The Tianjin Postal Museum (天津邮政博物馆), located in the heart of Tianjin, China, occupies an expansive exhibition space of approximately 1500 square meters. The museum’s exhibition is organized into five distinct chronological periods, reflecting the evolution of Tianjin’s postal history: the ancient postal relay era, the period of modern postal establishment, the era of the Qing Dynasty postal service, the period of the Republic of China postal service, and the contemporary era of the People’s Republic of China. Through a diverse array of presentation methods, including text, artifacts, photographs, and sculptures, the museum narrates the historical transformations of Tianjin’s postal system, highlighting the distinctive cultural allure of the postal industry.
As the birthplace of modern Chinese postal services, Tianjin holds a significant place in the annals of Chinese postal history, marking numerous “firsts.” The country’s inaugural postal agency, the first postal regulations, the maiden postal route, the debut postal tariff table, and the initial set of postage stamps all originated in Tianjin. The Tianjin Postal Museum stands proudly on the former site of the Qing Dynasty Postal Bureau in Tianjin, commemorating and preserving this illustrious history.
On March 9, 1878, with the approval of the Qing government and under the direction of Li Hongzhang, the Governor-General of Zhili Province and Beiyang Minister, the British-German national Detring established the “Tianjin Customs Postal Agency” within the Customs Public Office. It marked the inception of China’s earliest postal institution, tasked with receiving and sending mail from the public. In July of the same year, the agency issued China’s first set of postage stamps – the “Da Long” stamps, cementing Tianjin’s role as a trailblazer in the realm of Chinese postal services.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Tianjin Postal Museum
- Vlog about Tianjin Postal Museum
- Other Museums in Tianjin
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 16.00; Last admission: 15.50 Closed on Mondays |
Location and Transportation
The Tianjin Postal Museum is located in the city center. Its exact address is No. 109, Jiefang North Road, Heping District, Tianjin. To get there, you can choose the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 13 or 953, get off at Tai’erzhuang Jinwan Square Stop (台儿庄津湾广场站), and walk about 300 meters to the southwest to reach the museum.
Metro: The nearest metro station to Tianjin Postal Museum is Heping Road on line 3 and line 4. After getting out of the station from Exit G, walk about 260 meters to the east to reach the museum.
Highlights of Tianjin Postal Museum
Historical Exhibits
The Tianjin Postal Museum’s historical exhibits offer a captivating journey through time, showcasing the evolution of postal services. Ancient communication tools, such as early writing materials and messenger systems, set the foundation for the development of postal networks. Visitors can explore the ingenious methods used in ancient China to deliver messages efficiently. The museum also highlights significant milestones, like the establishment of China’s first modern postal system during the Qing Dynasty. Through a rich collection of artifacts and displays, the museum brings to life the dedicated postmen, their routes, and the remarkable advancements that have shaped the global exchange of information throughout history.
Postal Art
The Tianjin Postal Museum proudly displays a captivating collection of postal art that mesmerizes visitors with its creativity and cultural significance. Through intricate and visually stunning artworks, visitors can explore the artistic expression of communication and postal themes. The collection features a diverse range of philatelic masterpieces, showcasing stamps from various periods and countries, each narrating its unique story. Additionally, visitors can marvel at the artistic craftsmanship of envelopes, postcards, and mail art, where artists use the postal medium itself as a canvas for their creativity.
Postal Workers’ Stories
The Tianjin Postal Museum pays heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes of communication – postal workers – through compelling displays of their remarkable stories. Visitors can delve into the inspiring journeys of these dedicated individuals who have played a vital role in connecting communities and nations throughout history. The exhibits showcase the challenges and triumphs of postal workers, from the early days of perilous deliveries to the modern era of seamless logistics. Through personal accounts, photographs, and artifacts, the museum honors the unwavering commitment and hard work of these unsung champions, offering a profound appreciation for the tireless efforts that have shaped the world of postal services.
