Tianjin Travel Guide

Tianjin: China's "Open-Air Museum of International Architecture"

For travelers eager to explore modern Chinese history while enjoying a relaxed city vibe, Tianjin is a hidden gem. Located along the Bohai Sea and the Haihe River, this direct-controlled municipality showcases a unique blend of East meets West, old meets new.

Strolling through Tianjin's streets, you'll find Gothic spires, Roman arches, and traditional Chinese courtyards standing side by side, earning it the nickname of an open-air "World Architecture Expo". It's a city where history, culture, and architecture come together in a seamless, walkable experience.

Tianjin Travel Overview

Location: Northern China, Bohai Economic Circle, just 30 min by high-speed train from Beijing.

Highlights: Historic European-style villas (Xiao Yang Lou), vibrant street life, and a relaxed city vibe.

Payments: Visa, Mastercard, mobile apps, and cash widely accepted.

Bilingual Services: Chinese-English guides available at airports, train stations, and key attractions.

Tianjin City Highlights

European Architecture: Tianjin is famous for its historic foreign-style buildings. The Italian Style Town and Five Great Avenues feature hundreds of well-preserved European villas - perfect for walking and photos.

Haihe River Night Views: The Haihe River lights up at night with illuminated bridges and buildings. An evening river cruise is one of the best ways to see the city.

Modern & Industrial Sights: In Binhai New Area, visit the aircraft carrier theme park, the futuristic Binhai Library, and the National Maritime Museum.

Local Culture & Food: Tianjin is a home of Chinese crosstalk comedy. Don’t miss local snacks like Goubuli buns and jianbing (savory pancakes).

Top Attractions in Tianjin

Historic Neighborhoods

Italian Style Town - Centered around Marco Polo Square, this area is full of Italian-style buildings, cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. Lively at night and great for photos.

Five Great Avenues - Known as an "open-air architecture museum," with hundreds of  European-style villas. Best explored by bike, on foot, or by carriage.

Haihe River Highlights

Tianjin Eye Ferris Wheel -  The world's only Ferris wheel built on a bridge. Enjoy panoramic city and river views, especially beautiful at night.

Haihe River Cruise & Jiefang Bridge -  A river cruise is the best way to see Tianjin's historic buildings and night lights. Jiefang Bridge is a famous movable steel bridge.

Jinwan Plaza - Across from Tianjin Railway Station, featuring elegant European-style buildings - perfect for cityscape photos.

Culture & Local Life

Ancient Culture Street - Home to traditional crafts such as Yangliuqing New Year paintings and Clay Figurines Zhang. A great place to buy souvenirs.

Crosstalk (Xiangsheng) Teahouses - Watch live Chinese comedy in classic teahouses like Mingliu Teahouse for a  fun local experience.

Modern & Coastal Sights

Binhai New Area - Visit the TEDA Aircraft Carrier Theme Park, the futuristic Binhai Library, and the National Maritime Museum.

Xikai Cathedral - The largest Catholic church in Tianjin, built in Romanesque style, near the main shopping streets.

Easy Day Trips from Tianjin

• Beijing (≈30 min by high-speed train)
  Perfect for a "Beijing–Tianjin twin city" trip. Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

• Qinhuangdao (≈1.5–2 hours by train)
  Explore the Great Wall at Shanhaiguan or relax in the seaside resort area of Aranya.

Must-Try Tianjin Food

Goubuli Baozi - Famous steamed buns with juicy filling

18th Street Mahua - Crispy, sweet fried dough (great souvenir)

Erduoyan Fried Cake - Crispy outside, soft inside

Jianbing Guozi -Tianjin's iconic breakfast pancake

Guoba Cai - Savory pancake strips with thick sauce

Where to eat:

• Xibeijiao – Best local breakfast

• Nanshi Food Street – Traditional snacks

• Italian Style Town – Dining with atmosphere

Getting There & Around

By Air

• Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) serves major Chinese cities and some routes to Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

• Many travelers also fly into Beijing (PEK or PKX), then take a 30-minute high-speed train to Tianjin - fast and easy.

By Train

• Tianjin Station, Tianjin West, and Tianjin South are key high-speed rail hubs.

• Travel time: Beijing ~30 min, Shanghai ~4–5 hours.

Getting Around the City

• The metro covers most major areas and attractions.

• The Haihe River area is great for walking or cycling.

Best Time to Visit

Best seasons: April–May and September–October

• Mild weather, clear skies - perfect for walking and architecture photos.

Summer (June–August): Hot, but  ideal for Haihe night cruises and night markets.

Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold and quiet. Enjoy hot springs, teahouses, and crosstalk shows. Snow makes Five Avenues especially beautiful.

Suggested 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

• Morning: Explore Five Avenues, try a classic horse carriage ride

• Afternoon: Visit Xikai Cathedral, shop on Binjiang Road

• Evening: Dinner and nightlife in Italian Style Town

Day 2

• Morning: Ancient Culture Street for souvenirs and crosstalk

• Lunch: Local snacks

• Afternoon: Ride the Tianjin Eye Ferris Wheel

• Evening: Walk along the Haihe River and enjoy a night cruise