Before you visit Tianjin, check out these tips to get the most out of your trip. Here’s a rundown on what to expect and what to avoid for food, fun, accommodations, and more.
- Slow Pace, Short Itinerary: Tianjin has a relaxed pace. Two days in the city center and one day in the Binhai New Area is more than enough. A shared bike can cover most city attractions.
- Tianjin Eye: This is a must-see landmark, and you’ll get different vibes during the day and at night. Instead of riding it, consider a night cruise on the Hai River, which offers a unique experience.
- Five Great Avenues (Wudadao): It’s not just five streets; it’s a big area. You can rent a bike to explore the area, which takes 2–3 hours on foot. The area is filled with beautiful Western-style mansions.
- Porcelain House: The entrance is usually crowded, so skip the ticket and take photos from the outside.
- Skip the Horse Carriage: Rides on Wudadao are expensive. A bike ride offers a more enjoyable way to explore. If you’re visiting Ancient Culture Street (Guwenhua Jie), don’t miss Tianhou Temple in the back, which closes at 4:30 PM.
- Ancient Culture Street: This area is heavily commercialized and mainly popular with tour groups. It might feel a bit overrated.
- Beware of Street Performers: On Ancient Culture Street, be cautious of performers like “Sun Ge” and his puppets—photos aren’t free.
- Italian-Style Town: The double-decker tour bus is a must-do here. It’s a fantastic way to take photos both day and night. The bus tours the area and also includes the Tianjin Eye.
- Porcelain House Again: It’s worth mentioning twice: just snap some photos from the outside. There’s no need to pay for entry.
- Tianjin Eye Night Visit: Make reservations in advance, especially during holidays! Couples should be cautious—it has a bit of a reputation for being unlucky.
- Hai River at Night: The river is best enjoyed in the evening. There are different types of cruises that offer dining, entertainment, and sightseeing options. Tickets can be purchased via the “Tianjin Haihe Cruise” WeChat account.
- Catch a Xiangsheng Show: Tianjin is famous for this comedic art form. Try Mingliu Teahouse (Xinhua Road location), where tickets are around ¥80, and they can be booked online.
- Breakfast in Tianjin: Don’t leave without trying traditional Tianjin breakfast foods like jianbing guozi, guoba cai, zhagao, and gaogan. Head to Xibeijiao, where you’ll find locals lining up at the best spots.
- Public Transport: Use Alipay for the bus. Just select the travel option, and there’s no need to carry coins.
- Subway Payments: You can also use Alipay to pay for the subway, skipping the ticket lines.
- Taxi Tips: Taxis sometimes take longer routes. Whenever possible, use ride-hailing apps, the subway, or rent a bike.
- Local Slang: Don’t be surprised if Tianjin locals call you “big sister” or “big brother.” It’s a friendly term of endearment, not a comment on your age.