International celebrities, economists, experts, investors and foreigners living in Tianjin share their insights into the city's rapid development and their other impressions of the city.

I have been witnessing during (the past) 13 years the massive change of Tianjin. It is the progress in infrastructure that has allowed the city to transform so rapidly. With the integration of the notions of sustainability, high tech and AI, Tianjin will become one of China's smartest cities. As Tianjin was one of China's first modern cities in the first half of the 20th century, it has the potential to become a 21st century super smart city. As a Frenchman born in Paris, I can see some correspondence between the language of architecture in Tianjin and the European style. Tianjin might be geographically located far away from Italy, Germany or France but it is in fact a bridge connecting Europe and China.

David Gosset, founder of the Europe-China Forum and author of Limited Views on The Chinese Renaissance (2018), who won the Tianjin Friendship Award in 2015

I am a true and old friend witnessing yesterday and tomorrow of the dynamic city. The design of the Tianjin Culture Center is distinctive. The library, theater and museums in the city are amazing.

Klaus Schwab, World Economic Forum founder and executive chairman

The World Economic Forum's cooperation with Tianjin has established a sound foundation. The WEF was confident about the momentum for Tianjin's future growth and believed that through its cooperation, the forum would achieve still greater success with Tianjin in the future.

Borge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum

Tianjin, the gateway to North China, is a fast-growing city. The government support and talent available in Tianjin make it a great place for the logistics business. In the past, most foreign companies set up factories in Tianjin to make products for exporting. Nowadays, the rise of the middle class in China has altered the strategies of most companies. As the market in Tianjin has matured, we are targeting the domestic market. The free trade zone in Tianjin is great for foreign companies to do business. As a well-positioned port city, Tianjin will have a bright future.

Martin Winchell, chairman of AmCham China's Tianjin Chapter

It is very easy to come here and it is very easy to live here... I think credit needs to go to the municipal government. They preserve the cultural heritage, not only from the long-distance past, but also the last few centuries. We love to walk around the city just for the beauty of it. China is the future and we want to be part of the future. I think Tianjin is already a center for healthcare in many areas. I think Tianjin has the potential to become a leader in China and the world.

Masoud Afnan, honorary chair of fertility services at United Family Healthcare Reproductive Medicine Center

As an Australian, in many ways I find Melbourne and Tianjin similar with two magnificent cities connected by rivers — the Yarra River and Haihe River respectively. It's also interesting that the two cities developed a sister-city collaborative relationship in 1980. I am impressed with the Tianjin government's excellent efforts to invest in and develop quality infrastructure along the Haihe River. This is a wonderful public space that connects community, offers tranquillity, promotes a healthy lifestyle and of course is an amazing precinct to explore and appreciate as a visitor. The view along the river is world-class and awe-inspiring. We are very fortunate to enjoy these excellent views from our hotel rooms and apartments.

Jason Stinson, general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Tianjin

I've actually really enjoyed getting used to being here because of my traveling experiences. I have to say, Tianjin has been very welcoming to me and my family ever since the beginning. We love this city because of its long history. For me, it is the food I want to learn more about. Right now, my favorite food is the Tianjin pancake. I think Tianjin is in the right spot and Tianjin is on the road map. We see great development taking place in the city. The trend is going to be the luxury hotel industry. I think the government has done a great job investing, trying to attract domestic and international tourists to come to the city.

Hugo Montanari, former general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin

I have been living in the coastal city for 22 years. There were so many bicycles but no paths or taxis on the road, and very few people owned cars. At that time the roads were not in good condition and few trees were being planted. Tianjin, which has gradually connected with the world, is turning to become a green city and has provided a lot of convenience for people in their living environment. Tianjin has already turned into a green city.

Steve Moody, director of the International School of Tianjin

Cameron Pace Group China, led by cinematographer Vince Pace and me, has moved into 6,000 square meters of space, designed for postproduction, exhibitions, and research and development, and with room to spare for a private cinema, in Tianjin. CPG China will continue to use Hollywood’s advanced film technologies to tell China's traditional stories to a global audience, furthering the integration of Chinese and international cultures.

James Cameron, movie director

My stay in Tianjin came in the wake of my 80 stays around the world (photo exhibition) tour of Southeast Asia and China. Compared with other destinations, I was fascinated with the architecture and the relaxed and easygoing Tianjin people.

Trey Ratcliff, US photographer