Tianjin

Eco-friendly travel guide to Tianjin advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Tianjin, China.

Aerial View of Tianjin

Air quality: 2.5 / 5

Exploring by foot: 3 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 5 / 5

Public transportation: 5 / 5

Parks: 5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 5 / 5

Locals' English level: 2.5 / 5

Safety: 3.5 / 5

Accommodation: US$25 - $500

Budget per day: US$50 - $700

Responsible Travel

Tianjin or Tientsin is a significant Northern Chinese port city and part of the national Central Chinese towns. The city is home to more than 15 million people that makes it the 11th most populated city in China. Tianjin covers about 11,946 square kilometres of land and is home to many stunning European style building and churches. The majority of the Chinese communities in Tianjin are either follower of Catholicism or Buddhism.

So, while visiting Tianjin, you will need to travel in a way that causes the least harm to the local communities and the environment. It is essential that you travel responsibly or you will end up creating a wrong impression of tourists in the minds of the locals.

Asian countries' communities tend to be more on the conservative side. You will find that people are generally friendly and welcoming, but they are always suspicious of foreign tourists. You should research before visiting Tianjin. It will help you with travelling with better knowledge about the city.

When you explore the different places inside Tianjin, prefer using the public transports as they are more reliable and cause less pollution. Also, prefer using products that are friendly to the environment like recyclables and reusable items.

Instead of opting for 5-star hotels or luxury resorts, try opting for eco-hotels or sustainable accommodation options for a change. These options are better choices and will help you get proper exposure to the local environment.

Air Quality and Pollution

As Tianjin is a major port city in the northern region of China, the pollution levels are relatively high. Because of the importance of the town, the city homes many industries, manufacturing units, and plants that are the main contributors to pollution. If you have any breathing ailments like asthma, then prefer carrying your medicines and stuff when you visit Tianjin.

PM10 – 150

PM2.5 – 87

PM10 Pollution Level – High

Pollution Index – 85.91

Pollution Exp. Scale – 156.56

Respect the Culture

If you want to get the most out of your Tianjin experience, you have to get a closer look into the lives and culture of the local communities. You can do this by befriending a local or attending a festival or social event. These things will help you get to know the Chinese culture in a better way and also respect it.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Ferris wheel, Eye of Tianjin: It is a 120 meters long Ferris wheel or giant wheel. Built on 18th December 2007, it was open for public use on 7th April 2008 in Tianjin. It has a total capacity of 384 Passengers at a time. Each round takes a time of about 30 minutes. It is the only giant wheel that is built on the river(Haihe River). If you take a look from afar sight, it will look like a gigantic eye, which is due to its hi-tech lighting; hence, its name is the Tianjin eye. The whole of Tianjin city is visible from this ride, and you must ride it when you visit Tianjin. The best time to visit this place is at night as hi-tech neon light shines on this wheel, making it the look picturesque and gives epic scenery from the top of the site.

Great Wall at Huangya Pass: The Great wall at Huangya Pass is a place that is not appropriate for ordinary tourists. It is a very challenging place, and in some areas, the stairs are very high, and in some places, they are steep. If you are visiting this place, then the best time to visit is in the day. This place usually experiences fewer visitors—certainly one of the best sites for people who love hiking. Start your trekking at 7:30 in the morning; this is the time the place opens, and the reason for an early opening is to give the visitors ample time to explore. Once you reach the top area, you can guarantee that your hard work will be paid off because the view above is Splendid. There are various other attractions here like the first being Huangya Water Gate, Widow Tower, Taipinzhai, Huangyan, Sky Ladder. Other fun challenges include the Eight Trigram Maze. It is undoubtedly one of the best places for people who love trekking.

Ancient Culture Street: It was officially opened in 1986 and is situated in the Namkai district at Tianjin. Ancient Culture Street is as long as 687 meters and as broad as 5 meters. Though it is a trading street, people who are interested in antique collections are also attracted here. People who are interested in classical culture styles also love to visit. The Street also offers delicious local Chinese snacks. When people come here to take a walk, they are impressed by the Qing dynasty's classical architecture. There is a temple of the Queen of heaven in the centre of the ancient culture Street. This temple is said to be built in 1326. The place is designed in a way that visitors can experience the folk custom of Chinese people.

Five Great Avenues: It is located in the Heping District of Tianjin, China. Locally called by the name "The Five Avenues", it contains about 230 buildings from the architectural style of Britain, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. About 50 houses belong to celebrities on the Street. The architectural style has classes ranging from Gothic, Greek, Renaissance, Romantic and Eclectic eras. Five Great Avenues got its name after five parallel streets running from east to west. The five streets are after the five cities that were located in Southwest China. The names of the towns were Machang, Munan, Dali, Chengde, and Chongqing. People or visitors who love history and want to know about this town's history must visit this place.

St Joseph Cathedral: It is also known as Xikai Church, a church built by Roman Catholics situated in Tianjin, China, a French concession. St. Joseph Cathedral is located in the Heping District of Tianjin. It is one of the historical buildings protected by Tianjin's government. The construction began in 1913 and ended in 1916 and has a capacity of 1500 people and an interior area of 1,891.5 meter square. One of the most interesting facts about this church is that every brick used for making this church was brought from France. The walls are full of Ornate Murals with Biblical scenes. A mass is held every morning by the Chinese Parish and also provides services on Saturday and Sunday. On the entrance, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary. The windows and doors are designed in an arch and are styled according to the European Middle Ages. The length of the church is 196 feet, and the breadth is 98 feet. The church inhibits a feeling of elegance and dignity as it is constructed with red and white bands of bricks. If you want to enjoy peace along a rustic atmosphere as well as a feeling of elegance and dignity, this is a must-visit place for you.

Dabei Buddhist Monastery: The Ming Dynasty constructed this temple, but it has undergone various changes. It is the largest and oldest Monastery in town, covering over an area of about 10,600-meter square. The Monastery consists of 2 parts; an Old Monastery and a new Monastery. The old Monastery consists of 3 great halls in the western region, whereas the eastern new region consists of beautiful/soothing Buddhist styled designer buildings and the four great halls. There is also a Sakyamuni statue of height 7 meters and weighs 6 tons, and has about 9999 Buddha's carved on the lotus throne.

Yangliuqing Ancient Town: It is a famous historical and cultural market with a vast open-air opera stage and square. The town dates back to about 400 years. Some colour schemes are present that portray traditional scenarios on children's games like various wooden crafts. Shi Family grand yard situated in this town Pass is an excellent area of 6000-meter square.

Tianhou Palace: The Mazu culture palace, also known as Tuanfei Palace Turn S temple of Chinese gardens, sits in the middle section of the Ancient Culture Street in the Nakai District. Constructed in 1326 during Yuan dynasty, its display has a Main Hall built on a high and large pedestal, which is of the typical wooden style architecture from the mid and late Ming dynasty. You will find the Haihe River running in front of it. This Old palace served as the centre of marine sacrifice in the past, and a venue for sailors. It is under a Special Protection since 1954 by Tianjin Municipal Government and was renovated by them. It was later opened to the public as a folklore museum.

Tianjin Haihe Cultural square: This place is located on the banks of the river Haihe. It is a renovated resort, which was a critical project along the river. It gets its name due to the ancient cultural street significance. The square is designed according to the folk cultural custom of Tianjin with a great style of solemnity and simplicity. You can also find the impact of modern art in its design as it consists of hi-tech lighting, wooden floors, and the causeway pavement, which makes the square shine like a pearl on the Banks of the River Haihe.

Tianjin Shijia Mansion: It is a Chief family mansion that sits at Yangliuqing Street of Xiqing district in Tianjin and was Built-in 1875. This Mansion has a large beautiful garden, meeting rooms, dining rooms and a theatre. This residence was once home to one of the eight prominent families of Tianjin. Presently, it is listed as an essential site under protection in Tianjin.

The majestic Tianhou Palace

Explore

Tianjin is a great place to explore Chinese culture and beauty. You will find that it is home to many stunning architectural buildings, monuments, and churches, as well as some peaceful places like parks and beaches. You can spend a great time exploring the beauty of this port city.

City Parks

Taifeng Park: Taifeng Park is a must-visit park if you're near the Binhai District in Tianjin. Mostly the park is famous as a hub for kite-flying enthusiasts. You can even purchase kites from nearby local shops in the park itself. The best thing to do here is to stroll over at its quaint paths with the lovely sea breeze. It has its very own lake situated in the heart. You can also find many other shops from where you can get various playing pieces of equipment like a boomerang or football/volleyball etc. to enjoy your time in Taifeng Park.

Changhong Park: Changhong Park is a phenomenal park where you have various sections of entertainment. It is said to be the first park to have removed the entrance fees and become a public park. You can also fly kites here, yet many other activities bring more fun to people such as water activities, outdoor amusement, a specialized zone for tropical vegetation, and also it has an area with outdoor fitness equipment.

Nancuiping Park: Nancuiping Park is a massive park because of which it is divided into six sections. It is considered to be the most versatile park in Tianjin. Running trails in the mountain peaks attract many locals for a run at night times. However, this park welcomes everyone fond of fitness and can come anytime for a run or a jog.

People's (Renmin) Park: People’s Park in Tianjin is the most beloved of all parks in the city by locals; it is praised for its classical Chinese décor with bridges and temples that complement the serene environment. This place gives you an enchanting vibe with a touch of the ancient feeling of China. You may also visit the hidden park of the Ao Cheng area in the locality.

Tianjin Central Park: Located in the heart of the city, Central Park is a small, quiet park with a perfect circular design making it seem like an oasis of downtown Tianjin. The main attraction of this park is a sacred signature statue standing within the park; also you may find many chess players challenging each other for a game.

The public gazebo at the People's (Renmin) Park in Tianjin

National Parks

Mount Pan National Park: Located in Ji County, in Tianjin municipality, Mount Pan National Park is spread over 120 kilometres, where you will see the prominent mountain peak of Panshan Mountain. Hangyue Peak stands like bamboo shoots breaking through the sky majestically. Visitors are allowed only on allotted months, where they can watch the sunrise from the East China Sea in the morning and the lights of Beijing at night. Also, there are many species of flora and faunas in this national park which can be seen via jungle safaris.

Jiulongshan National Forest Park: This fantastic forest park was once a royal park during the Qing Dynasty. Now it is a national forest reserve with an area of 2,216 hectares. Due to its warm temperature zone, it consists of deciduous broad-leaf, needle-leaf typical mixed forest in the north of China. This forest park is most-visited by visitors. Visitors are also allowed to walk into a rare artificial pine forest – Platycladus orientalis forest- also called as Tianjin's natural oxygen source. The authorities charge an entrance fee – 40 yuan per visitor; and is open from 7 am to 6 pm every day.

Beidagang Wetland: Beidagang Wetland is a sanctuary for rare animals and plants and is one of the largest wetland nature reserves in Tianjin. It has abundant biodiversity and an entire ecosystem that is home to more than 10,000 wild geese and ducks; almost 20,000 aquatic birds and several species of floras. Beidagang Wetland is a rising manufacturing centre and tourism destination built recently. Visitors are allowed on special occasions only to see the very rarest species of floras and faunas.

Beaches

Dongjiang Bay Beach: Famous for its sole sandy shore, Dongjiang Bay Beach is an ideal location for a day on the seaside where various marine activities are available such as sailing, paragliding, speed boating, or sand beach motorbiking. It offers toothsome food, blue skies, and seaside fun in general along with many other things. Dongjiang Bay Beach has many houses or huts with an ocean view, several eateries with seafood snack stalls, and a cultural street. Considered as the largest beach in China. It also consists of a yacht club, central square, swimming pool, and residential blocks.

Landmarks

Quanyechang Bazaar: Quanyechang Bazaar is an iconic destination that has models for live showcasing clothing instead of mannequins, making it the most visited place in Tianjin. This bazaar stands five stories tall maintaining its classic European appeal. If you’re visiting this incredible bazaar make sure you check out all nine of its departmental stores. This bazaar has a great history of its existence and was designed by a French architect in 1928.

Drum Tower: Drum Tower is a fantastic sight to visit, being destroyed during the cultural revolution of the mid-1900s. It stands reborn today housing photography and antique exhibit to help preserve the memory of what it once was. This landmark dates back to the Ming dynasty, making it a must-visit place for history lovers to see the original pieces of ancient Chinese culture and traditions.

Xikai Catholic Church: One of the most important landmarks in Tianjin – Xikai Catholic Church features several statues and paintings that you find in Europe. The church's interior is beautifully refurbished, attracting many visitors and locals. There are some souvenir shops nearby this church providing you with the best of Tianjin's cultural artefacts and masterpieces.

Marco Polo Square: Marco Polo Square is centrally located to Italian Style Street paying homage to the Italians who once occupied this portion of the town, and Marco Polo, the explorer, was among the most famed visitors to the Eastern world. You can also find some European-style restaurants, shops, and stores which will make your nightlife here a memorable one.

Ancient Culture Street’s Mingliu Teahouse: Fully designed to be reminiscent of the era of the Qing Dynasty, this place is Tianjin's deluxe shopping street. It is bound with infinite options of local food and merchandise – from renowned local snacks to craftwork designers. Ancient Culture Street is among the most visited landmarks in Tianjin. It houses a famous Mingliu Teahouse which is a facet of Chinese culture where you will also experience the live show for yourself and witness dual hosts trying to complement one another in Tianjin fashion.

Century Clock: You can see this magnificent Century Clock – an illustrious timekeeper, at the end of the retractable steel bridge of Jiefang. This impressive lunar clock might not work, but its design brings to life the 'twelve astrological signs.' Many people from all over the world come here only to see this unique masterpiece making it a significant landmark of Tianjin.

Confucian Temple: The Temple of Confucian is a vital relic of the past that is hidden in downtown Tianjin. It was erected in the early Qing Dynasty and ruled by Tianjin's leaders. This Confucian Temple features a singular honour to the great Confucius as well as other halls of prayer where devotees regularly come to seek blessings from the sacred God of the Temple of Confucian and make sacrifices to fulfil their wishes and beliefs.

Tianjin Drum Tower which is an important landmark is in the center of the city, expanding to four directs, so claiming that "Drum Tower" is the birthplace of Tianjin.

Museums

The Tianjin Museum: The Tianjin Museum is a must-visit for every history lover. It is at the epicentre of 100 years of regional history with well-translated English descriptions. You can learn about ancient eras here that transformed Tianjin into the cross-cultural wonder it is today. You will be able to see the displays depicting artworks from the earliest primitive ages to the last dynasty of China along with the Opium Wars to the spread of Roman Catholicism and Boxer rebellion.

The Tianjin Science and Technology Museum: This museum is not just for kids, but it is packed with hands-on activities and workshops that are meticulously maintained by staffs. The main highlight is the tipsy house and the mirror gaze within a multi-storeyed museum where you'll find themed floors at the bottom, technology and math are on the first level, and the upper level is fully dedicated to sciences. The Tianjin Science and Technology Museum is among the most-visited museums in the city.

The Tianjin Natural History Museum: The flawless design of the Natural History Museum looks like enchanting European architecture with a modern twist. It is famous for housing its version of Jurassic Park consisting of a robotic dinosaur exhibit alongside the prehistoric fossils and artefacts on display; you will also find significant collections about the history of the earth from an evolutionary perspective. It's the best place for children to learn about the ancient history of dinosaurs.

The Tianjin Art Museum: The Tianjin Art Museum displays some of China's finest artwork collections, including art linked to the poems of Mao Zedong and several other spectacular works from the Cultural Revolution. China's famous oil paintings of birds with scenic mountains or lakes are a mere attraction of this museum. The beauty of Chinese artwork flows through this museum inside out, which includes some of the world's finest porcelain from the Ming and Qing dynasties, gifted to the museum by local Tianjin families.

The Tianjin Theatre Museum: This Theatre Museum is quite different from most museums located in the city as the main highlight here is not an exhibition, but a stage-display that showcases an abundance of photographs and information about the Chinese Arts. It was opened to the public in 1986. Tianjin Theatre Museum's performance hall can fit around 600 people inside and remains the only theatre dedicated solely to Chinese opera. This museum has an interesting fact about it is that the first president of the Republic of China gave a speech here in 1912.

Inside the Tianjin History Museum

Eat

Tianjin has a very famous food culture. Many people travel to Tianjin expecting to taste the delicious delicacies in Tianjin – mainly its dining that includes river products and seafood, making Tianjin cuisines appealing to refined taste with many unique snacks of varied flavours. If you're visiting this town, be sure to have a taste of different snacks and local dishes along with an eco-friendly environment. Some shortlisted local traditional and vegetarian restaurants are as follows:

Traditional Local Restaurants

Smoki & Co: Smoki & Co – American Steakhouse, known to serve the finest local steaks in Tianjin; it prepares a luscious smoked salmon fillet along with a selection of home-made wines and salads. You will find an incredibly supportive and attentive staff – most of which speaks English so that customers from all over the world are relaxed and carefree about the environment.

Zest at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel: All Tianjin ex-pats know it for having the most sumptuous buffet in town. This Michelin-star restaurant provides you with the best of Tianjin's speciality cuisine that is 'seafood.' Here fish dishes are as fresh as they come as Tianjin is a port city. You may also find its dessert section incredibly delicious as they provide the best sweet items in Tianjin.

Lobby Lounge: The restaurant is a part of a hotel named Renaissance Hotel, where you can enjoy music and pleasant company. The staff here is very supportive, and their friendly hospitality and concern for customers to make a person's day a memorable one. Along with serving exquisite beverages, the home-made 'tofu' is a surprise for everyone.

Brasserie FLO: Brasserie FLO – a must-visit French luxurious restaurant is based in the surrounding Italian area of Tianjin and is pocket-friendly. Here, chefs pay a close visit to each of its customers so that they prepare the dishes accordingly to their tastes and preferences. Here, you may also experience delicious imported seafood delicacies from France, in addition to sharing the most authentic French dining facility in town.

Oscar House: Famous for its scallops, prawns, and lamb cutlets, Oscar House restaurant located in Hunan Road, Tianjin, is one of the highly recommended restaurants in town. Its décor consists of an old-school lounge in a mini-mansion. It has vintage leather furnishings and an atmosphere of an ode to the colonial past. Many customers stop by to have its delicious home-brewed craft beers along with mouth-watering snacks and Tianjin’s cuisine.

Tian Tian Xuan: This restaurant is situated at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel – the best location for get-togethers or business meetings. The staff and chefs here pays meticulous attention to honouring the dishes that define the diversity of Hong Kong. It would be best if you tried its barbeque pork buns alongwith deep-fried carp and dim sum dishes. The atmosphere here provides a sufficient dining experience with extravagant traditional cuisines to make your day or trip a memorable one.

Vegetarian and Vegan

Bindilian Sushi Huiguan: This vegetarian restaurant is set with an atmosphere where you can listen to Buddhist music and see that the entire décor is only about Chinese culture and tradition. The staff and chefs, in particular, focus more on pure and natural meals while making visits comfortable and pleasant to the public. Some most recommended dishes include dry-fried fungus, stewed dried mushrooms, bean curd, and many more. This restaurant is located in the Heping District - a quiet and secluded area, hence you might find troubles in finding the restaurant, but it’s worth the visit.

Qi Beiye Sushi Canting: The environment here at Seven Pattra Leaves restaurant is a very peaceful and quiet one filled with a Buddhist atmosphere set by its music and decorations along with a collection of Buddhist books. Some highly recommended dishes include five-coloured boiled dumplings, Johnnycake, noodles with gravy, covered tureen, and many more. Due to its excellent craftsmanship of the chefs, many of the dishes taste better than meat and fish.

Shang Taoyuan Su Canting: This restaurant is famous for its fantastic food, and plate set-up that is pleasing to the eye. However, the restaurant itself is quiet and secluded, giving a relaxing dining experience under the peach blossom trees. Some highly recommended and most popular foods in this restaurant are Johnnycakes, vanilla cookies, noodles that are made using various fresh ingredients, and rice-balls made using five different types of cereals. Customers are also allowed to access the restaurant's wireless internet.

Yuanman Sushi Lin: Although Yuanman Sushi Lin is a small place and has some odd decorations, yet they are quite popular among the locals as the restaurant looks classical with antique wooden tables and chairs. They also play enchanting Buddhist music here, giving customers a relaxing atmosphere for a pleasant dining experience. However, the prices here are relatively higher than in other restaurants. Some of the highly recommended dishes are sea cucumber and bamboo shoots, sweet and sour “hairtail”, and many more.

Qing Lai Yue Sucai Xvan: This restaurant mainly focuses on vegetarianism that emphasizes vegetarian ideals to healthy living, in addition to contributing its part in advertising fashionable and green meals to provide a nutritional and balanced diet using only the finest ingredients. The restaurant is highly spacious and clean with everything being very tidy and in order. You might find the service here is slow and also the dishes are of high prices as compared to other vegetarian restaurants, but it's worth visiting. A fascinating fact about this restaurant is that they promise to donate 1% of the total amount of your bill to support the Buddhist culture and docharities, including meals for monks.

Shu He Xvan Chayi Yangsheng Su Zhai: This restaurant is famous for devoting itself to propagating Buddhist lifestyle and food culture. It cherishes the idea of respecting every life and promote people to live a healthy lifestyle according to Buddhist ideals. This restaurant is located in the Hebei District and advocates environment-friendly and sustainable vegetarianism. It has a pleasant setting along with a kind and supporting staff. The restaurant is open only from 10 am to 9:30 pm throughout the year.

Street Food

The Goubuli Baozi (Stuffed Meat Buns)

The Jianbing Guozi (Chinese Pancake/Crepe)

Hot Dogs & Sausages

Grilled Squid and Tofu

Roasted Duck Intestine

Cape Gooseberry

Cake Sticks

ShouliGao

Drink

Apple Martinis

Craft Beer

Handcrafted Cocktails

Single Malt Whiskey

Tap-water

Tianjin is home to 15 million people, and a mere 4.9% of water is used as drinkable water as there is no general information available by the World Health Organization. Due to the increase in water pollution in Tianjin, the drinking water quality and accessibility are shallow. So, if you’re visiting Tianjin, always take extra precautions as the water provided is highly refined, but it might pick up pollutants during its way to your tap.

Organic Cafés

As Tianjin's culture is highly influenced by European history, Tianjin people have very well adapted the way of living and wisely choose their tastes and preferences concerning light meals. Tianjin has many options for organic cafeterias for local-street food lovers and also for those who are having a busy and hectic life throughout their journey.

While strolling in the streets of Tianjin, you will find some cafés which might be of interest. They are:

Maan Coffee

Gloria Jeans

MOMO Café

Caffe Bene

Kafelaku Coffee

Café Cielo

Breweries

In recent years, the love for breweries has exploded in Tianjin. From Burgeoning with honest craft brew makers to people making home-made breweries, the beer culture is expanding on the West side of China; and in Tianjin, you can find many such places where the cold brew is served in eco-friendly establishments.

WE Brewery

WE Taproom

YY Beerhouse

Freedom and Power Brewery

#7 Brewery

JW Taproom

Chameleon Brewery

Activities

Tianjin is one of the busiest cities in China as it is the third-largest municipality in China after Beijing and Hong Kong; and the most important manufacturing centre of North China. Tianjin is the right choice for people who are living outside the country as the standard of living is relatively high in this city. With loads of activities involved in each corner of the city, Tianjin is a fascinating town with many attraction points for citizens and tourists as well.

Yoga and Retreats

In recent years, the yoga craze has been popping all over Tianjin. It gives them hope and helps them to keep their spirits up. There are many yoga studios in almost every corner of Tianjin, as well as other cities throughout China.

Yogilotus

Shangshan Yoga

Gandhi Yoga

Jingde Yoga Fitness Center

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation options in Tianjin, they are endless. You can opt for green hotels, hostels, guest houses, rental apartments, and campsites. If you are staying for a short time, then you should prefer hotels, hostels, and camps. But, if you are staying in Tianjin for a more extended period and are travelling with your family or friends, then you should prefer guest houses or apartments. Before booking a 5-star accommodation option, try to see if the place follows certain sustainable measure as it will help you keep your carbon footprint minimal.

Green Hotels

Ascott TEDA MSD Tianjin

Hilton Tianjin Eco-City

Tianjin Green Park Villa Hotel

Hostels and Guest Houses

Baitao Wulong International Youth Hostel

Tianjin Three Brothers Youth Hostel

Zhaguo International Hostel

Tianjin Guest House

Home Inn

Yongde Liri Renting House

Apartments

Tianjin Joy City Apartment

Tianfu Apartment

Tianchen Apartment

Couchsurfing

Couch-surfing is possible in Tianjin, but it has not gained much popularity or recognition amongst the locals. Since the locals are more of conservative minds, they don’t allow foreigners to stay at their homes. It is the primary reason why couch-surfing isn’t that widespread in China. You can find a few couch-surfing hosts on the website and set a deal with them before visiting Tianjin.

Camping

People’s Park

Nancuiping Park

Tanggu Forest Park

Tianjin Lingang Ecology Wetland Park

How to Get There

There are many ways to reach Tianjin as it has water, air, and land access. The best option for foreign tourists is airways as they are cheaper and more comfortable, but you can also opt for other options like buses or railway networks. If you are outside China, then you should prefer reaching Tianjin directly via an aeroplane. But, if you are already in China, you can opt for the roadways, railways, or even waterways.

Air

The best way to reach Tianjin city is by airways. The city is served by Tianjin Binhai International Airport that provides international as well as domestic flights. As a tourist, you should prefer getting a direct flight to Tianjin, instead of transfer flights.

Tianjin Binhai International Airport

Bus

If you are already in China, then you can opt for travelling to Tianjin via buses. Some private buses are available from all major cities and towns. These are not only cheap but one of the most comfortable modes of travelling.

A bus in Tianjin near the Railway Station

Train

There is no international railway system in the country, but you can opt for using the railways if you are already in China. The Chinese railway network is a widespread and efficient one that will help you reach even the smallest town or village with convenience.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is possible in China as people love to help out tourists. You can easily ask for rides from the highways or roads. Although, you may face some problem in getting rides as people often don't stop for unknown men on streets as road crimes are quite common in Asia.

Others

Apart from trains, aeroplanes, buses, and hitchhiking, you can reach Tianjin city by boats and rental cars. These are not the best options as they are not at all cheap and cause a lot of pollution as they use fossil fuels.

Moving Around

Tianjin city is equipped with a well-developed and connected transportation network that you can use to get to the various areas inside and outside the municipality. You can opt for walking or rent electronic vehicles and use the public transport system.

Walk

Moving around Tianjin by walking isn't the best option as it has quite a big area and you will not be able to cover all places just by walking. You can opt for walking and explore one region a day.

Bicycle

Bicycling in Tianjin is an excellent way of moving around and exploring the vast area of the municipality. By using a bike, you will be able to travel to more places in a day and will undoubtedly enjoy observing the local culture and people's livelihood while riding around the streets.

Electronic Vehicles

Electronic vehicles are present in Tianjin in a large number, and a lot of local Chinese people own such electric bikes and cars. You can find some stores that give these cars for rent. These vehicles are the ones you should opt for as they cause no harm to the environment.

Public Bus

Public buses are the best way to move around Tianjin as they are not only efficient, but they are very comfortable and convenient. You will find that these buses cover almost every nook and corner of Tianjin. Some of these buses even travel to places outside the city.

Tram, Train and Subway

Trains and trams are available in Tianjin and are some of the best options for moving around the city. You will find that these are very cheap and available in almost every area of the town. You can also meet many locals and fellow travellers here and interact with them.

The bullet trains at the Tianjin train station

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping is taking over the world for the last two decades. It is also famous by the name eco-shopping and focuses on the usage of items that are friendly to the environment and the local communities of the area. You can find such eco-friendly items in the various food markets, second-hand stores, eco-fashion stores, and flea markets in Tianjin.

Food Markets

Food Yichang Shuanghui Paigu

Heilongjiang Green Food

Reclaim Green Food

Baolongleng Food Wholesale

Limin Oil and Grain Non-Staple Food

Flea Markets

Minquanmen Flea Market

Xinyang Market

Masters Taobao Street

Second Hand Stores

Tianjin Airport Used Car Dealer Market

Xinhao Second-Hand Car

Tianjin Ranlongxin Hua Car Broker Company

Haiti Second-Hand Goods

Eco-Fashion

Roxy

New Look

Ecco

Ben Sherman

Soliver

Bonpoint

Recycling

Recycling and usage of reusable items are quite popular in China. Since the pollution levels are incredibly high in Tianjin, the government has implemented various recycling policies that the locals and the tourists have to follow. There are some agencies and stores that offer to recycle used items in Tianjin.

Waste

The waste management of Tianjin isn’t the best one in the country, but it is helping in maintain and lowering the pollution levels. You will find that Tianjin’s municipality has made available various disposable containers, bins, and garbage vehicles that collect wastes from all households, buildings, and complexes in Tianjin.

Work and Study Abroad

If you are seeking to study or work in Tianjin, then you will find endless opportunities in various fields. It is because the city possesses some world-renowned educational institutes and organizations that are open for foreign persons.

Exchange Student

The student exchange program where students from different parts of the world get the opportunity to study in a foreign country is possible in Tianjin. The city possesses some significant educational institutes that offer quality educational opportunities.

Tianjin University of Science and Technology

Tianjin Chengjian University

Hebei University of Technology

Nankai University

Au Pair

Au Pairing is surprisingly common in Tianjin as there are certain groups of people that are unable to get even one meal a day. You can register yourself in the program and help out a family in need.

Volunteering

Volunteering activities are the primary way through which the many societal, environmental, and political issues are made aware of the local communities in Tianjin. Some non-profit organizations and agencies are present that focus on resolving such issues.

Tianjin Hexi Red Cross

Tianjin Nankai Guangkai Residential District General Labour Union

Tianjin Beichen Tianmuzhen Red Cross

Volunteering is a great way to learn about the deep-rooted issues of the local communities. By participating in volunteering activities, you can play your significant role as a responsible tourist, and lend your hand to a person in need.