Beijing and Tianjin have always been linked to one another throughout history; when the Mongolians established Beijing as their capital during the Yuan Dynasty, Tianjin started to reach new economical heights. However, Beijing has always overshadowed Tianjin. Where Beijing shines will a dazzling light, Tianjin is more the soft glow of a candle’s flame.
Monastery of Deep Compassion:
Buddhism has had a deep impact on the lives of the Chinese people who have proven their devotion to the Buddhist gods by establishing magnificent temples in their honour. The most famous and important Buddhist temple in Tianjin is the Monastery of Deep Compassion (Dabeichan yuan). The magnificent statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha is seated in eternal contemplation within the beautiful Shijiabao Hall where thousands flock to offer prayers and respect. The goddess of compassion, Guan Yin, is worshipped in the next hall and just as beautiful.
Treaty Port Architecture:
A relative outdoor museum, wandering along the streets of Central Tianjin will allow you to feast your eyes upon the beautiful architecture dating back to the days when every European power had an influence here. Start at the north of Jiefang Beilu and work your way through this lovely area. Just a few of the magnificent buildings to admire are the Huabi Bank, the Kincheng Bank, the Citibank Building, the former Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank Building, the French Municipal Administration Council Building, plus many more. Each building will capture both your eyes and your imagination.
Antique Market:
If you are a shopaholic, then perhaps the most exciting place for you to explore is Antique Market. In every direction you will find vendor after vendor with the most amazing selection of goods to purchase. Whether you want to buy silverware, porcelain or even Cultural Revolution memorabilia, you can find it here but remember to haggle to get that bargain.
Ancient Culture Street:
Recently expanded, Ancient Culture Street (Guwenhua Jie) is another place where shop lovers will absolutely adore. Again, you can find anything and everything you want here – tea sets, calligraphy, paintings, and other beautiful gift ideas. The recent face-lift has introduced some fake hutong styling but since you can find everything from all over China, it is a great place to shop. The tourist centre is located in the old theatre.
Tianhou Temple:
West of Ancient Culture Street is the Tianhou Temple. Tianhou is the goddess of the sea and an effigy of her stands within the main hall called the Niangniang Palace which draws visitors like a moth to the flame. Flanked on all sides by ferocious weapons and monsters, she is one goddess definitely to pray to. There is also the fabulous Jade Emperor Pavilion integrated into Ancient Culture Street that you may want to see.
Mosque:
A beautiful Chinese style mosque serves the religious needs of a large Muslim population in Tianjin. Officially you are not allowed inside if you are not Muslim but sometimes they will let this side. However, remember to wear appropriate clothing based on Muslim dress code.
Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall:
The former Chinese premier Zhou Enlai attended school in Tianjin even though he was born in Shaoxing (Zhejiang Province). Because of this, his schoolbooks and classroom desk are on display in the Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall. You can find it near Shuishang Park.
Accommodation:
Accommodation leaves much to be desired in Tianjin, which is why most opt to come to here on day trips. To make up for this, hotels offer good discounts apart from the cheapest ones. However, they will charge 15% service charge in hotels in the mid-range and upwards category.
Budget choices include the Xinlong Hotel near the train station or the Home Inn on the south side of the Jiefang Bridge. A good mid-range option is the Tianjin First Hotel despite the gaudy Olde-Worlde feel to it; and for those wanting a little luxury the Renaissance Tianjin Hotel offers charm and sophistication.
You can get to Tianjin by a number of ways. Tianjin’s Binhai International Airport is situated 15km east of the city with good connections throughout China and international destinations. There are hourly bus departures to Beijing from the main station daily. Again, there are good connections throughout the rest of the country. There are three train stations in Tianjin (main, west and north). Frequent trains run to Beijing and other places including Anyang, Ji’nan, Qingdao, Nanjing and Shanghai. If you want, you can even arrive by boat!
Tianjin is a marvellous city to travel to with an unbelievable range of activities and places to see, providing visitors with colourful memories to last a lifetime.