Tianjin, located along the Bohai Sea in the northern part of China, is a vibrant city adjacent to the capital, Beijing. Its strategic geographical position has propelled Tianjin into a rapidly growing international metropolis and a favored destination for short trips among residents of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
Following the occupation by the British and French forces in 1860, Tianjin became one of the earliest treaty ports for foreign trade. The legacy of various foreign concessions has evolved into a substantial collection of European-style historic buildings, notably clustered along the city’s Five Avenues, preserving Tianjin’s historical memory. The Haihe River, gently flowing through the city, symbolizes the splendid civilization that has nurtured Tianjin’s growth.
Noteworthy landmarks include the soaring “Tianjin Eye” Ferris wheel and the diverse architectural styles of the Haihe River bridges, showcasing the essence of the city. Tianjin’s culinary passion is evident in its exquisite street food, such as crispy Jianbing guozi and fluffy Erduoyan fried dough twists, tempting visitors with a plethora of delectable treats.
Most Popular Tianjin Attractions
Tourist Attractions in Tianjin
Detailed Tianjin Itineraries
Best Time to Visit Tianjin
The best times to visit Tianjin are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Spring (March to May): With temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius, spring offers clear skies and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal season for witnessing the rejuvenation of nature and enjoying blossoming flowers. However, it’s essential for those with pollen allergies to take precautions during the April cottonwood season.
Summer (June to August): Tianjin experiences higher temperatures during the summer, often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. July and August see frequent overcast skies and rain, so carrying rain gear when heading outdoors is advisable. Summer is the peak tourism season, leading to higher overall travel expenses.
Autumn (September to November): The comfortable temperatures and clear skies of autumn make it perfect for outdoor activities. Post the National Day holiday in October, tourist numbers decline, and hotel prices begin to decrease. Attractions like the Water Park and Panshan Mountain enter their best viewing periods as they showcase the autumn scenery. By early November, the Haihe River starts freezing, leading to the gradual closure of tourist boat services.
Winter (December to February): Winter brings cold winds, river freezing, and temperatures dropping below zero. Hotel prices are at their lowest during this period, marking Tianjin’s off-peak season for travel.
Tianjin Weather
Tianjin Food
We took the high-speed train to Tianjin South Station, and from there we took the subway to the city center. The subway is quite convenient, and we arrived in less than an hour! For those traveling, you can also take the high-speed train to Tianjin Station or Tianjin West Station, as both are very close to the attractions.
I found that the city of Tianjin really isn’t suitable for driving at all; the traffic control is particularly poor. The roads around Five Great Avenues are narrow and chaotic. The drivers in Tianjin are quite aggressive; they don’t yield to pedestrians at all and often compete for space with them, not to mention the cars.
It’s summer vacation, and I’ve been wandering around Tianjin. These past few days, all I’ve seen is people; there are crowds everywhere. With temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, it’s especially hot. Unless you really have to, it’s better to just stay indoors and enjoy the air conditioning!
July in Tianjin is only suitable for nighttime outings, as it gets really hot during the day.
2-day 1-night Itinerary in Tianjin Day 1: – Liberation Bridge – Century Clock – Jinwan Square – Italian Style Area – Double-decker Bus – Beian Bridge – Jintang Bridge – Ancient Culture Street – Tianjin Eye – Night Cruise on the Haihe River Day 2: – Church of Our Lady of Victories – Porcelain House – Former Residence of Zhang Xueliang/Zhang Ailing – Tianjin Museum – Five Great Avenues – Minyuan Square – Little White House Regarding the Double-decker Tourist Bus: Option 1: You can make a reservation in advance through WeChat, the ticket price is 79 yuan, make sure to be on time. Option 2: Purchase tickets on-site, 30 yuan during the day, 50 yuan after 18:00, you may need to queue, and when all reserved passengers have boarded, any empty seats will be available for on-the-spot purchase, there are only one or two empty seats on each trip,… Read more »
1. The overall pace of Tianjin is relatively slow. Two days in the city area and one day in the Binhai New Area would be enough. You can easily explore the city’s attractions with a shared bike. 2. The Tianjin Eye is a landmark that you should see both during the day and at night. The views are different. If you are to choose between riding it, I feel that a night cruise along the Haihe River is more enjoyable, though it depends on personal preference. 3. The Five Avenues doesn’t only consist of five streets. It’s quite large in size. You can rent a bike and it takes 2-3 hours to walk around. The area is filled with beautiful old western-style buildings. 4. There are always crowds at the entrance of the Porcelain House. You don’t need to buy a ticket to enter, just take photos at the entrance.… Read more »
1. If you are a fan of history and culture, you must not miss the Tianjin Museum. I felt that two hours today was not enough for a cursory look. If given the chance, I would recommend spending an entire day there. The location and environment are great, perfect for photography. It’s so relaxing! 2. None of Tianjin’s attractions are exceptionally outstanding. There is no “must-visit” spot, whether it’s the Tianjin Museum or the Tianjin Eye; it’s all up to personal choice. 3. I recommend cycling around the Five Great Avenues as walking can be tiring. You can purchase a card for bike rentals, which is quite convenient. 4. There’s no need to queue at the northwest corner. Passing by in the evening for some snacks is fine; the taste is decent, but waiting in long lines feels unnecessary. Also, there are mostly sweet treats, so if you’re not a… Read more »
✅ Transportation in Tianjin
Subway: Tianjin’s attractions are very centralized, and the subway system can generally reach most of them. Moreover, most stops are only a few stations away, making it very convenient.
Shared bicycles: Many attractions are within walking distance, so there is no need to take a taxi or the subway. However, if walking is too tiring, you can opt for shared bicycles. There are many parking spots available, making it very convenient! Tianjin is really suitable for leisurely cycling around.
Ride-hailing services: If the attractions you want to visit are quite far, you can choose this option.
Taxis: It is generally not recommended to take a taxi because they may take longer routes, which are not cost-effective!
✅About Tianjin: 1⃣️It is a rather slow-paced place compared to others. If you are constantly immersed in a fast-paced environment, why not come to Tianjin and experience its unique “slow” rhythm. 2⃣️Located on the coast of the Bohai Sea, it boasts seaside views where you can experience the collision of European architecture and modern skyscrapers. 3⃣️Tianjin, a city known for its traditional comic crosstalk performances per capita, has unique cultural heritage and local customs. Foodies must see! (Personal recommendations only) 1. Lao Wei Guozi: although oily, it is super delicious! 2. Ding Ji Juan Quan: I really love the taste of fermented bean curd inside! You can also try the pancake instead of just the roll. 3. Hai Er Jie Qie Gao: compared to qie gao, the donkey rolling is really outstanding! 4. Yu Wen Shunde Ginger Stirred Milk: very creamy and distinctive in flavor, highly recommended! ️ Travel itinerary… Read more »
✅Must-visit attractions: 1⃣ Italy Street: the only large complex with Italian-style architecture in Asia. 2⃣ Tianjin Eye: a landmark building in Tianjin, with a stunning night view, a must-visit in Tianjin. 3⃣ Porcelain House: a unique building constructed with stacked porcelain tiles, perfect for taking photos. 4⃣ Five Great Avenues: a historic street that requires an afternoon to fully explore, but definitely worth it. 6⃣ Deyun Society: sisters who like cross-talk can go take a look. ✅About food Lao Wei Guozi: though oily, it’s super delicious. (Interesting that it has a slightly salty and alkaline taste?) Dingji Roll Ring: I really like the taste of fermented bean curd inside! You can order just the roll ring, or you can also get the roll pastry~ Hai Erjie Rice Cake: compared to rice cake, “Donkey Roll” is amazing! Yuwenshunde Ginger Milk: this shop is small, but always crowded. Milk flavor is rich,… Read more »