Tianjin, Northern China
Tianjin, a coastal metropolis in northern China, is a vibrant blend of historical significance, modern development, and European-inspired architecture. Located just an hour away from Beijing by high-speed train, Tianjin offers an array of cultural landmarks, beautiful riverfronts, and culinary delights that make it a fascinating destination for travelers.
Tourist Attractions in Tianjin
Five Great Avenues (Wudadao)
- Description: The Five Great Avenues is a district showcasing over 230 colonial-era buildings with European architectural styles from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. It reflects Tianjin’s history as a former treaty port.
- Highlights: Walking or cycling through streets lined with beautiful villas, cafés, and small museums.
- Entrance Fee: Free to explore the area, but some museums charge a small fee (typically around ¥20).
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7 for walking; museum hours vary (usually 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 1 to Xiaobailou Station, then walk about 10 minutes.
Tianjin Eye (Tianjin Yongle Bridge Ferris Wheel)
- Description: The Tianjin Eye is a 120-meter-tall Ferris wheel built above the Yongle Bridge, offering panoramic views of the city and the Haihe River, especially beautiful at night.
- Highlights: Scenic views of the city skyline, riverfront, and iconic architecture.
- Entrance Fee: ¥70 per person.
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM (times may vary depending on the season).
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 2 to Xinanjiao Station, and then walk for about 10 minutes to the bridge.
Ancient Culture Street (Guwenhua Jie)
- Description: A lively, traditional street filled with Qing-dynasty architecture, shops selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, and food. The Tianhou Palace, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, is also located here.
- Highlights: Traditional Chinese architecture, cultural performances, street food.
- Entrance Fee: Free to explore; Tianhou Palace charges ¥10.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 2 to Dongnanjiao Station, and walk for about 15 minutes.
The Porcelain House (China House Museum)
- Description: A unique museum built from porcelain pieces, ceramics, and antique vases, this art-filled mansion is one of Tianjin’s most quirky and eye-catching sites.
- Highlights: The house’s intricate façade covered in porcelain fragments, precious artifacts inside.
- Entrance Fee: ¥50.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 3 to Heping Road Station, and walk for about 10 minutes.
Haihe River Cruise
- Description: A peaceful boat ride along Tianjin’s iconic Haihe River, offering views of the city’s key landmarks, including the Tianjin Eye, ancient bridges, and modern skyscrapers.
- Highlights: Nighttime cruises offer beautiful illuminated views of the riverbank.
- Entrance Fee: ¥60 to ¥100 depending on the route.
- Opening Hours: Daytime cruises: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Night cruises: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM.
- How to Get There: Cruises depart from several piers, with the main one near the Italian Style Town (Subway Line 2 to Jianguodao Station).
Tianjin Museum
- Description: One of the largest museums in China, the Tianjin Museum showcases over 200,000 cultural relics, including calligraphy, jade artifacts, and ancient documents, detailing the city’s history.
- Highlights: The ancient art collections and the beautiful, futuristic design of the museum building.
- Entrance Fee: Free.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (closed on Mondays).
- How to Get There: Subway Line 5 to Cultural Center Station.
How to Get Around Tianjin
- Subway: Tianjin has a well-developed subway system with 7 operational lines (as of 2024), making it convenient and affordable to travel around the city.
- Buses: The bus network is extensive, though primarily in Chinese, but it’s cheap and covers most parts of the city.
- Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Taxis are available but ensure drivers use the meter. Ride-hailing apps like DiDi provide a convenient alternative.
- Bicycles and E-bikes: Tianjin is a flat city, ideal for cycling, and there are many bike-sharing services like Mobike.
Popular Local Food in Tianjin
Goubuli Baozi (Steamed Stuffed Buns): Famous across China, these large, fluffy buns are stuffed with pork and are a must-try dish in Tianjin.
- Recommended Spot: Goubuli Baozi Restaurant, located near the Five Great Avenues.
Jianbing Guozi (Tianjin-Style Pancakes): A popular breakfast food made from a thin batter spread on a hot griddle and filled with egg, fried dough, and savory sauces.
Erduoyan Zhagao (Ear-Hole Fried Cake): A sweet fried cake stuffed with red bean paste, a famous Tianjin snack.
Shibajie Mahua (Twisted Fried Dough): A crunchy, sweet snack, this mahua (twisted doughnut) originated from Shibajie in Tianjin and is widely sold as a souvenir.
Top Nightlife Spots in Tianjin
Italian Style Town
- Description: Tianjin’s Italian-style district is a hub for nightlife with its quaint streets, cafés, bars, and restaurants. The area comes alive at night, offering a mix of international and local drinks.
- Popular Spots: La Vida Bar, O’Hara’s Irish Pub.
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 2 to Jianguodao Station and walk to the district.
- Entrance Fee: Free to enter the area; drinks start around ¥30-50.
- Happy Hours: Most bars offer happy hours from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with deals such as ¥30 cocktails and discounted beers.
Binjiang Dao Commercial Street
- Description: This is one of the busiest shopping streets in Tianjin by day, but by night, it turns into a lively area with bars, karaoke lounges, and late-night restaurants.
- Popular Spots: Helen’s Bar (a chain popular with expats), Liar’s Bar.
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 3 to Yingkoudao Station and walk to the pedestrian street.
- Entrance Fee: Free to explore, drinks start from ¥25-40.
- Happy Hours: Many bars have happy hour deals from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, with drinks starting at ¥20.
Jiuwei Road (Nanjing Road Area)
- Description: Known for its late-night street food scene and bars, Jiuwei Road is a favorite among locals looking to grab a drink and snack after hours.
- Popular Spots: Bar Liberty, Muse Club (a popular dance club).
- How to Get There: Subway Line 1 to Xibeijiao Station, then walk about 10 minutes.
- Entrance Fee: Club entrance fees range from ¥50 to ¥100; bars usually don’t have cover charges.
- Happy Hours: Drink specials typically run from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
The St. Regis Bar
- Description: For a more upscale experience, the St. Regis Bar offers an elegant ambiance with signature cocktails and an extensive wine list.
- How to Get There: Located at the St. Regis Tianjin Hotel, accessible via Subway Line 3 to Yingkoudao Station.
- Entrance Fee: No cover charge; drinks start from ¥80.
- Happy Hours: Happy hour from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM offers 50% off select drinks.
Tianjin is a fascinating city that offers a unique blend of Chinese and Western culture, reflected in its architectural landmarks, diverse food, and vibrant nightlife. Whether exploring its historical sites, savoring local delicacies, or enjoying its lively nightlife scene, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience in Tianjin.