Tianjin: a cyberpunk Manhattan 30 minutes off Beijing
There is a city in eastern China, where slum-like neighborhoods stand just across of financial district’s skyscrapers, where chaotic markets and brothels neighbor luxurious estates and shopping malls. This city is Tianjin.
The city is just 30 minutes ride from Beijing… But don’t think it is a suburb, Tianjin is a massive megalopolis with a population of 12+ million.
Also it is much more modern than its better known neighbor.
Tianjin is relatively easy to get and cheap, so you won’t need to break the bank for enjoying those magnificent views.
High-speed train from Beijing to Tianjin will cost you something like $15 USD, a room in one of the tallest buildings would be in $90–150 bracket.
Let’s get back to the contrast of the city. Just look from above, how different its districts look.
Take a look on amount of light used for highlighting upper floors of modern buildings.
Let’s go down and explore poor districts at night.
All in all it looks just poor, but not too dystopian… until you compare those districts to wealthy ones!
If you’ve read till here, probably it is a time for you to pack things and visit Tianjin!