Tianjin Highlights

I'm lucky to have a job that gives me an opportunity to travel. This time around, I was lucky to be sent to Tianjin China (and start my travel for the year). Since I only had a week in Tianjin for my business trip, I only had limited time to go around the city (bummer!). But, it didn't mean it was short of nice and interesting experiences and new places to see.

Here's a highlight of some interesting places in Tianjin that I visited.

Ancient Culture Street or Guwenhua Jie

Doing a quick search on things to do in Tianjin, this probably pops up as one of the must see tourist attractions in the city. As I am located at the TEDA area of Tianjin, it takes about an hour via train to get to downtown. It was like 16 stations from the nearest station to my hotel to the end of the line downtown. Good thing that the train ride only costs about 10 yuan which was a bargain (compared to getting a cab going to downtown).

Well from the name Ancient Culture Street, obviously, you’ll be transported to ancient China with its traditional Chinese architecture (no surprises there). 

Okay, since Tianjin is not as touristy as nearby Beijing (and this is just my assumption) English speakers are really hard to get by, like really. So prior to leaving my hotel (thanks to the wonderful staff or Renaissance), I had written down basic words and their mandarin translation to be able to somehow communicate. I listed the names of the places I will visit, especially the train stations, etc. so I can show it to people and somehow get directions. Also, words like how much or restroom (yes because I use the restroom a lot) for some basic communication as well. 

Guwenhua Jie is definitely a visual and culinary experience. Visual because you have all these bright red and all these different vibrant colors adding detail to intricately designed buildings. There’s so much to see, traditional goods, trinkets, souvenirs and the traditional architecture. One shouldn’t miss the different flavors as well also being offered by different food stalls as well lined up on the street.

At the middle of Gu Wenhua Jie, you have a the Tempe of the Queen of Heaven or Tianhou Palace. It's a good marker since its in the middle, so even if you wander off, as long as you see the temple, you won't get lost. 

Ancient Culture Street is lined with shop after shop selling different types of goods. Two stores particularly caught my attention. One store was selling fans and brushes. The fans they had were beautiful. They had the common ones (mass produced and good for souvenirs or trinkets to bring back home for friends) and they also had these beautiful hand painted fans (which ofcourse were more expensive and probably not something you will actually use since the paper was delicate).  Since I was only getting fans as gifts back home, I settled for the huge fans which were cheap - costs only 10 yuan. Funny incident was the lady at the shop wanted to tell me the story behind the beautiful expensive fans that she had to call someone on the phone so she can tell me over the phone that each fan was unique and was hand painted. I applauded the effort and almost got the fan for I think was 100 yuan but then again I thought, why will I buy it. 

Second store that caught my attention was selling jade. Jade has been known in feng shui as a source of goodluck and protection. Ofcourse be always cautious and research how to identify authentic jade. I’m no expert but I did look (and pretended) like I knew what I was doing hahaha. You need to touch it, make sure it feels solid and heavy (not like plastic which is light). Also (as I’ve read) jade is cool to the touch (I dunno if it was really cool or I have colds hands because it was a cold day too). It’s also nice to haggle so that you can get a discount and the best price for what you’re getting. I did haggle and got 3 pieces at a discount. At first the lady didn't want to give me the price I wanted but I used the OK, thank you maybe next time routine and tried walking out of the store and it worked. Yay!

Binhai Cultural Center

In my opinion, this is the highlight of my stay at the TEDA area of Tianjin. This new facility houses the famous Tianjin Library, and also has a theater, activity center and an art gallery. Right beside Wanda Plaza (and I can literally see this from my 6th floor hotel room at the Renaissance Tianjin TEDA), the cultural center is definitely an eye catcher. With steel columns and beams for that wow factor and glass roof that floods the facility with light, it truly stands out. 

The facility also has cafe's, shops and restaurants which makes the place kinda like a one stop shop for the family where you can spend the entire day. Pus if you get bored, again Wanda Plaza is right beside. 

Tianjin Library or The Eye

The Tianjin library is part of the Binhai Cultural Center. This is probably the one thing that will make the Tianjin TEDA area popular. Like seriously, this library made waves when it opened and the internet was abuzz with the stunning design.

The library is also called The Eye because it does look like an eye from the outside. In the center of the library is a spherical auditorium which acts as the iris of the eye when seen from the outside.

The inside of the library is huge with bookshelves wrapping around the halls. Although the ones around the hall are not really books, just printed to add design (I mean really, who can reach the ones at the top of these shelves if they really had books).

Instead, there are reading areas around the hall so you can go grab a book and just let the hours pass by. There are also books at the shelves going to the reading areas (where you can actually reach them). 

The white color of the large hall gets brighter thanks to the large glass wall which floods the place with sunlight. 

You can spend the entire day hanging out or reading a book inside the library. I literally spend the entire afternoon just people watching and taking pictures inside (I know, yes, I didn’t actually go there to read).

Another bonus to the library is that it free of charge which. Another good thing, WiFi is available in side the library so you can still stay connected (WiFi won't be available once you step out).  

As impressive as the architecture is during the day, even during night time, the library stands out and is definitely an eye catcher. From the outside, you'll know why it's called "The Eye".

Please note that cameras and food are not allowed inside (which I happen to have both). There’s a locker area beside the library (free of charge). All you have to do is press a button and a locker will open and a receipt will be printed out. Please make sure to keep the receipt because you will use it (there’s a barcode) to open your assigned locker again.

Shopping

Like really, you think I would leave Tianjin without getting a few things? Well since I was already in downtown Tianjin exploring Guwenhua Jie, obviously I stopped by and shopped just a little (I couldn't help it, the train station was below a shopping mall).

Other than downtown, TEDA has some nice shopping areas too. If you're going for traditional goods then Yang Huo Market is for you. It has traditional delicacies and other knick knacks. It also has stores selling knock off designer clothing.

If you're looking for a new wardrobe and trendy fashion staples Wai Tan maybe the area for you. With stores like Zara, it's a definite stop over if you're looking to shop.

Near my hotel, I have the have the Binhai International that carries luxury goods and most designer labels (something I can afford but will need to pay in 5 years, hahaha) and on the other side, MSD which houses an Isetan department store and brands like Nike, Adidas, H&M to name a few (stuff I can actually afford!).

What's nice about MSD is that it's beautifully lit at night. And seems like a popular place for locals to hang-out.

So basically, this is my week in Tianjin. I know it wasn't much (since I did go here for work anyways), but having seen the beautiful Tianjin Library, was enough for me. Until next time China, hoping to be back soon for an actual vacation this time. 

Follow me on my Instagram account at @thisischristianjohn