Travel Guide for Beginners in China’s ‘Amusing City’ — Tianjin
Tianjin(天津) is located on the coast of the Bohai Sea(渤海), and it has a unique blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern urban life. Iconic landmarks such as Tianjin Eye(天津眼) and Five Avenues(五大道). The vibrant market and scenic riverside promenade offer tourists a fantastic chance to immerse themselves in the Tianjin style firsthand.
Tianjin is one of the birthplaces of Chinese cross-talk(相声), and as a humorous form of performance, cross-talk has been widely inherited and developed in Tianjin. Many famous cross-talk actors come from here, which also endows Tianjin local with a humorous personality and attitute.
Here are 8 must things to do and places to go in Tianjin:
- Five Avenues 五大道
Five Avenues in Tianjin offers a serene escape with winding paths, lush greenery, and peaceful ponds. It’s a tranquil oasis amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, perfect for relaxation and nature exploration.
2. Jinwan Square 津湾广场
Jinwan Square is a bustling hub of commerce, culture, and entertainment. With its modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere, the square attracts visitors and locals alike for shopping, dining, and leisure activities. Surrounded by skyscrapers and adorned with sculptures and fountains, Jinwan Square epitomizes Tianjin’s dynamic urban lifestyle.
3. Tianjin Eye 天津之眼
Tianjin Eye, an iconic landmark spanning the Hai River(海河), is a mesmerizing blend of engineering marvel and scenic beauty. As one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels built over a bridge, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tianjin’s skyline and waterways. Whether admiring the city’s lights at night or enjoying a leisurely ride during the day, Tianjin Eye offers an unforgettable experience for visitors.
4. Ancient Culture Street 古文化街
There are nearly a hundred shops in the Ancient Culture Street. It is the center of time-honored folk handicraft stores in Tianjin, with authentic food: Goubuli steamed bun(狗不理包子), ear eye fried cakes(耳朵眼炸糕), Chinese crepe(煎饼果子) etc. Tourist attractions include the Tianhou Palace(天后宫) and the clay figurine Zhang Caisu(泥人张彩塑).
5. Italian Style Street 意式风情街
Italian Style Street is located in the center of Tianjin, with over 200 elegant buildings in Mediterranean style. Strolling through it is like walking in a romantic European town. Marco Polo Square is one of the iconic buildings in the scenic area, with a central Collins style stone pillar adorned with a goddess of peace holding an olive branch.
6. China House 瓷房子
China House was constructed using over 700 million ancient porcelain pieces, over 13000 ancient porcelain bottles, plates, and bowls, as well as over 300 stone sculptures from various dynasties. It is known as a priceless ‘Chinese Ancient Porcelain Museum’.
7. Tianjin Cross Talk 天津相声
A pot of hot tea, a plate of melon seeds, a long coat, a fan, and a lengthened tone of ‘hey’ and ‘hi’ cheering… When we arrive in Tianjin, the relaxed and casual atmosphere of a cross-talk tea house is something that no place can enjoy.
8. Chinese crepe 煎饼果子
Tianjin people use Chinese crepe as breakfast. Chinese crepe has different batters according to different origins. It is composed of batter pancakes, eggs, deep-fried dough sticks or pastries (thin and crisp), and is supplemented with flour paste, chopped scallions, Fermented bean curd, and chili sauce.
