Tianjin is a municipality and a coastal metropolis in northern China. Tianjin is one of the four municipalities of China (along with Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing). A quick 35 minute bullet train ride from Beijing, Tianjin is also the largest port city in the country’s north. Tianjin city has a deep European-influenced history (the city has changed hands between Italy, Germany, France, Russia, Great Britain, Austria, Japan and Belgium…), and this history is very-much showcased amongst the European-flavoured neighbourhoods.
Contemporary Tianjin is a magnificently planned urban achievement. The city’s sky-rocketing wealth is evident in it’s top-notch modern architecture: some of the world’s most impressive buildings are scattered throughout the metropolis. With museums, city gardens, hotels, restaurants, theme parks and historical avenues to spare, a trip to Tianjin is a fantastic choice for any type of traveller.
The Tianjin Haichang Polar Ocean Park is the city’s famous marine aquarium and polar park. A great family-friendly venue, the park houses penguins, belugas, sea lions and walruses. Tianjin Fantawild Adventure is a thrilling amusement park located in Tianjin’s Binhai New Area. The amusement park caters to all tastes, with attractions ranging from child-focused shows and parades to heart-stopping roller coasters.
Tianjin Happy Valley is another huge amusement park within the city. The amusement park has a variety of themed worlds and state-of-the-art roller coasters, as well as a dedicated water park.
The Eye of Tianjin is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Stretching across the city’s Haihe river, be sure to grab a glimpse of it’s neon-lit evening display. Near the Eye visitors can also grab a ride on the Haihe River Tourism Boat: this is a fantastic way to see and experience the city. Porcelain House is a quirky French-styled built from ancient porcelains worth photo-snapping.
Exploring Tianjin’s neighbourhoods is a great way to uncover hidden gems. The Five Great Avenues, located in the Heping District of Tianjin, is a former British-controlled settlement zone. The streets here are lined with elegant Western-style houses and villas. The Italian Style Town in Hebei District is true little Italy, with a plethora of cafes, boutique clothing stores, bars and eateries.
If you are after a more traditional vide, be sure to check out the Ancient Culture Street, set in the Nankai District. This is the go-to-place for your shopping and snack fix.
Tianjin has an enviable green focus. Panshan (Mount Pan) can be readily reached from the city centre and is a great place to absorb mountain scenery. Wuqing Nanhu Green Expo Park is a meticulously planned city park, as is the north-set Ning Garden. If you are looking for an alternative to Beijing’s Great Wall vistas, then the Great Wall at Huangya Pass is a fantastic option.
History and culture buffs will be pleased with the city’s museum scene. Tianjin Museum is the comprehensive go-to for all things Tianjin. The Tianjin Natural History Museum is ancient collections and ground-breaking modern architecture rolled in one. The Tianjin Library is frequently voted as the world’s most astounding modern library.
With such a convenient location, Tianjin deserves a few days visit. If you find yourself in Beijing, grab a bullet train and explore this forward-looking municipality.