Things To Do
in Tianjin
Tianjin is a dynamic port city in northern China, blending historic European architecture with traditional Chinese culture. The city is crisscrossed by the Haihe River, which provides scenic riverside promenades and lively water cruises. Tianjin’s culinary scene is famous for steamed buns (baozi), edgy street food and fresh seafood from Bohai Bay.
Modern shopping malls and art districts coexist alongside centuries-old temples and bustling local markets for a truly multifaceted urban experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Tianjin and settle into your hotel before strolling into the historic Italian Concession for a leisurely coffee at a sidewalk café.
Wander the leafy boulevards lined with pastel villas and stop by art galleries or boutique shops reflecting European flair.
Dine at a riverside restaurant overlooking the lit-up Haihe River while enjoying local fusion cuisine under the stars.
Begin at Ancient Culture Street (Guwenhua Jie), admiring traditional wooden architecture and browsing stalls of handicrafts and antiques.
Cross the river to board the Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel for panoramic views of the cityscape and winding waterways.
Stroll along the illuminated riverside promenade, sample street snacks and soak up the lively night-market atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $3–5 |
| ☕️Coffee at a café | $2–4 |
| 🚖Taxi start (normal tariff) | $1 |
| 🚌One-way public transit | $0.30–0.50 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $25–40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical architecture and cultural diversity
- Renowned street food and unique local dishes
- Convenient high-speed rail links to Beijing and other cities
- Summer humidity can be oppressive
- Air quality can dip in winter
- Fewer English-speaking services than in bigger cities
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "多少钱？(Duō shǎo qián?)" - How much is it?
- "洗手间在哪里？(Xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Tianjin
Visit one of these nice places.
Tree-lined boulevards featuring British, French and German architecture—ideal for urban heritage shots.
A giant Ferris wheel built on a bridge over the Haihe River; best views come at dusk when the city lights up.
Colorful temples, ornate gates and artisan workshops perfect for close-up detail shots.
Cobblestone streets and pastel facades with European flair, especially photogenic at twilight.
Food in Tianjin
Tianjin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Legendary steamed buns with savory pork filling; try them at the original Goubuli store near Tianhou Palace.
Must-Try!
A crispy crepe breakfast topped with egg, scallions, hoisin and crunchy wonton bits, found at street carts citywide.
Sweet glutinous rice cakes flavored with malt sugar; pick some up at Nanshi Food Street.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A historic alley lined with over 100 vendors; must-tries include fried dough twists and steamed buns.
In the evening, stalls serve spicy crayfish, skewers and regional snacks under strings of lanterns.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A nod or light handshake is standard; loud voices in public are considered rude.
Wait for the host to invite you to start eating, and use communal chopsticks or spoons for shared dishes.
Safety
Tipping in Tianjin
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Tianjin; service charges may be included at upscale restaurants but generally you don’t tip.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate; carry cash (RMB) as backup, and major credit cards are accepted at big hotels and malls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make riverfront walks and park visits pleasant.
Hot and humid weather; expect temperatures up to 35°C and occasional thunderstorms—carry water and sun protection.
Clear skies and cool breezes from September to November; ideal for outdoor exploration and photography.
Cold winds off the Bohai Sea bring sub-zero temperatures and occasional snow—dress in layers and a wind-proof coat.
Tianjin at Night
Hiking in Tianjin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Approximately 1.5 hours away, offers well-marked trails, temples and scenic viewpoints over forested peaks.
Hiking paths around the 1,500-year-old pagoda with wooded hills and village vistas.
Airports
How to reach Tianjin by plane.
Primary airport 13 km from downtown; accessible by metro Line 2, airport bus and taxi.
About 120 km away; reachable in 30–40 minutes by high-speed train from Tianjin Railway Station.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Make up the vast majority of the population, representing diverse northern Chinese subcultures.
A small community known for halal restaurants and unique cultural heritage.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
China’s national pastime—local parks and community centers have free tables for casual play.
Outdoor courts are common; pickup games happen any time of day.
School and amateur leagues play regularly; stadiums host occasional professional matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tianjin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can find stir-fried vegetables, tofu dishes and veggie versions of jianbing; larger restaurants often list meat-free options.
Vegan options are limited—ask for clear vegetable soups and rice dishes without oyster sauce, or stick to street-style jianbing without egg.