Thanks to its strategic location on Bohai Bay, Tianjin has long been an important port city. Its foreign concession past has left it with a vast collection of eclectic European style buildings in the Five Great Avenues, which contrast with both the Qing-era style buildings of Ancient Culture Street and the modern Binhai area, home to futuristic landmarks such as Tianjin Library. Rich in culture, history, and street food, Tianjin offers plenty of things to do and unique attractions ranging from the Porcelain House to the Tianjin Eye.
Tianjin experiences four distinct seasons, with hot and humid summers and cold, snowy winters, making spring and fall the best times for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The Huangyaguan Great Wall Marathon is held every year in late May. Expect the largest crowds during major holidays in China, including Chinese New Year and the weeklong national holidays in May and October.
Tianjin is well connected by public transport. The metro is easy to use and reaches most districts, with plans for additional lines. Buses are the cheapest and cover the entire city, but may be difficult for non-Chinese speakers to navigate. Taxis are cheap and plentiful, though language barriers may make rideshare apps such as DiDi preferable. The city is largely flat, making bicycles another option, and bike shares are available.
Although the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall is 19 miles (30 kilometers) north of Tianjin, it’s a must-visit when in Tianjin as it’s far less crowded than the sections closer to Beijing. You can enjoy spectacular views, as well as a 2-mile (3.5 kilometer) restored section featuring 20 watchtowers, a fort, and a gatehouse. You can visit independently, but a tour offers transfers and a guide to provide insights.
