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Visitors to the Italian Style Area in Tianjin can explore its unique European-style architecture, visit the charming boutiques and cafes, and enjoy scenic walks along its tree-lined streets. It’s perfect for photography, dining, and leisurely exploration of the historical buildings.
Located in the heart of Tianjin, the Italian Style District boasts over 200 elegant Mediterranean-style buildings. A stroll through it feels like walking through a romantic European town, while numerous celebrity residences and film and television drama locations also add to the experience.
The Italian Style District is located right next to the Haihe River. Approaching from the riverbank (Bei'an Bridge), the first thing you'll see is the tall, spire-topped bell tower. Further ahead, you'll see an exquisitely carved bronze carriage, signaling your arrival at the Italian Style Tourist Area. Stroll along the streets, admiring the red-roofed Italian-style buildings and European-style sculptures, before finally arriving at Marco Polo Square.
Marco Polo Square is one of the scenic area's landmarks. Atop its central Corinthian column stands the goddess of peace, holding an olive branch. Further west, the Piazza Venezia boasts the "Winged Lion Trevi Fountain." While it lacks the grandeur and popularity of the actual Roman Trevi Fountain from the film "Roman Holiday," it blends seamlessly with the atmosphere of the entire Italian-inspired area, evoking a vaguely cinematic feel. Numerous film and television dramas, such as "The Founding of a Republic" and "The Golden Age," have been filmed here, offering visitors a glimpse into familiar scenes. It's also a popular destination for couples taking wedding photos.
The scenic area also boasts numerous former residences of prominent figures. Liang Qichao's former residence, home to the famous "Ice Drinking Room," is located here; the former residence of warlord Cao Kun now houses the Bohai Commodity Exchange; Yuan Shikai's former residence and Feng Guozhang's former residence have been converted into hotels; and Cao Yu's former residence and Zhang Tingye's former residence are also worth a visit. The Tianjin Planning Exhibition Hall, which showcases Tianjin's history and future urban planning, is also a great place to visit.
The climate is East Asian monsoon and warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon; the four seasons are distinct, with windy spring, dry weather and little rain; hot summer with concentrated rain; cool autumn with moderate temperatures; and cold winter with little snow, making it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Marco Polo Square, Italian Barracks, Ichi Palace, and the Jai Alai Club;
It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours
Free and open
Open all day
The Italian Style Area, or "Little Italy," is a former concession area in Tianjin where Italian influence is seen in the architectural design of buildings. It holds historical significance as a symbol of Tianjin’s international past, representing its role as a treaty port in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Italian Style Area is located in the Nankai District of Tianjin. It is easily accessible by taxi, metro (the nearest station is Nankai Station), and bus. Visitors can also take a leisurely walk from the central areas of Tianjin.
The area is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasant. It’s also recommended to visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Italian Style Area. It's a public space open for exploration, and visitors can wander freely. Some specific attractions or restaurants may have their own fees.
No tickets are required for general visits to the area. However, if you plan to dine at a popular restaurant or book a guided tour, it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially during weekends or holidays.
Exploring the Italian Style Area takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend enjoying the architecture, shopping, or dining. If you plan to visit multiple cafes or restaurants, you may want to allow extra time.
The must-see highlights include the historical European-style buildings, the charming piazzas, and the vibrant cafes and shops. Make sure to visit the iconic Italian Embassy building and the streets lined with arcades and vintage architecture.
Guided tours may be available through local tour companies, but there are no official audio guides. English-speaking guides can typically be found through tour agencies or through local tourism services.
The best photography spots are the central piazzas, the street-side cafes with beautiful outdoor seating, and the historic buildings. The quaint European-style streets and arches provide excellent photo opportunities, particularly during golden hour.
Start at the main entrance, wander through the charming streets, and stop by the cafes and boutique stores. Spend time exploring the central squares and take in the historical buildings. For lunch, consider dining at one of the Italian restaurants to experience the ambiance fully.
While there are no light shows, the Italian Style Area is beautifully lit at night, and it's a great place for an evening stroll. The area has a lively atmosphere with many cafes and bars open late, offering a different vibe compared to daytime visits.
The area can get crowded on weekends and during holidays. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays, especially in the mornings and early afternoons.
The Italian Style Area has public restrooms, cafes, water fountains, and several boutique shops. You can find seating areas in the squares, where you can rest while enjoying the view. There are also plenty of cafes and small restaurants offering local and Italian food.
Yes, the area is mostly accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. The streets are flat and well-paved, though some of the older buildings might have limited accessibility.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are accepted at most cafes and shops in the area. Cash is rarely necessary, though it's always good to carry some small change just in case.
Within the Italian Style Area, there are several cafes and Italian restaurants serving pizza, pasta, and coffee. Nearby, you can also find local Chinese restaurants offering regional specialties.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available, especially in cafes and restaurants that cater to international visitors. Halal food can also be found in nearby restaurants in Tianjin, but not specifically in the Italian Style Area.
There are several hotels near the Italian Style Area, ranging from budget options to mid-range hotels. For luxury accommodations, consider staying at hotels near the city center or near the Haihe River.
Other nearby attractions include the Tianjin Ancient Cultural Street, the Haihe River, and the Tianjin Museum. These can easily be visited as part of a day trip from the Italian Style Area.
There are a few boutique shops selling Italian-themed goods, such as leather products, small souvenirs, and handmade crafts. Tianjin is also known for its traditional silk products and local artwork.
Taxis, buses, and the metro are easily available for continuing your trip from the Italian Style Area. The city’s metro lines and bus routes provide convenient access to other popular spots in Tianjin.
