Tianjin’s 19 Recommended Tourist Spots! A City Known as the “World Architecture Expo”

Tianjin, one of China's five major cities, is a place where modern skyscrapers coexist with many historical temples and streets. This time, we will introduce 19 recommended tourist spots in Tianjin.

Due to its coastal location, Tianjin has historically played an important role as the gateway to Beijing. It is also a city that has suffered greatly, having been invaded by as many as nine different countries in the past. Because of the blend of various cultural influences, Tianjin's cityscape features a unique and exotic architectural style, earning it the nickname "World Architecture Expo.

1. Tianjin Radio and Television Tower

Tianjin Radio and Television Tower is a must-visit tourist attraction in Tianjin. It is the second tallest tower in China, following the Oriental Pearl TV Tower in Shanghai.

The tower features a sword-like structure piercing the sky. At 248 meters above the ground, there is a restaurant and an observation deck where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Tianjin. Whether you visit during the day, at sunset, or at night when the city lights up, the view is always stunning.

2. Huangya Pass (Huangyaguan Great Wall)

Huangya Pass, often referred to as the "Little Great Wall of China," is a popular tourist attraction that draws visitors from both Tianjin and Beijing. It is built on a mountain peak at an altitude of 738 meters and stretches approximately 42 km, with nearly 80 watchtowers along its length.

During sunset, the distinctive yellow walls take on a golden hue, creating a breathtaking view. Since the area is vast, visitors typically spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring. Guided tours of Huangya Pass are also available.

3. Tianjin Eye (Tianjin Ferris Wheel)

Tianjin Eye is a Ferris wheel that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Tianjin. It is a popular landmark, especially at night when the city is illuminated.

The Ferris wheel has a diameter of 110 meters, and its highest point reaches 120 meters above the ground—equivalent to the view from the 35th floor of a building. It is one of China’s four great Ferris wheels.

A ride on the Tianjin Eye lasts about 30 to 40 minutes, making it an ideal spot for those who want to leisurely enjoy the city's skyline. Whether you visit during the day, at sunset, or at night, the view is always spectacular.

4. Guwenhua Jie (Ancient Culture Street)

Located in the Nankai District of Tianjin, Guwenhua Jie (Ancient Culture Street) is a must-visit spot for those who want to experience Chinese culture. Although it is primarily a business district, it attracts many tourists who come to enjoy the unique architecture that represents Tianjin.

With over 100 shops, visitors can find various street food vendors offering delicious snacks. Some must-try items here include black tea, soup, and fried cakes. The souvenir shops also sell a variety of traditional handicrafts, which are highly popular among tourists. If you want to experience Chinese cultural heritage while in Tianjin, this is the perfect place to visit!

5. Dule Temple

Dule Temple is a Buddhist temple with a history of over 1,000 years. It is considered the oldest wooden temple in China and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though the temple dates back to the Tang Dynasty, unfortunately, none of the original structures remain. The only surviving buildings are the annex and the gate.

However, the temple’s gate roof is one of the oldest preserved roofs in China, making it a popular photography spot. The main highlight of the temple is the largest clay-made Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) statue in Asia. If you are interested in historical temples, Dule Temple is a must-visit destination in Tianjin.

6. Italian Style Street (意式风情区)

Italian Style Street, known as 意式风情区 in Chinese, is a unique area in Tianjin where visitors can experience the charm of an Italian town. Many tourists appreciate this district for its European atmosphere despite being in China. One of its key highlights is the Art Deco-style buildings found in the area.

The street embodies an international and elegant vibe, featuring cinemas, art galleries, cafés, and 24-hour bars that are popular among both local and international tourists. Additionally, visitors can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, including delicious pizza and pasta.

Italian Style Street is also a great place to find handcrafted Italian souvenirs. Major renovations began in 2002, and by 2013, it was recognized as an A4-ranked tourist attraction in China. If you're in Tianjin, don't miss the chance to explore this European-inspired street!

7. Tianjin Water Park

If you want to see a variety of flowers while exploring Tianjin, Tianjin Water Park is highly recommended. This vast park covers 494 acres and consists of nine islands and three lakes (East Lake, West Lake, and South Lake).

Visitors can enjoy different seasonal flowers: tulips in spring, lotus flowers in summer, and chrysanthemums in autumn. This makes Tianjin Water Park an ideal place to experience the beauty of each season. Boating on the park’s lakes while admiring the scenery is also a popular activity.

Many tourists visit to see the blooming flowers, and the park also boasts China’s largest bonsai garden, featuring over 400 bonsai trees. Additionally, a large Ferris wheel nearby offers a breathtaking view of the landscape from above.

8. Tianjin Museum

Established in 2006, Tianjin Museum is the largest museum in Tianjin and a major tourist attraction. Inside, visitors can explore Chinese paintings, calligraphy, coins, and many historical exhibits, providing a deep dive into over 10,000 years of Chinese history from the Paleolithic era. A special section highlights 100 years of Tianjin’s development, offering insight into the city's modern history.

One of the must-see parts of the museum is its collection of 63 historical Chinese treasures. With over 150,000 artifacts housed in a massive 30,000 square meter facility, the museum is a great place to learn about Chinese civilization beyond just Tianjin’s history.

9. Dabei Buddhist Temple

Dabei Buddhist Temple is one of Tianjin’s most significant historical and cultural temples, with a history dating back to 1669. It is known as the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Tianjin.

Inside, visitors can find many preserved cultural relics, including historical murals from Tianjin's golden era of art. The temple once housed the skull relic of Xuanzang, one of the four great Buddhist translators and the inspiration behind Journey to the West. However, in 1956, the relic was returned to India by the Dalai Lama. Even though the original relic is no longer there, a statue of Xuanzang remains for visitors to see.
Additionally, the temple features statues made from bronze, iron, stone, and wood, making it a fascinating place for those interested in Buddhist art and craftsmanship.

10. Tianjin Zoo

For those who want to see giant pandas and other unique Chinese animals, Tianjin Zoo is a must-visit. This massive 132-acre zoo is easily recognizable by its entrance featuring a giant tiger face.

The zoo is home to about 200 species and over 3,000 animals, including pandas, lions, jaguars, bears, monkeys, birds, elephants, hippos, and rhinos. Since pandas are a national treasure of China, seeing them up close is a highlight of the visit. A river runs through the zoo, providing a scenic spot where many tourists enjoy picnics. Whether you love wildlife or just want a relaxing day outdoors, Tianjin Zoo is a fantastic family-friendly destination.

11. St. Joseph Cathedral (西開天主教堂)

St. Joseph Cathedral is the largest Roman-style Catholic church in northern China. The statue of the Virgin Mary surrounded by flowers and candlelights reflects the historical ties between Europe and China during the height of trade. The grand arched entrance resembles medieval European architecture, making it a unique sight in Tianjin.

Each column in the cathedral is intricately designed, representing one of Tianjin’s colonial architectural masterpieces. The exterior features a red and yellow checkered pattern, making it a popular spot for tourists. The two iconic towers stand at 40 meters tall, and the religious paintings inside create a mysterious and captivating atmosphere for visitors.

12. Tianjin Drum Tower (南京鼓楼)

Tianjin Drum Tower is 44 meters long, 22 meters wide, and 30 meters tall. While traditional drum towers use drums to signal emergencies, this one is unique as it features a massive bell instead.
The bell, known as the "King of Bells", has a diameter of 1.4 meters, a height of 2.3 meters, and weighs a staggering 1,500 kg.

The tower, once used for emergency alarms, is located in the center of the city, making it easily accessible to other tourist attractions. The area around the Tianjin Drum Tower is divided into three distinct streets: North is the Antique Street, known for its vintage goods, East is the Boutique Street, featuring trendy fashion and shops, and South is the Business and Restaurant Street, filled with great dining options. While visiting, be sure to check out both the tower’s giant bell and the surrounding themed streets for a complete experience!

13. Happy Valley Tianjin (天津歓楽谷主題公園)

Happy Valley Tianjin is part of China’s famous amusement park chain, with locations in Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Chongqing, and Tianjin. The Tianjin location opened in 2013, making it one of the newer additions to the franchise. It offers a variety of thrilling attractions, making it a fun destination for tourists.

The park spans 86 acres and is divided into five themed areas: Happy Time, Viking Harbor, Christmas Village, Heart of the Ocean, and Over the Caribbean. Happy Valley Tianjin is family-friendly, making it a great place to spend an entire day enjoying the rides and attractions.

14. Tianjin Natural History Museum (天津自然博物館)

The Tianjin Natural History Museum was built in 1953, just four years after the founding of the People's Republic of China. It is one of Tianjin’s major tourist attractions, offering a broad educational experience in zoology, botany, anthropology, paleontology, and geology.

The museum houses an impressive collection of 380,000 exhibits gathered from across China. Covering 12,000 square meters, it showcases animals, marine life, insects, reptiles, and various other species. If you're interested in discovering the unique biodiversity of the Chinese mainland, this is the perfect place to visit!

15. Five Great Avenues (五大道)

The Five Great Avenues is a unique area in Tianjin where you can see a diverse mix of architectural styles. This area features over 230 different architectural structures, making it a place often referred to as the “World Architecture Expo.” Visitors can admire Renaissance, Greek, Gothic, Romantic, and Carson-style architecture, all within the same district.

One of the most enchanting ways to explore this area is by riding a horse-drawn carriage through the streets. The Five Great Avenues consist of Chongqing Avenue, Machang Avenue, Dali Avenue, Munan Avenue, and Chengdu Avenue. Throughout the year, visitors can also enjoy seasonal flowers blooming along these streets. This is one of Tianjin’s must-visit attractions for those who appreciate history and architecture.

16. Tianjin Art Museum (天津芸術博物館)

Located near a lake, the Tianjin Art Museum is a modern and stylish museum designed by the German architecture firm KSP Jürgen Engel Architekten. The museum features a wide variety of artistic displays, including Chinese calligraphy, Western art, sculptures, contemporary art, oil paintings, and photography.

Nearby, visitors can also explore a library, an opera house, and other newly designed museums, making this area an excellent destination for art lovers. The Tianjin Art Museum is regarded as a symbol of Tianjin’s cultural development, making it a must-visit for those interested in Chinese and international art.

17. Tianjin Seashore Resort (天津海浜旅遊度仮区)

For those looking to enjoy a beach experience in Tianjin, the Tianjin Seashore Resort is a great destination. As a coastal city, Tianjin features this sprawling 18,000-square-meter artificial beach, which offers a wide range of activities including sunbathing, hot spring baths, swimming pools, water sports, beach volleyball, skydiving, and yacht sailing.

Visitors can also enjoy fresh local seafood at nearby restaurants. After a day at the beach, relaxing in one of the hot spring baths is the perfect way to unwind.

18. Tianjin Old Town (天津旧市街)

When the Grand Canal of China was built, Tianjin flourished as a major international trade hub. Visiting Tianjin Old Town is an essential experience for those wanting to learn about the city's rich history. Many colonial-era buildings from the 13th century onwards remain here, with one of the most popular being the Guangdong Assembly Hall.

Another highlight is The Jade Emperor Pavilion, which is considered the most beautiful structure in the old town. Tianjin was under Japanese occupation from 1937 until the end of World War II, and this area holds memories of that period. Walking through Tianjin Old Town allows visitors to imagine what life was like in the 13th-century city.

19. Tianjin Haihe Cultural Square (海河文化広場)

The Tianjin Haihe Cultural Square is known as an urban oasis, beloved by both locals and tourists. This spot is perfect for those who want to experience Tianjin’s architectural beauty, enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere, and relax by the waterfront.

One of the square’s biggest attractions is the variety of activities available. Visitors can go fishing, swim in the river, take a peaceful stroll, or admire the stunning night views. The nightscape from this area is exceptionally beautiful, making it a must-visit location for those wanting to see Tianjin illuminated at night. If you’re looking for the best night views in Tianjin, Tianjin Haihe Cultural Square is the place to go!

◎ Summary of Tianjin's Recommended Attractions

This list introduced 19 must-visit attractions in Tianjin. The city offers a unique blend of old European-inspired architecture and Chinese cultural heritage, making every site worth exploring. Tianjin is often referred to as a living architectural expo, showcasing incredible historical landmarks and modern cityscapes. Whether you're fascinated by history, architecture, or vibrant city life, Tianjin’s distinct charm is sure to captivate you!

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Tianjin’s 19 Recommended Tourist Spots! A City Known as the “World Architecture Expo”