Tianjin Things to Do

1 more image

Located near the Gu Lou (Drum Tower) area, the Nanshi Food Street is actually a popular eating place.

It is large two storey building with many restaurants inside lining up like a junction of streets of all 4 directions.

The restauarants are mainly seafood restaurants and specializing in Tianjin famous cuisines. More for sit down dining for small and larger groups. Everything is brightly light at night.

Known as "Tian Ta", Tianjing TV Tower is one of the tallest in Asia at over 400m depending which height you measure.

There is a view platform at the top but I did not have time to go up there.

The tower is located at a small lake garden and across the street is the larger Tianjin waterpark garden.

So it is great to just being able to see the Tower close up and take a photo.

This memorial is dedicated to Zhou En Lai, one of China's famous and well admired and loved sons. Premier Zhou En Lai is known as a skilled diplomat and pragmatic statesman. Although often in the shadows of Chairman Mao Ze Dong, Premier Zhou had been reputed to played many key roles in founding of Modern China and subsequent political, social and economic development. At least, Zhou is one of my favorites.

Zhou En Lai studied in the Tianjin Middle School, then in universities in Japan and later in the Nankai University of Tianjin. Hence, it is no surprise that his memorial is located here.

By contrast, Chairman Mao has a masoleum in the middle of Tiananmen Square in downtown Beijing.

This memorial located near the Tianjin Tower at a lakeside park. There is a bus that comes in this direction and a 500m walk. Do come early as the memorial closes early around 3-4pm.

1 more image

On both sides of the rivers, there are pleasant pedestrian walks and to cycle on if you have rented a bicycle.

In the late afternoon, it is cooler and some sections are shaded with trees while others are better to go when the sun is out.

There are not many shops yet along the pedestrian walks and hopefully they will flourish as tourism increases in this under-rated tourist destination. I am not quite sure how safe it is at night but follow the local crowd and stay in the well lit areas.

1 more image

This eye-catching building in downtown Tianjin will surely turn heads.

It is built on large potteries. It evokes the same brazen appeal like the famous Gaudi buildings of Barcelona.

There is a small admission to see the inside which is like a museum and souvenir shop for all kinds of potteries. Or just take a photo closeup through the "pot".

1 more image

Away from the business district of the French Area, is the more green and charming residential area including a garden circled by large mansions.

Here you can imagine how the French and Western foreigners will take their family to the park or on their horse carriages to church.

Not all builidings are restored yet or turned into restaurants. You can see fairly delapidated homes that have signs showing the historic and architecture significance.

1 more image

Tianjin prewar was divided into different zones for the British, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, American, etc.

I spent most of my time exploring the French quarters as it was largest, most preserved and easiest to find. The restored area looked like a Hollywood film set.

The main buildings in the commercial sector are now occupied by banks. Do enter into the bank and appreciate the interior with high ceilings and stained glass windows. The security guards are on the lookout and so I did not bother to try to take the photos inside.

1 more image

Tianjin has been a major river port where several rivers meet here in a confluence and flow into "Haihe" river. "Haihe" means to "Ocean River" as Tianjin is located 50km from the sea.

What is fascinating is not only the number of bridges of over 20 in the downtown area but the unique designs each bridge - both traditional and modern.

Several of them have pedestrian walkways and you can get to the middle of the river to take your photographs and see the views of both sides of the river. The main train station is on the opposite side than downtown Tianjin.