Ancient Culture Street

Tianjin


Ancient Culture Street is stuffed with vendors flogging Chinese calligraphy, paintings, tea sets, paper cuts, clay figurines, chops and goods from all over China. The fascinating Tianhou Temple, Tianjin’s version of the shrine dedicated to the goddess of sailors (one is found in every Chinese seaport), is also here, as well as an unusual shoe museum.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tianjin attractions

1. Chinese Shoe Culture Museum

0.06 MILES

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…

2. Folk Art Museum

0.1 MILES

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

3. Tianhou Temple

0.13 MILES

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…

4. Confucius Temple

0.17 MILES

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…

5. Italian Concession

0.54 MILES

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

6. Guangdong Guild Hall

0.61 MILES

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…

7. Drum Tower

0.64 MILES

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…

8. Monastery of Deep Compassion

0.92 MILES

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…