Tianjin's surprising architectural landscape will leave you wonder and make you feel like you transcended continents. it is actually a product of the post Second Opium War piece treaty when the largest northern China port became open to the West. Quickly the Brits, French, Italian, Belgian, German and others built their concessions in the like of their own country. Those mansions stay to this day and house charming restaurants along the green streets. Here are the places you shouldn't miss on your visit:
Tianjin's surprising architectural landscape will leave you wonder and make you feel like you transcended continents. it is actually a product of the post Second Opium War piece treaty when the largest northern China port became open to the West. Quickly the Brits, French, Italian, Belgian, German and others built their concessions in the like of their own country. Those mansions stay to this day and house charming restaurants along the green streets. Here are the places you shouldn't miss on your visit:
The center of today's Tianjin, where locals stroll, shop and people-watch is, no doubt, Binjiang. The large pedestrian street is lined up by shops and snack bars, congested with people traffic and the best place to observe the atmosphere of Tianjin.
A must do in Tianjin is a visit to the beautiful Shi Family Courtyard, belonging in the past to one of the 8 richest families of Tianjin in the late Qing dynasty. The massive mansion is extremely well preserved and many of the rooms feature period furniture, paintings and calligraphy. The extensive Shifu Garden is exquisite. The Shi Family mansion is even used today as a location shoot of historic Chinese dramas.
Located in the center of Tianjin's Ancient Cultural Street, is the Temple of the Queen of Heaven where local people would pray to the sea goddess since the ancient times. This is the oldest architecture of Tianjin, built in the Yuan dynasty and rebuilt during the Ming dynasty. This Taoist temple is also one of the oldest Temples of the Queen of Heaven in China. Today, it also houses the Tianjin Folk Custom Museum.
A walk along the Ancient Cultural Street of Tianjin takes you on a tour of the arts and crafts, traditional snacks and architecture of the Chinese hutongs. The best souvenir you can get there is from the traditional sculpture art shops, especially cute and popular are the happy babies.
The Tianjin Eye is notorious for its central location, right on the river and overlooking the gorgeous river walk. It is also unique as being the only giant Ferris Wheel built over a bridge.
Tianjin's is the River Walk is fascinating! Lined up by gorgeous French buildings and beautiful bridges with wonderful statues, it turns into a night show of colorful lights as all structures are creatively lit up.
Another reminder of the Second Opium War aftermath is the Italian Concession. Charming and welcoming Italian houses are now turned into restaurants of authentic Italian cuisine. Little shops and cafes stand by the pedestrian streets and large beer patios and wine gardens sprawl along.
The Euro-charm of Wudadao - literally, Five Great Avenues - is a historic reminder of the Second Opium War aftermath when Tianjin was opened to the West. Those are the British, French, Belgium, German concessions where settlers built their European style mansions and changed the outlook of the city forever. Today, Tianjin's European architecture makes it the perfect escape for nostalgic expats.
The strangely beautiful architecture and design of the China House attracts visitors with its unique ambiance. Inspired by french architecture, the building reminds of Gaudi's eclectic design but it differentiates itself as the entire facade is covered by porcelain. Chinese vases are integrated into the fence and pieces of china cover the house top to bottom. A sight to be seen!
Built in 1921, this European-Chinese style mansion was the residence of Puyi, the last Emperor of China. He settled here in times of turmoil and that was the place where he was approached by the Japanese to head the puppet state of Manchukuo. Nowadays, the beautiful house is an important historical heritage site where the original furniture and way of living is preserved and open to the public for viewing.
Exotic destination, food capital, financial hub and expats' dream... Hong Kong is definitely one of the most popular destinations in the world. It is a city of many faces and exploring them requires an open mind, open pocket and appreciation for mixed cultures. An ex-British colony, Hong Kong has the sense of order instilled for decades and no language barrier. On the other hand, there is the Chinese cultural heritage and the many influences this wonderful land has taken up over the years. Explore the nature, admire the architecture and enjoy the lifestyle!
Exotic destination, food capital, financial hub and expats' dream... Hong Kong is definitely one of the most popular destinations in the world. It is a city of many faces and exploring them requires an open mind, open pocket and appreciation for mixed cultures. An ex-British colony, Hong Kong has the sense of order instilled for decades and no language barrier. On the other hand, there is the Chinese cultural heritage and the many influences this wonderful land has taken up over the years. Explore the nature, admire the architecture and enjoy the lifestyle!
The ancient capital city of China hides a wealth of spiritual places which to this day provide tranquility, guidance and a spiritual escape from the busy daily life. Here are the most sacred temples of Beijing where Chinese history, philosophy and wisdom can be tracked to the antiquity.
The ancient capital city of China hides a wealth of spiritual places which to this day provide tranquility, guidance and a spiritual escape from the busy daily life. Here are the most sacred temples of Beijing where Chinese history, philosophy and wisdom can be tracked to the antiquity.
Here is the best way to explore the greatest highlights of Beijing in just 24 hours layover itinerary. Follow the line up below to get the essence of China's capital in just one full day of exploration and fun...
Here is the best way to explore the greatest highlights of Beijing in just 24 hours layover itinerary. Follow the line up below to get the essence of China's capital in just one full day of exploration and fun...
Shopaholics, get ready! Shopping in Beijing is incredible - you can find anything and everything - from the most exquisite and expensive goods to cheap and cool souvenirs. Be prepared to haggle! Bargaining is the name of the game and Chinese are really, really good at it. It is an entire shopping ritual until you set the price... May the games begin! Happy shopping!
Shopaholics, get ready! Shopping in Beijing is incredible - you can find anything and everything - from the most exquisite and expensive goods to cheap and cool souvenirs. Be prepared to haggle! Bargaining is the name of the game and Chinese are really, really good at it. It is an entire shopping ritual until you set the price... May the games begin! Happy shopping!
Every first time visitor to China has to experience the most famous, most significant and most historic places along the Golden Triangle: Beijing - Xian - Shanghai. That is the cradle of ancient history, modern society and diverse scenery. Yes, we know it is a tough choice how to experience such a vast country in such a short time... That is why, we suggest to start from the classics - those that will astonish you and leave you wanting more!
The 10 days trip itinerary below is ordered according to location, proximity and convenience of exploration: Beijing (5 days); Xian (2 days); Shanghai (3 days)
Every first time visitor to China has to experience the most famous, most significant and most historic places along the Golden Triangle: Beijing - Xian - Shanghai. That is the cradle of ancient history, modern society and diverse scenery. Yes, we know it is a tough choice how to experience such a vast country in such a short time... That is why, we suggest to start from the classics - those that will astonish you and leave you wanting more!
The 10 days trip itinerary below is ordered according to location, proximity and convenience of exploration: Beijing (5 days); Xian (2 days); Shanghai (3 days)
Natural wonders, man made wonders, architecture, modernity, antiquity, art, culture... There is so much to see and experience within this one country! Each landscape amazes with its uniqueness, sheer beauty and magic. You can spend an eternity wondering the land and discovering more and more hidden gems, untouched places and long-standing ancient walls. It is a true challenge picking the best places to see in China but here they are.
Natural wonders, man made wonders, architecture, modernity, antiquity, art, culture... There is so much to see and experience within this one country! Each landscape amazes with its uniqueness, sheer beauty and magic. You can spend an eternity wondering the land and discovering more and more hidden gems, untouched places and long-standing ancient walls. It is a true challenge picking the best places to see in China but here they are.