Tianjin

Welcome to Tianjin: A charming city where East meets West.

Tianjin, a municipality directly under the central government located in the northeastern part of the North China Plain on the banks of the Haihe River, attracts countless travelers with its unique historical heritage, diverse architectural styles, and rich culinary culture. As an important witness to modern Chinese history, Tianjin has formed a distinctive urban landscape and lifestyle through the collision and fusion of Western and traditional Chinese cultures. Join Xootour as we take you deep into Tianjin to explore every charming corner of this city.

The sedimentation and integration of history

Tianjin's history can be traced back to the Yuan Dynasty, flourishing due to the Grand Canal. During the Ming Dynasty, a garrison was established and the city was built, earning it the nickname "the lower reaches of nine rivers." In modern times, Tianjin was home to concessions from nine countries, a unique historical period that has earned it the reputation of an "International Architectural Exposition." Strolling along the Five Avenues, you'll see century-old Western-style buildings in various styles, including English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish, each with its own story. The Italian-style street perfectly preserves the original Italian concession's appearance, with cobblestone streets, red brick houses, and fountains, creating a romantic atmosphere reminiscent of a European town.

Tianjin Flavors

When visiting Tianjin, how can you miss out on the authentic local cuisine? Tianjin boasts a long and rich history of snack culture, with a wide variety that will leave you drooling. In the morning, a steaming hot jianbing guozi (a type of savory crepe) paired with soy milk is a classic Tianjin breakfast. The renowned Goubuli steamed buns , the sweet and crispy Erduoyan fried cakes , and the chewy Guifaxiang 18th Street fried dough twists are all must-try Tianjin specialties. In addition, other local delicacies such as guoba cai (crispy rice crust with sauce), tangdui (sweet rice dumplings), and shuligao (cooked pear cake) will surely tantalize your taste buds. Follow Xootour's food map to explore the streets and alleys and experience the most authentic Tianjin flavors.

The dazzling lights on both sides of the Haihe River

The Haihe River is Tianjin's mother river, nourishing the city and becoming a symbol of Tianjin with its enchanting scenery along its banks. At night, a cruise on the Haihe River reveals dazzling lights illuminating both banks, perfectly blending the city's modernity with its historical charm. Spanning the Haihe River, the Yongle Bridge houses the world's only Ferris wheel built on a bridge— the Tianjin Eye . Like the city's eye, it silently overlooks the land of Tianjin, making it a top choice for romantic photo opportunities for couples.

Tianjin folk arts and intangible cultural heritage inheritance

Tianjin is a major center of traditional folk arts in northern China, especially crosstalk (xiangsheng), which is deeply rooted in people's hearts. Listening to an authentic crosstalk performance in a teahouse and experiencing the unique humor and wisdom of Tianjin people is an indispensable part of experiencing Tianjin culture. In addition, national intangible cultural heritages such as Yangliuqing New Year paintings, Zhang's clay figurines, and Wei's kites have also been well preserved and developed here. Strolling along the Ancient Culture Street , you can appreciate these exquisite traditional crafts up close and feel the profoundness of Chinese culture.

In-depth travel recommendations

• Five Avenues Cultural In-Depth Tour: Rent a horse-drawn carriage or bicycle and, guided by a tour guide, wander among the century-old Western-style buildings and listen to historical stories.
• Haihe River Night Cruise: Take a cruise at night to enjoy the dazzling night view of both sides of the Haihe River and experience the romance and vitality of Tianjin.
• Explore the Ancient Culture Street: Visit time-honored shops such as Yangliuqing New Year Paintings and Clay Figurines Zhang, and select cultural and creative products with Tianjin characteristics.
• Food exploration tour: From breakfast to late-night snacks, savor a variety of authentic local snacks and specialties to satisfy your taste buds.
• Experience the art of crosstalk in a teahouse: In a time-honored teahouse, order a pot of tea and listen to an authentic Tianjin crosstalk performance.

Tianjin, a city brimming with surprises and stories, awaits your exploration. Whether you're drawn to historical architecture, passionate about culinary culture, or seeking urban romance, Tianjin offers an unforgettable and in-depth travel experience. Join Xootour and embark on your Tianjin journey!