China’s third-largest urban area is home to European-influenced neighborhoods, fascinating historical and artistic attractions, as well as a thriving food scene.
Tianjin is one of northern China’s most important financial and cultural centers. With a sprawling mix of early 20th-century European architecture and modern skyscrapers, Tianjin is an excellent place for wandering and browsing shops. Revel in the surprisingly relaxed atmosphere, which is enhanced by a lovely riverside promenade, museums, churches and temples.
The area rose to prominence as one of the country’s most important ports, later attracting the attention of European nations that established individual foreign concessionary bases. Each resembled a miniature European country, encompassing its own system of prisons, schools and hospitals. The buildings in each concession were inspired by the style popular in that European country. When exploring the city today, try to identify the distinctly different architectural styles of the old concessions.
Walk down Ancient Culture Street, designed to recreate the city’s historic Qing dynasty architecture. Look inside Tianhou Temple, browse shops selling traditional souvenirs or stop at a restaurant to try one of Tianjin's local specialties. Many of the city’s dishes feature the widely available fresh seafood.
Enjoy more shopping in the busy streets surrounding the iconic Drum Tower. Look up at the enormous iron bell on the tower’s second floor and head to the top to see striking views over the city.
Ride on the Tianjin Eye, a towering Ferris wheel attached to the city’s Yongle Bridge. After seeing the Hai River from one of the Eye’s passenger capsules, go for a boat ride along the river or relax in one of the nearby parks. Visit Wanghailou Church, the city’s first Christian church, and learn about its darkly intriguing history.
Tianjin is located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) east of Beijing. To get here, take a 1-hour train ride from the capital. Enjoy the city as a daytrip or stay a little longer to explore its lesser-known sights. Late spring and autumn are the best times of year to visit, when the weather is pleasantly mild.
Where to stay in Tianjin
Nankai
4/5Very Good!(5 area reviews)
The restaurants and museums are just a few things visitors like about Nankai. Tianjin Water Park and Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Haiguangsi Station or Zhoudengjinianguan Station to get around the larger area.
Tianjin City Center is a destination travelers like for its historic sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at Jinwan'guangchang Station or Hepinglu Station to explore sights like Tianjin Kerry Centre.
Hebei is well-liked for its museums and monuments. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Tianjin Eye and Marco Polo Square are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Jinshiqiao Station or Jinwan'guangchang Station to get around.
You might enjoy the historic sites while in Heping. Zhongxin Park is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Yingkoudao Station or Hepinglu Station to see more of the city.
Hongqiao is a destination travelers like for its river views, and you might hop aboard the metro at Honghuli Station or Qinjiandao Station to explore sights like Ancient Culture Street.
Located in Tianjin City Center, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Zhongxin Park and Bin Jiang Dao Shopping Mall. Former Residence of Liang Qichao ...…Located in Tianjin City Center, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Zhongxin Park and Bin Jiang Dao Shopping Mall. Former Residence of Liang Qichao ...WWW…
4.4/5Excellent! (100 reviews)
Great location on the river
"This is a fancy western hotel in a great location. 10 min Didi ride from the train station. There's nice walking along the river or in a shopping/pedestrian area across the street. The breakfast buffet is awesome. There's also a nice pool and gym. Our only disappointment was the bar in the evening ..."…""This is a fancy western hotel in a great location. 10 min Didi ride from the train station. There's nice walking along the river or in a shopping/pedestrian area across the street. The breakfast buffet is awesome. There's also a nice pool and gym. Our only disappointment was the bar in the evening ..."WWW…"
Located in Hongqiao, this hotel is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Tianjin Eye and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Tianjin University. Nankai University and Tianjin Radio and Television ...…Located in Hongqiao, this hotel is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Tianjin Eye and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Tianjin University. Nankai University and Tianjin Radio and Television ...WWW…
4.8/5Exceptional! (59 reviews)
"Superb location, excellent room condition and helpful staff!"…""Superb location, excellent room condition and helpful staff!"WWW…"
No. 50 2nd Avenue, TEDA, Binhai New area, Tianjin, Tianjin
$87
per night
Feb 1 - Feb 2
Located in Tanggu, this luxury hotel is 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from TEDA Football Stadium and 2.5 mi (4 km) from Haihe Bund Park. Taku Forts is 4.5 mi (7.2 km) away. ...…Located in Tanggu, this luxury hotel is 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from TEDA Football Stadium and 2.5 mi (4 km) from Haihe Bund Park. Taku Forts is 4.5 mi (7.2 km) away. ...WWW…
4.1/5Very Good! (32 reviews)
Nice staff and wonderful breakfast selection
"Everyone was very nice and the variety of food at breakfast was outstanding. I highly recommend this hotel."…""Everyone was very nice and the variety of food at breakfast was outstanding. I highly recommend this hotel."WWW…"
Sample local dishes, admire recreated traditional architecture and see shoes from nearly every era of Chinese history as you explore this popular street.
Experience the traditional lifestyle of a Beijing resident on this private tour through the history and hutongs of Old Beijing. Encounter friendly locals as you ride a rickshaw through Old Beijing’s hutong area, characterized by narrow alleyways surrounded by ancient courtyards.
Beijing 2-Day Private Tour with Tianjin Cruise Port Transfer
$292
While traveling by cruise to Tianjin, you will surely want to have a comprehensive experience to Beijing, this is the exclusively customized trip for travelers arriving in and departing from Tianjin Cruise Port.
Private Tianjin Shore Excursion: Huangyaguan Great Wall
$135
Learn Chinese history starting from Great Wall, if you're in Tianjin port or hotel and want to explore this attractive ancient Great Wall in one day. You'll be provided with Tianjin hotel or harbor transfer directly to Huangyaguan at your arranged time via an air-conditioned vehicle.
Tianjin Railway Station Private Transfer from Cruise Port
$27
Upon your arrival at the Tianjin Xingang International Cruise Port, you will be met by a representative at the arrival hall and transferred to Tianjin Railway Station. This transfer service available for all railway stations in Tianjin.
Private Standard Car: Tianjin Cruise Terminal - Beijing City Center
$347
Enjoy convenient private transportation in the comfort of a standard car between Tianjin International Cruise Terminal and your Beijing city center hotel. Beijing City Center Available neighborhoods: Beijing Central, Chongwen, Dongcheng – Wangfujing,
Upon your arrival at the Tianjin Xingang International Cruise Port, you will be met by a representative at the arrival hall and transferred to Tianjin Binhai International Airport. It's that easy! When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Tianjin Cruise Port Information.
There is a lot to do just walking around the river, Italian area, the 5 Main Boulevards, boat ride, and shopping. Great side trip from Beijing for two nights, or at least one night.
5/5 - Excellent
William
Oct 13, 2018
Much larger than I expected
Very friendly people
5/5 - Excellent
Paul
Sep 21, 2018
Tianjin is like small-sized- Shanghai but it is also a beautiful well planned city with modern characters. People are friendly and willing to offer help. Even a Taxi driver sang Chinese opera for us ---- what a surprise!
Definitely will go back there
5/5 - Excellent
Paul
Sep 21, 2018
To me, Tianjin is a smaller Shanghai with a lot of unique characters. Even the people we met on the streets smiled at us a lot--- what a friendly city. One Taxi driver even sang for us! It is clean all over the city and we enjoyed the fresh air.
