 Tianjin is one of the four municipalities in China. Its name means 'the place where the emperor crossed the river'. In recent years Tianjin has received more and more attention from both tourists at home and abroad due to its numerous travel resources and rich history.
It is no exaggeration to say that Tianjin bears a splendid historical background. However, it was desecrated by foreign invaders long before the foundation of People's Republic of China. Tianjin was shared by nine countries: Italy, Germany, France, Russia, Great Britain, Austria, Japan and Belgium. This marked an extremely hard period for Tianjin and her people because those imperialist countries left permanent marks in her body, most notable of which were thousands of villas. Today those villas provide an exotic flavor to Tianjin, enhancing the beauty of the entire city.
Blessed with variety of tourist attractions, Tianjin is a good place to explore. The top ten attractions in Tianjin, known as Jinmen Shijing, are Gu Wenhua Jie, Dagu Emplacement, Huangyaguan Great Wall, Dule Temple, Haihe River, Water Park, Panshan Mountain, Hotel Street and Food Street, Tianjin TV & Radio Tower and Zhonghuan Cailian. There are also many natural scenes of beauty as well as great historical events.
Getting in and out of the city is convenient because of the well-planned transportation system. If you want to come by water, there are a series of international and domestic sea routes in the port of Tianjin, which is the biggest man-made port in China. If you plan to arrive by air, Tianjin Binhai International Airport offers excellent service. Planes have routes that reach most of the major cities in China and also cities in Europe and America. Of course, arriving in Tianjin by land is another option, while trains or long-distance buses are yet another alternative.
Various hotels, guesthouses and hostels can also meet your different needs. In addition, there are all types of entertainment available to relax both your body and mind.
Tianjin is a good choice as a travel destination. With its cool sea breeze and fresh sea air you will definitely feel refreshed. Historical relics, natural scenery, temples, churches, assembly halls and commemorative sites of the Chinese revolution will illuminate Tianjin's past, present and future. Tianjin is honored as 'Building Museum' as it was occupied by nine imperial powers before the founding of the new China, leaving behind many buildings with extraordinary and exotic architectural styles, a real feast for the eye! In the following text let me give you a brief introduction to the Jinmen Shijing (top ten scenic attractions in Tianjin).
 Huangyaguan Great Wall
Huangyaguan Great Wall is an important military project of the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577) and is located at the juncture of four cities, Beijing, Tianjin, Tangshan and Chengde and is a wonderful example of ancient Chinese military engineering.
Jinmen Guli
Jinmen Guli means old place in Tianjin for the reason  that Jinmen is another name for Tianjin and Guli implies old place. Actually Jinmen Guli is a street, Gu Wehua Jie. There are many stores along this street dealing in jade articles, antiques, traditional handicrafts, especially famous Niren Zhang painted sculptures and Weiji kites. What makes Gu Wenhua Jie so amazing is that buildings on both sides of this street imitate the architectural style of those in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Dule  Temple
Dule Temple is more than 1,000 years old and consists of a complex of grand structures. In Dule Temple you can see the oldest multi-storied wooden pavilion in China and The Kwan-yin statue, one of the biggest clay sculptures preserved in China.
Dagu Emplacement
Built in 1858 close to the sea, Dagu Emplacement was used to protect the capital city of the Qing Dynasty, Beijing. If you ever visit Dagu Emplacement, there are other attractions around worthy your time as well, such as Haimen Bridge and Dagu Beacon.
Haihe River
Like a beautiful painting, Haihe River makes Tianjin City as charming as that seen in your imagination. In addition Haihe River Park and Wanghailou Church enhance Haihe River's beauty in great deal. You shouldn't miss the very appealing Haihe River at night as it surely will not disappoint.
Water Park
More than half of Water Park's area is covered with water, which makes this park a lovely and special one. In the park there are twelve small islands connected by arched bridges and small mounds. Weeping willows along the waters edge and lotus flowers in the water make this a relaxing place to visit.
Panshan Mountain
 Panshan Mountain is a very famous attraction in Tianjin. It is blessed with strange rock formations, verdant trees, clear streams lakes and mighty peaks. Panshan Mountain is made up of Shang Pan which is famous for vigorous pine trees, Zhong Pan which is well-known for unique rocks and Xia Pan that is renowned for crystal clear stream water.
Zhonghuan Cailian (Charming Middle Beltway)
Zhonghuan is a beltway of Tianjin. High buildings, verdant trees, lovely flowers and parks are dotted along this beltway, which endows the whole city with a special glamour of modernity.
Hotel Street and Food Street
As a large city, Tianjin can indulge you with almost all eight of the classical Chinese cuisines , of which seven types can be enjoyed in Food Street, Shandong, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Anhui, Guangdong, Zhejiang and Hunan Cuisines. Undoubtedly each cuisine is a feast for your pallet. What's more all the traditional Chinese constructions are also represented in this street making a feast for your eyes as well.
Stepping out of Food Street through Xingge Gate, its west gate, you will see the Hotel Street with a group of buildings modeled the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty and provide real enjoyment if staying in one of these hotels.
Tianjin TV & Radio Tower
Tianjin TV & Radio Tower is the fourth highest TV tower in the world after Toronto TV Tower in Canada, Moscow Tower in Russia, and Oriental Pearl TV Tower in Shanghai, China. It is located in Tianta Lake, like a sword thrusting into the sky. There is a restaurant in the tower at the height of 248 meters (about 814 feet) to 278 meters (about 912 feet) which can simultaneously accommodate more than 200 guests and providing a bird's eye view of all Tianjin in this 'hanging restaurant'.
Transportation
By air
Located in Dongli District, Tianjin Binhai International Airport is one of China's modern airports. It is able to handle almost all types of aircrafts and accommodates more than 40 international and domestic airlines. Every week there are in excess of 400 flights to major domestic and international cities, including Japan, Korean, Thailand, Europe, Middle East, etc.
There are regular shuttle buses to Binhai International Airport from Tianjin Municipality. You can take bus at No.113, Nanjing Lu, Heping District. Everyone is charged CNY10. You can also get to Binhai International Airport from Beijing Capital International Airport by bus that departs every 30 minuets from 9:00am until 10:00pm. The ticket fee is about CNY70 per person and the whole journey will take more than two hours.
Tianjin friendship Int’l travel Service Co.Ltd
Air Ticket Center Tel: 86-22-28016005 86-22228016028
By train
There are altogether four railway stations in Tianjin, Tianjin Train Station, Tianjin West Train Station, Tianjin South Train Station and Tianjin North Train Station with the first two being the most important. Tianjin Train Station is the biggest of the four and can accommodate ten thousand people in its waiting hall at the same time. Trains from this station reach more than forty cities in China, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Xian, etc.
By long-distance bus
A group of long-distance bus stations in Tianjin can definitely bring you convenience with Tianhuan Long-distance Bus Station in Nankai District as the most important one. Buses here are mainly destined for major cities in other provinces, such as Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Jiangxi, and so on. Other long-distance bus stations provide service to Tianjin's neighboring cities, especially those governed by Tianjin Municipality.
If you want to drive to Tianjin from Beijing, you can go along Jingjintang highway, one of the finest highways throughout China. The whole journey will take you only one and a half hours; both fast and convenient!
Tianjin West Long-distance Bus Station: No.2, Xiqing Dao, Hongqiao District
Tianhuan Long-distance Bus Station: conjunction of Hongqi Lu and Anshan Xidao in Nankai District
By water
Tianjin Xingang (Tianjin Port) is the biggest man-made port within China and is a must if you decide to come to Tianjin by ship. Its domestic sea routes are to Yantai, Dalian and Longkou; while its international routes are to Inchon in Korea (every Thursday and Saturday) and Honshu in Japan (every Monday). During high tourism seasons, there are passenger liners from Japan and Europe arriving in Tianjin Xingang.
If you want to go to Beijing from Tianjin Xingang, you can take a taxi to Tianjin Train Station and then take trains to Beijing, both fast and convenient.
Accommodation
Tianjin is one of four municipalities in China. In the late Qing Dynasty, it was shared by nine countries, which endowed the city with thousands of villas bearing exotic styles that contributed to Tianjin being known as the 'Building Museum' in China. Tianjin Port is also the largest man-made port in China, making it quite convenient to get to Tianjin by water.
Tianjin is divided into six areas, with most of the star rated hotels being located in the Hexi and Heping Districts. According to a recent survey, sixty percent of guests staying in mid-range and luxury hotels in Hexi and Heping Districts are visiting Tianjin for business purposes.
Currently Tianjin's room availability for luxury and budget hotels is limited to about one hundred star rated hotels. With the development of tourism, hotel rooms in Tianjin will be in high demand. In view of this, many international chain hotels, such as Sheraton, are entering into this promising market. The best seasons to visit Tianjin are during spring and autumn. That being said, during these times tourists are advised to make hotel reservations well in advance of their intended visit to Tianjin.
For your convenience some hotels with reputable names and reasonable prices would include the following:
Luxury Hotel:
Sheraton Tianjin Hotel
(5-star) International Exhibition Center
Sheraton Tianjin Hotel is located in the most ideal residential area of Tianjin with only a twenty-five minute drive to the airport and a fifteen minute drive to the city center. It will also only take you two hours to get to Beijing by Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Expressway. The Sheraton Tianjin Hotel was opened in 1987 and offers two hundred thirty-five rooms and sixty-five suites.
Holiday Inn Hotel, Tianjin
(5-Star) City Center
Holiday Inn Hotel is located in the city center, near the financial and trading zone of Tianjin. The peaceful and relaxed environment, along with the advanced facilities and perfect service will always make you feel at home. No matter if your stay is for leisure or business, the hotel offers comfortable accommodations to the hotel's guests. Currently there are two hundred sixty-five rooms and suites available for guests.
Mid-range Hotel
Ruiwan Jinjiang Hotel, Tianjin
(5-Star) Tanggu District
Ruiwan Jinjiang Hotel is a 5-star hotel managed by the Shanghai Jinjiang Hotel Management Group. For business and conference purposes, this hotel is highly recommended due to its comfortable rooms and well-equipped business center, as well as the low cost. The Hotel offers six comprehensive meeting rooms with self-contained meeting facilities. There are three hundred and six rooms and suites currently available for hotel guests.
Budget Hotel:
Jian Gong Super 8 Hotel, Tianjin
(3-Star) International Exhibition Center
Jian Gong Super 8 Hotel is located in the commercial business district, close to Tianjin International Exhibition Center, Nankai University and the famous Binjiang walking street. There are one hundred seventy-nine guest rooms with unique designs and a contemporary fashionable style.
Tianjin dining culture is renowned throughout China, and not only the traditional Tianjin snacks, but the cuisines from other regions of China can also be found. Food Street is a fairly good place for you to sample these cross-cultural Chinese dishes. These traditional and famed snacks cannot be missed should you ever come to visit this charming municipality.
Dining
Three top snacks of Tianjin
Shiba Jie Mahua (fried dough twist)
Shiba Jie Mahua is sweet-smelling and crispy. It cannot go bad even being stored for several months.
Goubuli Baozi (steamed stuffed bun)
Goubuli means the infant of a restaurateur; while Baozi means steamed stuffed bun. Goubuli Baozi has had more than 150 years of history. It is not an exaggeration to say that Goubuli Baozi is a food calling card of Tianjin. Now its chain restaurants can be found in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and other cities in China as well as cities in America, Japan and Korea.
Erduoyan Zhagao
With relatively fine ingredients and a renowned reputation in Tianjin, Erduoyan Zhagao is almost 100 years old.
Except for the traditional snacks mentioned above, exotic flavors can be enjoyed here as well. Korean, Japanese and other western style cuisines will make your mouth water and satisfy your stomach.
Recommended restaurants:
Goubuli Baozi General Restaurant
Address: No.77, Shandong Lu, Heping District
Erduoyan Zhagao
General: No.37, Beimenwai Dajie, Hongqiao District
Food Street Branch: No.16, 1 Qu
Shiba Jie Mahua Hotel Street Branch
Address: No.18, Jiashang, Beilou, Hotel Street
Tianfu Laoma Restaurant
Special in: Sichuan cuisine
Address: No.85, Liuwei Lu, Hedong District
Lao Sichuan
Special in: Sichuan cuisine
Address: Nanlou, Hexi District
Yang Shangshu
Special in: Moslem food
Nanmen (South Gate) branch: No.406, Nanmen Wai Dajie, Nankai District
Benxi Lu branch: No.19, Benxi Lu, Hongqiao District
Friday's
Special in: western food
Address: 1 F, Teda International Hotel & Club, Tianjin
Shopping
It is well known that shopping plays a very important role whilst traveling.
Tianjin has both modern shopping malls and distinctive traditional stores, both of which will fulfill your desire. Binjiang Dao Business Street and Heping Lu Business Street are the busiest and most prosperous shopping centers in Tianjin. Most of top shopping malls or department stores can be found on these two streets, like Quanye Chang, Isten Department Store, Jinhui Shopping Square, and so on, of which Quanye Chang is the most famous.
Gu Wenhua Jie needs a particular mention here. Traditionally designed stores line either side of the street, dealing in paintings, calligraphy, jade, or other renowned Chinese arts and crafts. It is a good place to find souvenirs and enjoy the architectural spectacle. To some extent Gu Wenhua Jie is like Shuyuan (Academy of Classical Learning) Gate in Xian.
A variety of Tianjin specialties will provide you many choices for commemorating your visit to this beautiful city, such as Yangliu Qingnian painting, Wejin kites, Niren Zhang painted sculptures, paper-cuts, etc. You can visit Gu Wenhua Jie, Yilin Ge, Wenyuan Ge for inspiration, and to buy.
If you are willing to spend time to wander around the stores and shopping malls, you will surely find the perfect gift or memento.
Some shopping places:
Shenyang Dao Antique Market
Being the biggest antique market in China, Shenyang Dao Antique Market is filled with all kinds of shops selling porcelains, paintings, gold, silver, copper, jade articles, and so on. Points for Attention When Shopping.
Gu Wenhua Jie
Bus route: You can take No. 1, 4, 12, 15, 619, 611, 612, 624 or 824 bus to get to Gu Wenhua Jie.
Friendship Department Store
Address: No.21, Youyi Lu, Hexi District
Quanye Chang
Address: crossroad of Binjiang Dao and Heping Lu, Heping District
Parkson Shopping Center
Address: No.162, Heping Lu, Heping District
Jinhui Shopping Square
Address: No.189, Nanjing Lu, Heping District
Isten Shopping Mall
Address: No.209, Nanjing, Heping District
Supermarkets
Wal-Mart
Heping Lu branch: No.66, Fu'an Dajie, Heping District
Xinkai Lu branch: crossroad of Huachang Dajie and Xinkai Lu, Heping District
Carrefour
Nankai Branch: No. 168 Bai Di Rd, Nankai District, Tianjin
Longcheng Branch: -1F, Xin'an Plaza, No.138 Dongmalu, Nankai District, Tianjin
Hedong Branch: 160-16 Zhangguizhuang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin
Hebei Branch: No.28-18, crossing of Hongxing Road and Zhenli Street,Hebei District,Tianjin
Haiguang Temple Branch: No. 302, Nanjing Road, Nankai District, Tianjin
Nightlife
A long history endows Tianjin with deep cultural connotations which have inspired some famous recreational art forms, such as cross-talk, Jingyun Dagu, and Tianjin Kuaiban being the most famous. Generally speaking Tianjin Kuaiban is performed in the Tianjin dialect. The performer (or performers) follows the rhythm coming from two thin bamboo boards on his (her or their) hand. You can enjoy those traditional art forms mentioned above in some of theatres in Tianjin.
Of course there are various modern entertainment centers for your convenience as well, such as Huana Golf Club (No.1, Huanghai Lu, Tanggu Economic & Technical Development Zone), International Golf Club (Guanzhuang, Dongli District), along with many pubs, cafes and bars waiting for your patronage as well.
Pubs:
Scarlet
Address: 3F, No.155, Weijin Lu, Nankai District
Seven Club
Address: No.291, Shaoxing Dao, Hexi District
Cafes
Starbucks
Xin'an branch: 1 F, New World Shopping Center, No.138, Dong Malu, Nankai District
Binjiang branch: 1 F, Hualian Department Store, No.200, Binjiang Dao, Heping District
Parson branch: 1 F, Parkson Shopping Center, No.162, Heping District
U.B.C Coffee
Tianta branch: No.30, Pingshan Dao, Hexi District
Qufu Dao branch: No.88, Qufu Dao, Heping District
Travel Tips
Tianjin's climate is very much influenced by Bohai Sea. Spring is windy; summer is hot and wet; autumn is cool with mild and pleasant temperature; winter is cold without much snow. Like most cities in northern China, Tianjin's highest temperature is in July and is about 34oC; while the lowest is in January, and is about -4oC, so late spring and autumn are the best times for you to travel there.
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