
The Astor Hotel Tianjin was built in 1863, the second year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty. It was located on the east side of Victoria Road and Victoria Garden, the main roads in the British Concession of Tianjin at that time, which is today No. 199 Jiefang North Road and No. 33 Taierzhuang Road in Heping District, Tianjin. It is one of the very few mid-19th century buildings surviving in the former Tianjin Concession area.
The Astor Hotel has dedicated over 700 square meters to its museum, located on the basement level of the Astor Wing. With nearly a kilometer of exhibition space, the museum houses over 3,000 artifacts and exhibits. These artifacts and paintings tell the hotel's rich history and untold stories spanning three centuries. The museum is open daily and free to hotel guests. The museum recreates the original restaurant and menu, and houses over 3,000 antiques, artifacts, and other period pieces, all preserved in pristine condition. The historic Astor Hotel is a reflection of Tianjin's history since its opening as a port. A deeper understanding will surely make you appreciate Tianjin even more.
Temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate; Astor Museum is the oldest hotel museum in China and a classic representative of the world-renowned "Tianjin Small Western-style Buildings", suitable for travel in all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours
The Astor Museum is open daily and free for hotel guests to visit;
Non-hotel guests can purchase tickets to enter and visit, the ticket price is 50 yuan per person.
9:00-20:00; the museum will be closed for a period of time from 12:30-13:00 and 18:00-19:00.
The Astor Museum was once the residence of the Astor family, who were influential in the development of Tianjin during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic period. The building is a historical site, reflecting the fusion of Western and Chinese architectural styles and the city's colonial past.
The Astor Museum is located in the Nankai District of Tianjin. It is easily accessible by metro (Nankai Station on Line 3), taxi, or bus. Walking from nearby hotels or tourist areas is also an option if you're in the vicinity.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. The best times to visit are during weekdays in the morning or late afternoon when the museum is less crowded.
Admission to the Astor Museum is usually free, though special exhibits may require a ticket. Tickets can be obtained on-site at the museum entrance.
Advance booking is generally not required, except for special events or exhibitions. It’s recommended to check the museum’s website for any announcements regarding advanced ticket sales for such events.
To fully explore the Astor Museum, you’ll need approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and the history of the site.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and occasionally in English. Audio guides are also available for a more in-depth experience.
The best spots for photography are the outdoor garden area, the grand entrance to the museum, and the historic rooms, especially those featuring antique furniture and artwork.
Start with the main exhibition hall, followed by the historic rooms on the upper floors, then explore the outdoor gardens. End your visit in the museum shop for souvenirs.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available. However, special evening events or lectures may be hosted at the museum. Check the museum's website for updates on such events.
The museum is typically less crowded on weekdays, especially in the mornings. Weekends and public holidays tend to attract more visitors.
The museum has clean restrooms, a small café offering light refreshments, and a gift shop selling souvenirs and books about the Astor family and Tianjin's history.
Yes, the museum is accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. The main areas are wheelchair-friendly, and there are ramps for easy access.
Cards and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted. It’s advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case of any payment system issues.
Yes, many nearby restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and halal options. You’ll find these in the local eateries around the museum.
The museum’s gift shop sells books, replicas of artifacts, and souvenirs related to Tianjin’s history, as well as items linked to the Astor family.
Taxi, local buses, or the metro are convenient options for continuing your trip to other attractions in Tianjin. The museum is centrally located, making it easy to explore more of the city.