Haihe River 

Tianjin is a prime example of a major Chinese city that  considerably transformed itself in recent years. Today, a modern  metropolis, it attracts a growing number of visitors desiring to relish in its success.

The city initially grew on extensive low-lying lands formed from sedimentary deposits carried over thousands of years, by rivers flowing steadily towards the Bohai Sea.

Haihe River 

The Haihe, known as Tianjin's 'Mother River' is only 69 kilometers long. It forms the final section of this 17,800 sq.km catchment.  Composed of approximately 300 tributaries draining a vast area of northern China, it stretches up to Shanxi province. Initially, some tributaries directly reached the sea but access was cut following construction of the Grand Canal.

Tianjin sits at a juxtaposition of river, canal and sea. It was where the Grand Canal flowed northwards from Hangzhou before merging with the Haihe. This helped the early walled city become  an ocean gateway for Beijing. The Northern Grand Canal flows today beneath iconic Tianjin Eye ferris wheel, before connecting with Beijing’. By early 19th century, the river was straightened, deepened so allowing ocean-going vessels into central Tianjin. 

Classical-style architecture on Jiefang North Road

Its relationship with waterways was an important factor in Tianin's growth, becoming one of Northern China's most prosperous cities. However its location would receive considerable international attention leading to the 1860 Treaty of Tianjin. That can be traced back to 1840's Opium Wars, focusing initially on southern China's Guangzhou and the Pearl River Delta.

Jingyuan (‘Garden of Peace’) 

With Tianjin, the initial territorial impacts were French (1860-1946) and British (1860-1943) concessions. Eventually nine countries would establish their definitive districts, located geographically close to the original Chinese city. The western powers ran such areas as semi-independent enclaves. The wartime period with Japan (1938-1945) witnessed an end to the Concession period.

Much of the pseudo-classical architecture, particularly from earlier 20th century remains intact. It reflects a period when the city would claim to have China's first Wall Street.

Italian style architecture 2026

The 1950's and 1960's saw rapid development of heavy industry, reliant on coal, spread across northern China. Tianjin then no longer a major international business centre. The once important maritime trade that formerly boomed within its heart steadily declined.

When I first visited Tianjin, in 1996, the city was rarely mentioned in guide books on China. It had lost its vitality, indeed appearing somewhat tired.

In contrast, look at Tianjin today. It has successfully transformed into one of Northern China's more dynamic and indeed exciting cities. It has become a 'must visit' destination, particularly for China's rapidly growing domestic tourist numbers.

Tianjin Eye

Very important has been investment in infrastructure. In 2008 Tianjin was linked to Beijing by China's first high-speed rail. Today, its three main stations form a hub radiating out across China. International freight trains connect with Central Asia and Europe. Within Binhai New Area, where the Haihe reaches the Bohai Gulf, is Tianjin's vast port. Largest in Northern China, it ranks as one of the world's largest by throughput tonnage.

Tianjin's Binhai International Airport has grown into a major hub serving both domestic and international routes.

Ancient Cultural Street