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Tianjin

Forever being compared to Běijīng (if anything, it's more like Shànghǎi), the former foreign concession port of Tiānjīn (天津) is a large, booming, yet laid-back city, with a pleasant river promenade and some charming neighbourhoods. It's an easy day trip from the capital, but you may want a long weekend to explore the city properly.

Explore Tianjin

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Tianjin.

  • Museum

    Tianjin Museum

    This impressive five-floor museum has over 200,000 pieces in its collection, ranging from oracle bones and an excellent inkstone exhibit to various…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Monastery of Deep Compassion

    Tianjin’s most important Buddhist temple – signposted as 'Dabei Temple' on street signs – was built in three stages from 1436 to 1734. While most of the…

  • Historic Building

    Guangdong Guild Hall

    This charming guildhall, built in 1907, is one of the few buildings of any genuine age in the Old Town. It’s a lovely courtyard complex, centred on a…

  • Architecture

    Treaty Port Area

    South of the station across Liberation Bridge was the British concession. The rebuilt riverside facade is an impressive sight at night, but walk further…

  • Historic Building

    Shi Family Residence

    The vast Shi Family Residence, 20km west of Tianijn, is an intriguing warren of courtyards and enclosed gardens. Formerly belonging to a prosperous…

  • Historic Building

    Drum Tower

    Standing at the Old Town's centre is the large Drum Tower. It's a modern rebuild, but inside it contains some interesting photos of old Tianijn and you…

  • Stadium

    Minyuan Plaza

    The centrepiece of the Wudadao neighbourhood, Minyuan Plaza was rebuilt in 2012 on the site of a 90-year-old stadium that was originally designed by…

  • Temple

    Tianhou Temple

    This busy temple, with its healthy mix of Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian deities, is dedicated to Tianhou (Empress of Heaven). Goddess of the sea and the…

  • Confucian Temple

    Confucius Temple

    Tianjin's quiet Confucius Temple is actually a two-for-one, with the provincial temple on the east side (dating from 1436) and the county temple on the…

  • Museum

    Folk Art Museum

    You know all those souvenirs for sale on the Ancient Culture Street? Well, this collection of handicrafts is the real deal – historic clothing, paintings,…

  • Historic Site

    Italian Concession

    Tianjin's spruced-up Italian-style district, centred on Marco Polo Sq, is an attractive quarter for exploration, with Western restaurants, cafes and bars…

  • Museum

    Chinese Shoe Culture Museum

    Shoes aren't everyone's cup of tea, but those into footwear should certainly take the time to drop by this quirky little place. It explores the history…

  • Ferris Wheel

    Tianjin Eye

    To get the city’s transformation in perspective, or for a night-time angle on Tianjin, ride this huge Ferris wheel straddling the Hai River.

  • Historic Building

    Former Qing Dynasty Post Office

    Pop inside this two-storey wood-and-brick building (1878) to view the historic stamp collection on display.

  • Bridge

    Liberation Bridge

    This historic bridge opposite the Main Train Station was built in 1927.

  • Museum

    China House

    Tianjin's tackiest sight by a long shot, China House is porcelain collector Zhang Lianzhi's ode to both porcelain and questionable taste. Vases and mosaic…

  • Historic Building

    Former Residence of Eric Liddell

    Former home of Scotsman Eric Liddell, Olympic champion, rugby international and devout Christian. Liddell was born in Tianjin in 1902 and was the subject…

  • Church

    St Joseph’s Church

    Erected by the French in 1917, this domed Catholic church is the largest church in Tianjin. Its fine brick exterior is a marked contrast to the shopping…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Tianjin.

  • Activities