Things to Do in Tianjin, China

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Cultural Attractions

Tianjin is a city filled with history and culture, from centuries-old temples and monuments to vibrant markets and art galleries. So whether you are looking for a cultural experience or a place to explore, there is no shortage of things to do in Tianjin.

Let’s take a look at some of the top cultural attractions in Tianjin:

Visit the Ancient Culture Street

Ancient Culture Street, or Guwenhua Jie, is one of the most iconic attractions in Tianjin. Located in the Nankai District of Tianjin, it is a renowned shopping and entertainment hub for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can explore a variety of traditional Chinese shops and ancient buildings, such as Huang Yagong’s Former Residence, Tianhou Palace Temple, and Ying Bodhisattva Temple.

Guwenhua Jie is also known for its delicious street food. Take some time to stroll around this lively area to enjoy tasty treats such as grilled skewers, fried dumplings, chuan chuanxiong ( skewers), bing (Chinese sandwiches), pao bao (steamed buns), steamed jiaozi (dumplings), and more! After enjoying the local snacks, visitors can wander through the streets to soak up the unique history of this vibrant destination.

The Ancient Culture Street is open daily from 9 am-10 pm most of the year. There are various shows held at night featuring traditional singing and dancing performances. Additionally, occasional festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival take place during summer, adding an extra cultural dimension to your visit!

Explore the Dule Temple

The iconic Dule Temple of Tianjin, China, is a delightful sight for tourists and locals alike. Founded at the start of the Tang Dynasty (around 618-907 A.D.) as Yuji Palace, Dule Temple was initially constructed as a Buddhist temple complex and was later reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as a fortress against pirate attacks. Today, it is an essential landmark of Tianjin, contributing to its history and culture.

The Dule Temple comprises four parts – the Sky Corridor, Three Jewels Palace, Zhaoxian Pavilion, and Yuji Tower – which tell stories from Buddhist scripture in various ways unique to each element. The Sky Corridor serves as an entrance to the temple decorated by ancient Chinese sculptures featuring legends that describe ideals of morality, such as peacefulness. The Three Jewels Palace in front of Yuji Tower builds upon this theme by being named after the “three gems” – Buddha, Dharma (law), and Sanga (order). On days with good weather, visitors can also take walks around the waterside pavilion, which has colonnades that follow Chinese and Western-style design elements. Finally, atop Yuji Tower lies two giant bronze lions watching over all who visit the temple — an incredible sight to behold!

Visiting this incredible structure will give tourists a greater appreciation for Tianjin’s identity from an era long past while delighting them with its brightly-painted sculptures and unique design elements that showcase the cultural significance of each part within it. To further enrich your experience, we highly recommend taking photos and learning about Buddhism from one or more colorful signs standing in front of temples dedicated to Chinese culture, including Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Yinheism beliefs.

Visit the Five Great Avenues

Tianjin is home to many renowned tourist attractions, such as the ancient port of Tianjin, the Drum Tower of Haihe River, and the Five Great Avenues. The Five Great Avenues is one of Tianjin’s best attractions, where five wide boulevards converge at the city’s center. Attracting tourists from all over China and beyond, this area boasts a range of historical buildings, streets, and cultural sites worth exploring further.

The Five Great Avenues begin at Shandong Road’s center, stretching out in all directions for 14 kilometers. These five avenues form an arc-shaped area around Tianjin’s former city wall from west to east. From this central hub, travelers can explore the area further by heading down Changde Street or taking a stroll along Neglinnaya Street or Central Avenue. There is so much to see that it is impossible to list everything here; some popular highlights include:

  • Tianhou Temple (Goddess Of Heaven Temple)
  • Rongguo Mansion
  • Sea View Park
  • Hu Xiuying Martyr Monument

Whether looking for history and culture or want to experience local cuisine, visit Tianjin’s Five Great Avenues — you won’t be disappointed!

Outdoor Activities

Tianjin, China, is a city known for its fabulous outdoor attractions. From breathtaking mountain views to lush gardens and temples, plenty of fascinating places exist to explore. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most popular outdoor activities you can do in Tianjin.

From the ancient Great Wall of China to the bustling port of Tianjin, there’s something for everyone to enjoy:

  • Exploring the Great Wall of China
  • Visiting the temples and gardens of Tianjin
  • Taking a boat tour of the port of Tianjin
  • Hiking in the mountains
  • Exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife
  • Tasting the local cuisine

Go Hiking at Jixian Mountain

Jixian Mountain is a popular destination for hiking in Tianjin, China. The mountain is near the scenic Lao She Teahouse and has impressive city views. Visitors can take on a two-hour loop route that covers most of the mountain’s highlights or opt for a longer hike if they’re up for an adventure.

Hikers will pass a Buddhist temple, small lakes and ponds, and plenty of lush greenery along the way. Hikers will also be able to see waterfalls and sweeping views of the city from both sides of the mountain. For those looking to reach the peak, Jixian Mountain offers plenty of options – from easy paved paths to more challenging routes.

After your hike ends, check out nearby attractions like Zijin Mingyue Park or explore more trails on QianYanShan Mountain.

Take a Cruise down the Haihe River

Tianjin attractions are plentiful, and the Haihe River provides a relaxing atmosphere where one can take a leisurely cruise. In addition, many tour companies offer a variety of cruises down the river, ranging from 40 minutes to 4 hours.

While on board, visitors can see some iconic landmarks, such as Yujiapu Financial City and Xikai Church Tower, as they pass by. Along the way, passengers will enjoy traditional Chinese music and a bottomless cup of hot tea or coffee. The cruise down the river will surely give guests an experience they will never forget!

Explore the Great Wall of China

Tianjin is a bustling metropolis in northeastern China and makes for an ideal base to explore the country’s ancient wonders. The iconic Great Wall of China is a must-see for any Tianjin visitor.

The Wall has many sections throughout China, but one of the most easily accessible and well-restored parts is Badaling, about an hour’s drive from Tianjin.

Visitors can take a cable car up to the tower at Badaling and experience impressive views along and atop the Wall. It’s easy to step back in time as you walk through the endless stretch of towers, battlements, and walls. Plenty of souvenir shops are around, so be sure to pick up a few unique items to remind you of your visit. This attraction also features entertainment options such as:

  • Camel rides
  • Shooting galleries with bows and arrows
  • Shopping areas modeled after its period
  • And more!

Shopping

Tianjin, China, is known for its vibrant shopping scene. There are many shopping malls, stores, and markets where you can find everything from authentic Chinese products to international luxury brands. In addition, you’ll find everything from traditional Chinese items to modern-day fashion and gadgets in Tianjin.

Let’s explore some of the best shopping destinations in the city:

Shop at the Tianjin International Trade Centre

The Tianjin International Trade Centre is one of the best places to shop in the city. Located in the bustling Heping District, it is home to over 2000 stores and services, and this impressive center stretches almost five kilometers from east to west.

The Tianjin International Trade Centre includes several shopping malls, such as Binhai Shopping Center, Ocean Shopping Center, and Foursea Shopping Plaza, that offer a vast selection of goods, ranging from clothes and shoes to furniture and home appliances. In addition, each mall contains many restaurants and cafes if you need a break while shopping. Each outlet also offers different discounts at different times of the year, so check their websites before visiting.

If you want a more authentic Chinese experience, head to Wu Dao Jie for traditional wares or stroll through Fabrics Market for all your tailor needs.

Other popular malls within the area include Zhonghuan Plaza (offering luxury items), Hai Wan Mall (for jewelry), Golden Street (sporting goods), and Dian Dian Shopping Square (antiques). With something for everyone here, there’s no doubt you will find what you’re looking for at The Tianjin International Trade Centre!

Visit the Pearl Market

Tianjin Pearl Market is a full-featured shopping center and a paradise for shoppers. Located in the Heping District of Tianjin, this market is the go-to destination for people looking to buy good-quality accessories, clothes, and souvenirs. The market offers various items for men and women, including shoes, handbags, jewelry, hats, watches, and much more.

If you are visiting Tianjin on a budget, plenty of bargain options are available too – bargaining is expected at the market, so don’t forget to haggle as this could save you some money. All Chinese products are sold at reasonable prices here, including silk fabric items such as cheongsams and qipaos (traditional Chinese one-piece dresses), embroidered souvenirs, antiques, and more. Of course, the prices vary depending on what type of products you want to buy.

  • From the third to the fifth floor, you can find around 200 shops specializing in electronic goods – the perfect place to find genuine digital cameras and other electronics at competitive prices compared to those sold in other foreign countries.
  • The sixth floor is dedicated to textiles shops that sell everything from silks from Shanghai’s silk street along with furs from Mongolia or beautiful cloisonné bracelets of Beijing’s renowned vitreous enamels tradition.
  • The seventh floor is where visitors can get custom-made clothing tailored by local tailors who will tailor any garment or dress within three or four days from almost any textile at affordable rates, making it an ideal place for travelers who suddenly realize their wardrobe needs refreshing during their stay in China’s bustling metropolis!
  • Finally, food stalls across this vibrant shopping center serve local street food delicacies that are not to be missed!

Explore the Antique Market

The Antique Market is located in the old quarter, near the Drum Tower, and is a great place to explore while in Tianjin. The variety of antiques and souvenirs sold here is hard to find elsewhere. This market has everything you need to take home a unique piece of China, from furniture to authentic Chinese arts and crafts such as paintings, woodblock prints, jade ornaments, and handmade food items.

Stall owners are friendly and enthusiastic about bargaining, so don’t be afraid to haggle; they will always try and get their price, but if you show you’re contributing to their business, they will usually agree on a fairly decent amount.

Whether you’re looking for decor for your home or something more personal, like jewelry for yourself or friends back home, you’ll find exactly what you need at the Antique Market in Tianjin.

Food

Tianjin, China, is renowned for its cuisine. This city offers a variety of dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From the classic Peking duck to the spicy Sichuan dishes, Tianjin has something to offer everyone regarding food.

Here are some of the best places to enjoy the flavors of Tianjin:

Try the Local Cuisine

Enjoy the local food when you take a trip to Tianjin, China! Many traditional dishes are unique to Tianjin and other Chinese specialties. Below are listed some of the must-try cuisine in this vibrant city.

Authentic Tianjin food includes Liubiju, a small Heping Road shop serving traditional dishes like Buddha Jumps over the Wall (a stew consisting of seafood and chicken), and other culinary delights, including Three Moon Cakes with Salmon Roe filling and Golden Crunchy Pork intestines. Other local favorites include:

  • Cold chicken feet salad.
  • Pork knuckle hotpot.
  • Five-spice pig’s ear.
  • Stir-fried eggplant with garlic yogurt.

You can also find great Chinese classics such as Peking Duck, Cantonese roasted goose, Ma Po Tofu, and Sichuan boiled fish in various restaurants throughout the city. In addition, the Chilunchun alley has many hot pot restaurants where you can cook your meal from different selections of vegetables and meat in a hot broth; a great way to gather your dining companions for an immersive experience!

For dessert lovers, there is plenty of tasty treats on offer; try sweet walnut soup or glutinous rice balls served with edible papers (a type of crispy rice cracker) or even durian-flavored ice cream – be sure to visit longtaitou Ice Cream shop (Dragon Head Ice Cream) for these unusual flavors! To improve your experience, why not try local specialty snacks like croquettes filled with sweet potatoes or tofu jelly made with spicy chili oil?

Whether you’re looking for authentic local specialties or global flavors, explore Tianjin’s vibrant culinary scene – there is something for everyone’s tastes!

Sample Street Food

Exploring the various types of street food found in Tianjin is a great way to experience the local flavors. There are a variety of street food stalls scattered around the city, with popular dishes that demonstrate the blend of Chinese, Korean, and Mongolian flavors. Tianjin locals enjoy street food snacks and light meals in their everyday life, so it is an activity filled with rich cultural experiences.

The following are some of the most famous street food items to try when visiting:

  • Jianbing: These savory crepes are trendy breakfast options in China. A batter made from wheat and mung bean flour, jianbing is cooked on a flat skillet and topped with egg, veggies, and sauces like sweet chili sauce or black bean sauce.
  • Speed Stewed Pork: This dish consists of diced pork cooked in spices until soft and tender before being served on top of mantou (pleated steamed buns) for those who want something more sustenance than regular snacks.
  • Liangfen: This dish is made with mung bean jelly, boiled with spices like pepper, star anise, and dried tangerine peel until a chewy but crunchy texture is achieved. Served cold or hot as per preference, it’s eaten as a snack or accompaniment to other meals.
  • Chaoshou: Pork dumplings served in broth or a wheat porridge soup; chaoshou features juicy filling wrapped carefully within thin wrappers that can be dipped into chili oil before enjoying. It’s often served as an appetizer or brunch dish in some restaurants too!
  • Yangrou Paomo: A classic Shandong cuisine staple where two types of crumbled flatbread will be soaked up overnight before cooking it again in mutton broth with stewed lamb cubes for added flavor – hearty yet guilt-free!

Indulge in Local Sweets and Snacks

Tianjin is renowned for its delicious cuisine. From the humblest street vendor to the most sophisticated chef, there is something to thrill every palate. Some snacks and sweets are trendy among locals and tourists, as they capture the essence of China’s gastronomic culture.

Try the familiar pork mantou (buns), served steamed or deep-fried and available everywhere across Tianjin. The candied hawthorn fruit is a local specialty – these crispy and crunchy oblong balls, usually bright red, can be served hot or cold and are naturally sweet with an exciting flavor that leaves an indelible impression.

If spicy food is more your thing, then try Tangcu lajiao (sweet, tangy sauce), which includes diced chilies, garlic, onions, and assorted seasonings like vinegar, all cooked in oil at low heat until fragrant; it adds profound depth to any dish when added as a condiment, side dish or topping for noodles.

Finally, Sweet osmanthus tea has been a favorite of locals for many generations due to its delicate sweet aromatic fragrance created by mixing dried osmanthus petals with black tea leaves, perfect after meals or just as an afternoon treat!

Entertainment

Tianjin is a lively city in northern China, with plenty of entertainment for you to enjoy. From traditional Chinese music and opera performances to exciting rides at theme parks, there are countless ways to enjoy your trip to Tianjin.

Here, we will be discussing some of the top entertainment options in Tianjin so that you can get the most out of your trip:

Visit the Tianjin Eye

The Tianjin Eye, formally known as the Yangliuqing Ferris Wheel, is a 120-meter-tall ferris wheel in Tianjin, China. It is situated on the Haihe River and provides magnificent views of the city and its surroundings. It is one of the most popular attractions in Tianjin, and it has become an iconic symbol for the city.

The wheel was built in 2007 following a design by Hebei University of Technology’s School of Mechanical Engineering. It took 73 days to direct assemble and tested for safety before it opened to the public. The wheel operates at low speeds (1-2 rpm), making it safe and enjoyable to all patrons regardless of age or physical condition.

The Tianjin Eye offers two kinds of cabins – ordinary and glass-bottomed. Both provide stunning views during the 45 minutes ride, allowing visitors to appreciate landmarks such as the Qing Dynasty Tombs, Great Walls relics, Mount Caigongtou(采贡头山), etc., while also taking in a fantastic sunset over River Haihe or a great view of night lit Tianjin City. The wheel runs daily from 8 am to 8 pm (the last ticket counter opens 1 hour prior). Ticket fares range from 30 to 50 yuan per person depending on cabin type and daytime when purchased.

Enjoy the Nightlife

Tianjin offers plenty of exciting nightlife activities, making it a fabulous leisure and entertainment destination. Whether you enjoy exotic cocktails, karaoke nights, live music, or late-night beer bars, Tianjin has many unique places.

For a real taste of the city’s vibrant nightlife, head over to Joy City Shopping Center. Here you will find a range of modern bars and clubs that offer diverse options for a sparkling night out. For example, Liquid Bar is a chic lounge club with cozy sofas and an extensive drinks menu. Also, visit the He Ping Jie Bar Street for live music and a bustling bar ambiance. The street offers dozens of bars with various musical styles, perfect for crowded gatherings or team events.

Moreover, if you’re looking for something more laid-back and peaceful, then be sure to check out the Laojie Pedestrian Mall near Sino-Ocean International Mansion. You can find numerous teahouses serving hot tea in tranquil environments away from the downtown hustle and bustle while enjoying local snacks. The pedestrian mall also has many shops where you can purchase souvenirs or wander around enjoying Chinese specialty stores lined up nicely in the streetlights along both sides of roads decorated with ancient Chinese architecture-style building fronts made in traditional red wooden paintings, making it an ideal place to explore at night time too!

Watch a Performance at the Tianjin Grand Theatre

The Tianjin Grand Theatre is a modern entertainment complex located in the central business district of Tianjin. It consists of an opera hall, a concert hall, and multiple theaters which show different performances.

For those looking to enjoy a classical opera performance, the Opera Hall offers large-scale ballets and operas regularly. As well as traditional Chinese operas that feature unique instrumentation and costumed performers. There are also pop concerts from both domestic and international artists, symphonies, folk concerts, and more.

The theater complex also features five separate theaters that can accommodate artistic variety, such as concerts for children, theatrical performances for adults, and everything in between. The theaters feature audio equipment that provides concert sound effects and state-of-the-art lighting gear meant to bring stage performances alive on the grand stage of the complex.

Apart from the main halls and theaters, there is an art gallery on the premises showcasing works from internationally renowned artists available for sale. The Tianjin Grand Theatre provides diverse art experiences and allows visitors to explore vast cultural possibilities while enjoying their stay in Tianjin, China!