Tianjin is the largest coastal city in northern China, bordering the capital city of Beijing. Opening up as a treaty port since 1860, Tianjin has been a major seaport and gateway to Beijing. Under the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, numerous European-style buildings were constructed, many of which are still well-preserved. Today, Tianjin is a metropolis in northern China with vibrant industrial and financial activities.
Tianjin was once home to foreign concessions in the late Qing Dynasty. It has rich tourism resources, many of which are historical and cultural relics at that time. Beijing and Tianjin are closely connected by daily bullet trains and expressways. So, if you get tired of the megacity Beijing and want to explore some more of other surrounding cities for the weekend, Tianjin would be your perfect choice.
China House
China House, the most distinguishing tourist spot in Tianjin, is a private museum decorated with 4,000 pieces of ancient porcelain, 400 pieces of jade stone carving and 20 tons of crystal and agate. Porcelain used to decorate the house can date back to the Han Dynasty and almost every type of chinaware can be found from the house. Being the most eye-catchy building in downtown Tianjin, it attracts numerous passengers as well as tourists from home and abroad every day.
Jingyuan Garden
Jingyuan Garden is the famous former residence of China’s last emperor Puyi from 1929-1931. Puyi settled here with his wives in July 1929, giving its name “Jingyuan”. “Jing” means serenity in Chinese and the emperor hoped for a quiet life by living in a peaceful environment. The building integrates both Spanish and Japanese architecture styles. After restoration in 2007, Jingyuan Garden has opened to the public. It is a must-visit among the heritage sites for those who would like to learn more about the life and stories of the last emperor in China.
Tianjin Postal Museum
Tianjin is the first city to develop modern postal service in China. Tianjin Postal Museum houses many displays about the history of China Postal Service dating back to the Qin and Han Dynasty. Also on display is the first collection of stamps—the Great Dragon Stamps published in 1878. Tianjin Postal Museum was established in the former site of the Tientsin Post Office, which served as the headquarters of China post offices as well as customs offices approved by the Qing government in 1897. The building in which the museum is housed, was constructed in a Romanesque architecture style. If you happen to be a stamp enthusiast, don’t forget to check out this museum.