2 Days Classic Tianjin City Tour - Architectural Feast, Riverside Charm & Tianjin Food

Welcome to Tianjin, an international port city in Northern China! Upon your arrival at the airport, train station, or port of Tianjin, your driver will meet you at the exit and escort you to start your tour in Tianjin. The best way to explore Tianjin is through its architecture, street, food, bridges & riverside hike.

In the morning, head to Shi Family Mansion (Shi Family Grand Courtyard). It is situated in the center of the thousand-year-old town of Yangliuqing, along the southern bank of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Originally the residence of Shi Yuanshi, one of the eight prominent families of the late Qing Dynasty Tianjin, it was once the home of wealthy merchants who prospered in canal transportation. During its peak, it even received visits from Empress Dowager Cixi, providing a glimpse into the rise and fall of a family.

Stepping into the Shi Family Grand Courtyard, you can measure the ancient building that was constructed in 1875 with your footsteps. You will discover that every brick carving, wood carving, and stone carving within the mansion is exquisitely crafted, carrying auspicious meanings. This mansion, which took 50 years to complete and covers an area of 7,200 square meters, is one of the largest private residences in northern China. It comprises 18 courtyards and 278 rooms, featuring the typical layout of interconnected courtyards within courtyards, showcasing the luxurious lifestyle of Qing nobility. Furthermore, the Shi Family Mansion houses the best-preserved and largest enclosed residential opera house in China, accommodating up to 200 spectators.

Moreover, the Shi Family Mansion is also known as the Tianjin Yangliuqing Museum. The museum exhibits a vast collection of woodblock prints from the Yangliuqing New Year Painting and displays over 130 pieces of Tianjin brick carvings with distinctive Chinese architectural features. Today, the Shi Family Mansion has become a popular filming location, featured in dramas such as "The Story of a Noble Family金粉世家" starring Liu Yifei. Scenes of the mansion's opera house, living rooms, courtyards, and bedrooms can be seen in various period dramas set in the Qing Dynasty (1616-1911) and the1920s, offering viewers an immersive historical experience.

After that, transfer to Tianjin Museum in downtown Tianjin. The Tianjin Museum (Closed on Mondays) is the largest in Tianjin. The architecture of the Tianjin Museum is designed with the concept of the "Window of the Century." Overlooking Tianjin's more than 600 years of history, Tianjin has served as a gateway for the emperor to cross the river, acting as a window for external exchanges and a hub connecting the inside and outside.

Stepping into the Tianjin Museum is like entering the "Window of the Century." You will find yourself in the "Time Tunnel," 30 meters wide, 80 meters long, and 14 meters high. This serves as the public hall connecting various exhibition halls. This impressive five-story museum houses over 200,000 pieces in its collection, ranging from oracle bones and an exceptional inkstone exhibit to various artifacts and documents related specifically to the city's historical development.

The Second Floor is the best place to marvel at the museum's treasures, such as Enameled jade vase with peony and pheasant patterns, jadeite katydid and cabbage, Ru kiln celadon plate, Warring States period Chu Wang Ding. The Third Floor, “Tianjin - An Epitome of China in the Past Hundred Years”, focusing on Tianjin's evolution as a modern city since the Opium War, is a highlight.

After the museum, time to take a relaxing stoll at the Italian Style Street. The Italian Style Street, home to over 200 well-preserved Western-style buildings, is the only Italian concession in modern China. You won't miss Marco Polo Square, the heart of the Italian Style Town. Surrounding restaurants, cafes, and shops offer a variety of leisure options. You will pass by Dante Square, named in honor of the great Italian poet Dante, a square shaded by lush trees, perfect for a stroll.

You can also visit the former residences of Liang Qichao and Cao Yu, influential figures in modern Chinese history. Here, you'll find the exquisite Zhongshuge Bookstore. Additionally, you can explore the former Italian barracks, now transformed into museums and exhibition halls. In the Italian Style Street, you can not only experience the history and art carried by these century-old Western-style buildings but also choose from a selection of exquisite souvenirs and handicrafts.

Then, time to transfer to Ancient Culture Street (Jinmen Guli) for local life in Tianjin. Located on the west bank of the Haihe River, it is a commercial pedestrian street built in 1986 in the style of imitation Qing Dynasty architecture. It gathers many Tianjin time-honored shops and folk handicraft shops, such as Yangliuqing New Year paintings, clay figurine Zhang colored sculptures, etc., as well as mouthwatering Tianjin Food such as Goubuli steamed buns, Erduoyan fried cakes, Ersaozi pancakes, and Tianjin twisted dough sticks.

At last, take a look at the Tianjin Eye (Exterior view), the must-visit landmark & the only Ferris wheel that spans over a river. As an iconic symbol of modern Tianjin, Tianjin Eye is a 120-meter-tall Ferris wheel uniquely built on the Yongle Bridge over the Haihe River.

Free Time Ideas:
1.Tianjin Crosstalk (Self-pay): Experience the witty art form of Tianjin’s traditional crosstalk. There are crosstalk teahouses on both sides of the Ancient Culture Street, which is a unique way for Tianjin people to relax.
2.Tianjin Tianhou Palace (Self-pay): Learn about the culture of Mazu, the goddess of the sea, at Tianhou Palace. With a history of more than 700 years, it is one of the three largest Mazu temples in the world. First, there was the Tianhou Palace, and then there was Tianjin City (Cultural Ancient Street).On the 23rd day of the third lunar month, the Tianhou Palace will hold the Tianjin Imperial Meeting, at which folk arts such as dragon lanterns, stilts, and land boats will be performed.
3.Tianjin Eye Ferris Wheel Ride (Self-pay): A ride (book 3 days in advance) offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city's skyline, Tianjin's Mother River, especially enchanting at night when lit up. Head back to Tianjin Port.
4.Haihe River Night Cruise (Self-pay): Haihe River Cruise is a relaxing boat ride on the Haihe River for the city’s skyline. (Book 7 days in advance; 19:30-20:30; available during April-Nov.). The night cruise is highly recommended for the best views of the Jiefang Bridge and Jin Tower light show.

Good to Know:
1.Tianjin actually bears some similarities to Shanghai, especially in its mix of historical European architecture &modern development along the river. You will marvel at the colonial-era buildings (European villa) of China's Last Century. As Beijing's neighbor, Tianjin is a budget-friendly escape near Beijing, serving as a gateway to Northern China.
2.Tianjin is a Foodies’& Cultural Lovers’. Must-try Tianjin Food includes Goubuli Baozi (steamed buns), Tianjin Mahua (crispy fried twists) & Tianjin-style Pancakes. Tianjin is also famous for Yangliuqing New Year Paintings, Clay Figurines of Zhang & Tianjin Xiangsheng (Crosstalk相声), which showcase traditional Chinese artistry.
3.Tianjin Shore Excursion from Tianjin Port. Tianjin was built in 1404 (Ming Dynasty) as a water transport hub. Since 1860, Tianjin has been the gateway to the Bohai Sea. International cruise travelers can take a Tianjin Tour with a China 144-hour (6-day) Visa-Free Transit (effective Dec.17, 2024; double check with us).
4.Emperor Zhu Di of the Ming Dynasty named Tianjin in 1404. The name "Tianjin" means "the ferry crossing where the Emperor passed through," referencing Zhu Di's crossing at that location.

Arrival Ideas:
1.Get to Tianjin by Tianjin International Cruise Home Port (天津国际邮轮母港), which Located about 70 km from the city center of Tianjin. This port is a significant international cruise port in Northern China. Contact us if you need Tianjin Cruise Port Transfer service.
2.How to get to Tianjin By Air: Tianjin Binhai International Airport is about 13 km away from downtown. Direct flights connect Tianjin with major cities in China, such as Shanghai (2h), Xian (2h), Chongqing (2h 50min), Chengdu (3h 10min), Guangzhou (3h 10min), etc. It's essential to check flight schedules in advance.
3.How to get to Tianjin By High Speed Train: Tianjin can be reached by train through Tianjin Railway Station & Tianjin South Railway Station. There are high-speed trains to Tianjin from Beijing (30 min), Shanghai (5.5h), Xian (6.5h), etc. Contact us for ticket booking.

Anther day to explore the must-visit landmarks of Tianjin, such as Five Great Avenues (Wudadao Area), and Jingyuan Garden (Former Residence of Puyi, the Last Emperor), Porcelain House (China House).

You will first explore the Five Great Avenues (Wudadao Area), a historic district boasting over 2,000 European-style villas. Renowned as the "World Architecture Expo," Wudadao stands out as Tianjin's premier destination for a city walk. Within Wudadao lies half of Tianjin's history, once serving as a British concession from the late 19th to the 20th century. The area is comprised of five roads: Chongqing Road, Changde Road, Dali Road, Munan Road, and Machang Road.

For a classic Wudadao tour route, begin your journey from Chongqing Road (home to Minyuan Square), pass by the Little White House, continue along Munan Road (boasting numerous famous residences), visit the iconic clock of the Five Avenues, and conclude your visit. You won't miss the top attractions in Wudadao like the Little White House (Tianjin Concert Hall), Prince Qing's Palace (self-pay), Minyuan Square (a Wudadao landmark), Gedalou (built with glazed bricks), and Munan Park (view Tianjin’ Romantic). You can take a carriage ride (self-pay) or stroll along the streets to admire a blend of Italian, German, French, Spanish, and British architectural styles intermingled with old Chinese villas, providing a glimpse into China's modern history.

After that, pay a visit to Jingyuan Garden, the former Residence of Puyi, the Last Emperor. As you step into Jingyuan Garden, its unique Spanish-Japanese style house will immediately catch your eye. This residence, once owned by a high-ranking official, became home to Puyi, the last Qing Dynasty emperor, after his exile from the Forbidden City. From 1929 to 1931, it was here that Puyi, along with Queen Wanrong and Concubine Wenxiu, shared some of their happiest times.

Explore Puyi's life firsthand by visiting his study, bedroom, dining room, and other rooms within the house. This very place also saw the fascinating "Revolution of the Concubine," a truly groundbreaking moment in Chinese imperial history when Concubine Wenxiu, dissatisfied with Puyi's politics, sought a divorce. For more about Puyi's life, the film "The Last Emperor" offers a deeper look.

Then, head to Porcelain House (China House), anther landmark of Tianjin locate only 100m from Commander Zhang’s Mansion.The Porcelain House started as a small French-style building. Following renovation in 2007, it became the "Chinese Ancient Porcelain Museum." Valued at 9.8 billion yuan, the Porcelain House boasts a construction featuring over 700 million pieces of ancient porcelain, 13,000 ancient porcelain bottles, 4,000 ancient porcelain plates, 300 porcelain pillow cats, and 20 tons of crystal agate. It is an excellent destination for porcelain enthusiasts to appreciate Chinese porcelain from various historical periods, including the green porcelain of the Jin Dynasty, Tang tricolor pottery, Song Jun porcelain, Longquan porcelain, and Yuan-Ming blue and white porcelain.

Free Time Ideas: (If Time Permits)
1.Commander Zhang’s Mansion (Self-pay): This was Zhang Xueliang's residence from 1925 to 1932. It was during this period that Zhao Yidi (from a prestigious official family) met him, and the two accompanied each other throughout their lives. They met at a dance party, and the "Young Marshal's Mansion" was where their love story began.
2.Nanshi Food Street: It is more like a shopping mall than a food street. There are more than 200 kinds of snacks in the street, including Sichuan, Shandong, Gongdong, Italian cuisine, Russian cuisine, and other kinds of cuisines.

It is time to end your Tianjin Tour. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your China Tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Asia. Safe journey!

Extension Ideas:
1.You can extend your Tianjin Tour to other cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chongqing, Chengdu (Sichuan), etc. We can customize your itinerary.