In the vast expanse of northern China, there stands a city with red buildings and green tiles, glistening waves that seem to take you on a “free world tour.”
The charm here is no less than that of Europe.
Baroque, classical, and Gothic architecture can all be found here, each building seemingly telling a story, making one captivated.
The romance here surpasses that of Japan and South Korea.
Flowers bloom in all four seasons, exuding a literary freshness, with every inch of land emanating poetry. A casual snap of the camera results in a stunning photo, making one linger and forget to leave.
This place is known as the “Museum of World Architecture,” preserving over a thousand buildings of various styles from Eastern and Western countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Each building is a historical scroll, allowing one to appreciate the charm of different cultures.
This place has a long history, bordering the Bohai Sea to the east, nestled against the Yan Mountains to the north, and adjacent to the capital, Beijing. It is a vital gateway from the sea to Beijing.
Since the Yuan Dynasty, it has been the gateway to the capital, a crucial town in the imperial region, witnessing countless historical vicissitudes and glories.
This place was once the shining pearl of the north, a gathering place for talented people and a hub of cultural prosperity.
Its delicacies are famous throughout the land, with fried dough twists, steamed buns, and fried rice cakes, each dish leaving one in endless praise and lingering aftertaste.
This place is also an important birthplace of northern Chinese folk art. Peking drum singing, crosstalk, and kuaiban (fast clappertales) have flourished here, becoming treasures of Chinese culture.
It is Tianjin, a city full of charm, making one’s heart yearn and linger.
“Touring the World” Without Leaving the Country
When you arrive in Tianjin by train and step out of Tianjin Station, it’s as if you’ve instantly been transported to a foreign land.
Across the street, the Western architectural and cultural elements of Jinwan Square are striking, with a picturesque scene that is intoxicating.
The architectural styles of various countries converge here, especially when night falls and the lights are brilliant, resembling a huge oil painting that makes one reluctant to leave.
Strolling in Tianjin, there is a must-visit landmark – the “Tianjin Eye.”
Like the London Eye, it has become a symbol of Tianjin. As the only Ferris wheel in the world built on a bridge, it is extremely dreamy.
When night falls and the lights come on, the colorful light is reflected in the river, creating a stunning and moving picture scroll.
Standing at the highest point of the Ferris wheel, it’s like standing at the height of a 35-story building, overlooking Tianjin’s night view with its dazzling lights, making one’s heart yearn.
In Tianjin, there is also a street known as the “Five Avenues” that is loaded with romance.
It preserves the most complete group of foreign-style buildings. Walking along it feels like being on the Champs-Élysées in France.
Machang Road and Munan Road have a particularly unique flavor. Although the roads are not wide, they are home to 300 small foreign-style buildings, each hiding a profound history behind it.
Taking a horse-drawn carriage tour, the foreign-style buildings nestled among flowers on both sides come into view, as if one has traveled back to the old days.
In addition, the famous Minyuan Stadium is also located on the Five Avenues.
It was once the premier comprehensive sports stadium in the Far East and has now become a leisure square for citizens.
The brick-red circular building and the sunken stands make one feel as if they have arrived at the Roman Colosseum.
Many people like to sit on the lawn, sip coffee, enjoy the gentle breeze, and spend a leisurely afternoon.
The Italian-style area is another gem in Tianjin.
It is located on the banks of the Haihe River. Unlike the newly built “scenic area,” it preserves intact European buildings with a hundred years of history, totaling over a hundred.
Walking along the street, the red-roofed Italian-style buildings and European sculptures come into view, making for great photos with a casual snap.
Strolling to Marco Polo Square, the goddess of peace atop the central Corinthian column holds an olive branch, peacefully guarding this land.
In front of the wishing well, toss a coin and silently make a wish. At that moment, it’s as if one is in the romantic scene of “Roman Holiday.”
The Bei’an Bridge is a magnificent bridge next to the Italian-style area.The sculptures at the bridgeheads exude a Western classical style.
Looking down from above, it resembles the Westminster Bridge in front of Big Ben.At night, the lights on the bridge are incredibly brilliant. Sitting on the benches on the bridge and watching the bustling traffic also has a unique charm.
Among Tianjin’s many roads, Liberation North Road is particularly eye-catching.
It is known as the “Wall Street of the East.” Walking on this road, one feels like a social elite.
On both sides of the road, French sycamores have dense branches and leaves, covering the road with green shade, contrasting with the Gothic, Roman, and other Western-style buildings, adding a unique interest.
Old-brand buildings such as the Lishunde Hotel and the former Yuzhong Hotel also stand here, adding a sense of historical depth to this street.
In addition, various banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions line Liberation North Road, earning it the title of “Tianjin’s wealthiest road.”
If you have an affinity for red buildings and green trees, then come to Tai’an Road.
Tai’an Road was originally named Meadows Road and was part of the core area of the former British Concession.There are not many people here, but it exudes British charm everywhere.
The famous Five Great Courtyards are located here, with a circular archway connecting two brick-red high-rise buildings. From a distance, it somewhat resembles Manhattan.
Finally, Tianjin also hides a mysterious “Hogwarts” magical world – the China Stone Garden.
The main style here is that of an ancient castle, with the garden treasuring thousands of rare and exotic stones.
The picturesque environment makes one linger and forget to leave. You can spend a leisurely afternoon here.
Tianjin, this city full of exotic charm, whether it’s the architecture, streets, or cultural atmosphere, makes one feel as if they are in a dreamlike world.
Whether it’s to savor history or experience romance, Tianjin can bring you a unique experience.
Possessing the Most “Internet Famous” Locations in China
When Tianjin is mentioned, people always yearn for and fondly recall that unique “Tianjin tone,” as if they can hear that lingering intonation echoing in their ears.
At the same time, the vivid “Clay Figurine Zhang” also comes to mind, with each clay sculpture seeming to tell an ancient story.
And Tianjin, this city that has experienced vicissitudes, its profound history is even more touching.
Time flies, the stars rotate.
When you stroll on the wide streets of this municipality of Tianjin, shuttling through the bustling crowds, a fresh breeze hits your face, allowing you to deeply feel the city’s tremendous changes over the past century.
Tianjin, although it still retains those old streets and alleys full of stories, it is also constantly transforming and growing.
In this city, there is a library that is known as the most beautiful library in China – the “Binhai Library.”
It once took over WeChat Moments, attracting the eyes of countless people.
Even the popular TV series “Joy of Life” filmed scenes here.
Borges once said, “If there is a paradise, paradise should be in the form of a library.”
And the Binhai Library precisely realizes this beautiful vision.
The huge book mountain symbolizes the philosophy of “a path will appear on the mountain of books for the diligent,” and the spherical multi-functional auditorium in the center of the atrium is like a brilliant pearl, illuminating the entire library.
Entering here, it’s as if one is in an extraterrestrial base, with that shocking feeling leaving a lasting impression.
In addition, Tianjin also has a Starbucks that is known as the most beautiful in China – “Elegance in a Century-Old Bank.”
This Starbucks is different from other branches, as it is built in a marvelous foreign-style building that has witnessed the changes of time.
100 years ago, this was the location of the Zhejiang Industrial Bank in Tianjin, with six Ionic columns standing at the entrance, highlighting the elegance and solemnity of classical architecture.
The dome of the central hall on the first floor is magnificent and dazzling.
Tasting a cup of coffee in such an environment is absolutely unforgettable.
Let’s talk about the most “expensive” house in China – the “Porcelain House.”
This is an unparalleled building in the world. Its former incarnation was a century-old French-style old foreign building, but in this life, it has become an extremely luxurious “Porcelain Beauty, Building Wonder.”
This house is decorated with tens of thousands of pieces of antique porcelain, with porcelain and porcelain pieces from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty.
During construction, more than 20 tons of crystal stones and agate, more than 4,000 pieces of ancient porcelain, and more than 300 stone sculptures from various dynasties were also used.
Therefore, it is also known as a priceless “Museum of Ancient Chinese Porcelain.”
Finally, let’s talk about the most “artistic” church in China – the Xikai Church.
This is a Romanesque church, with the main building constructed using red and yellow patterned bricks.
There are many frescoes inside the church, the pipe organ is melodious and pleasant to the ear, the interior wall murals are luxuriously decorated, full of religious mystique.
The Xikai Church was also selected for the third batch of China’s 20th Century Architectural Heritage List.
It is worth mentioning that the church can also host weddings, but it requires both parties to be believers.
And speaking of Tianjin’s romance, how can we not mention the famous “Century Clock.”
Why is it said to be very romantic?
Because at midnight on January 1, 2000, it rang out to welcome the sound of the new century.
From that moment, the Century Clock became a witness accompanying and following the new century.
This Century Clock is made entirely of metal materials, with the entire body shimmering with a metallic luster.
As the pendulum swings up and down, the sun and moon shine, and the stars surround the clock face, blending East and West, heaven and man into one.
The classical and modern are integrated, symbolizing the continuation and inheritance of time and space.
Next to the Century Clock is the famous Liberation Bridge.
This is a fully steel-structured openable bridge and is one of only three remaining openable bridges among the Haihe River bridges.
Whenever the bridge opens to its maximum angle of 60 degrees, under the reflection of the Tianjin night sky and Haihe River boats, it stages a stunning “transformation show,” adding a unique charm to this romantic city.
Tianjin: A Place Suitable for “Retirement”
When mentioning Tianjin, many people’s initial impression may be the “aloofness” of it being a municipality directly under the central government. After all, its reputation is far-reaching and awe-inspiring.
However, the real Tianjin is as “approachable” as a neighbor, and its charm can only be appreciated by delving into it.
While strolling through the streets and alleys of Tianjin, why not step into a teahouse and listen to an authentic crosstalk performance?
Speaking of Tianjin, the charm of crosstalk naturally comes to mind.
The opening of Tianjin Deyun Society has added a cultural highlight to this city, and Deyun’s Ninth Team has also settled here, bringing laughter and joy to the audience.
In addition to Deyun Society, there are countless crosstalk teahouses in Tianjin, with at least a dozen or so.
The performers, dressed in long gowns and jackets, speak eloquently, while the audience below sips tea from lidded bowls, cracks sunflower seeds, and laughter and applause rise and fall.
That relaxed and joyful atmosphere is enough to make one forget the troubles of the world and immerse oneself in this pure happiness.
If you want to delve deeper into Tianjin’s local customs and culture, the Ancient Culture Street is a must-visit destination.
Here, the most authentic “Tianjin flavor” is gathered. The entire street is composed of imitation small shops from the Qing Dynasty in China, as if traveling through time and returning to that prosperous era.
If you observe carefully, you will find that under the eaves of the shop fronts hang a series of Suzhou-style paintings, adding a unique charm to this ancient street.
The “Emperor’s Assembly” on Ancient Culture Street is even more unprecedented. Whenever this time comes, folk dharma drum associations, grand music associations, crane stilt associations, and others perform along the street, each displaying their skills, presenting an extraordinarily lively scene.
In your leisure time, why not come to the banks of the Haihe River for a breeze?
Tianjin is a city that has prospered by the water and been built along the river. The waters of the Haihe River have nurtured the soul of Tianjin people.
For them, strolling along the Haihe River has become a part of life, and the classical and modern buildings on both banks make people linger and forget to leave.
The flowing waters of the Haihe River are like a piece of pure land amidst the prosperity, bringing a sense of tranquility.
If you want to take a vacation and relax, Dongjiangang is an excellent choice.
Here, the blue seawater and golden sandy beaches complement each other. Sitting on the soft sand to feel the sea breeze, or walking barefoot on the pebbles, are all precious moments of ease.
When you are in a bad mood, come here to listen to the sound of the waves hitting the shore and watch the cruise ships coming and going in the distance, and the gloom in your heart will be swept away.
Of course, how can you miss the delicious food here when you come to Tianjin?
Tianjin has a wide variety of delicacies. Whether it’s the pear cakes on the street, Cao Ji donkey meat, Guansheng Garden’s Eight Treasure Lamb Legs, or Lu Ji’s scalded noodles and fried cakes, Guifaxiang’s fried dough twists, Erduo Yan fried cakes, Shitou Menkan vegetarian buns, and the jianbing guozi (crepes with fried dough and fillings) that can be found all over the country, they all make people drool.
These delicacies do not need to be specially sought out, as they can be found everywhere on the streets and alleys. Every bite is a profound experience of the taste of Tianjin.
Walking through the streets and alleys is the best way to experience the Tianjin flavor.
Spend a day walking, stopping, strolling, and eating, and you will fully capture the most authentic life of Tianjin people.
Tianjin people can both enter and exit high-end places, but they are also happy to drink and chat at roadside food stalls. They live comfortably and at ease, without too many rules and requirements.
Therefore, if you have time, why not come to Tianjin for a walk, listen to the affectionate Tianjin dialect, and feel the unique charm of this old city?
Here, you will find that long-lost tranquility and ease, and you will also deeply fall in love with this charming city.
