Tianjin (天津 Tiānjīn) is one of the largest cities in China, boasting a population of 14.5 million (2024). It neighbors Beijing, with the province of Hebei situated between them. Tianjin is divided into the old city and the Binhai New Area. Tianjin was home to concessions of numerous Western powers and Japan in the late Qing Dynasty and Republic of China era, and an abundance of colonial architecture can still be found in the city today.
Tianjin is one of four municipalities in China; cities that are not part of any province, and whose governments instead report directly to the central government in Beijing. It borders Hebei Province and Beijing Municipality, bounded to the east by the Bohai Gulf portion of the Yellow Sea. In terms of urban population, it is the sixth-largest city of the People's Republic of China. Tianjin's urban area is located along the Hai River, which connects to the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers via the Grand Canal in Tianjin. Tianjin was once home to foreign concessions in the late Qing Dynasty and early Kuomintang era. Tianjin's climate is similar to, though slightly warmer than, its neighbour Beijing.
Founded in 1904, the Tianjin bus system was the first in China, and the metro was second in the nation (1970) and today the city is well served by its public transportation. Within the city, traveling on a bus line that is less than 12 km (7 km) will cost ¥1.5, while ¥1 will cover a journey on any line over 12 k, even if you travel less than 12 km (7 mi) but on a line that is over this distance, the cost is still ¥1. It's well worth your time to look up popular bus routes. Buses are comfortable and clean. A light-rail line runs between Tianjin Railway Station to the seaside area Donghailu in TEDA. Taxis are abundant. The minimum cost for 3 km is ¥8, (¥1.7 per km thereafter).
Individual listings can be found in Tianjin's district articles
Individual listings can be found in Tianjin's district articles
Individual listings can be found in Tianjin's district articles Tianjin cuisine places a heavy focus on seafood, due to Tianjin's proximity to the sea. Prominent menus include the Eight Great Bowls (八大碗), a combination of eight mainly meat dishes. It can be further classified into several varieties, including the rough (粗), smooth (细), and high (高). The Four Great Stews (四大扒) actually refers to a very large number of stews, including chicken, duck, seafood, beef, and mutton. Tianjin also has several distinctive snack items. Goubuli Baozi (狗不理包子) is a traditional brand of Baozi (steamed stuffed bun) that is famous throughout China.
Individual listings can be found in Tianjin's district articles There are a number of expat bars catering to the visiting business community, most of which can be a little expensive (¥25 upwards for a small bottle of beer) so if you like something a bit more laid back and comfortable. As far as clubs go, Tianjin is a big university city both for Chinese and foreign students so there are lots of places for dancing. The music policy tends to be mostly Western and Chinese dance, pop and hip hop/R&B, so if you have more alternative tastes in music, the clubs are possibly not for you!
Tianjin is known to be as safe as any city in China. Generally you do not have to concern about personal safety in China if you just follow the basics you would at home. Girls generally say they are happy to walk anywhere in the main city areas where there are lights. But if you come out of a night club drunk, you are an obvious target. There are several pedestrian bridge crossing but few tunnel crossings like Beijing. Many people cross at traffic lights or zebra crossing. But generally especially since the roads are wide and new due to recent construction, road crossing should be done with care. Make sure your cab driver turns on the meter.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Tianjin typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 21 rainy days.
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