁东花园底墒), +86 22 28192329.
China CITIC Bank, Jinwei Lu Road 28, Hebei (天津市河北区金纬路28号), +86 22-26012807.

Go next

Beijing, the nation's capital is close by
Qinghuangdao, a seaside resort town at the end of the Great Wall

Tianjin - municipality in China