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The old building of Tianjin West Railway Station, formerly the station's waiting room, was located in Hebei Zhaojiachang (now No. 1 Xizhanqian Street, Hongqiao District, Tianjin), between the Ziya River and the South Grand Canal in the third district west of Tianjin's old city. Construction began in 1909. The two-story brick-concrete structure features a red-tiled sloping roof. The exterior is carved with Chinese motifs, such as the Nanji Immortal, cranes, and dragon's mouths, blending seamlessly with Western-style architecture.
In 2009, to make way for the construction of the new West Railway Station, the old station building was moved 100 meters away using a sliding friction method and permanently preserved as a railway museum. At that time, Tianjin West Railway Station was an important station on the "Jinpu Railway".
Warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate; Tianjin West Railway Station Laofang Station has now become one of the main symbols of the West Railway Station Urban Sub-Center, suitable for travel in all seasons.
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Open all day
The Tianjin West Railway Station Old Building is a significant historical landmark in Tianjin. Built in the early 20th century, it showcases colonial architectural influences and played a key role in the development of transportation in the region. The building is a symbol of Tianjin’s transformation into an important railway hub in northern China.
The station is located in the western part of Tianjin city. It can be easily reached by taxi or metro. The nearest metro station is Tianjin West Railway Station (Line 1), which offers direct access to the building.
The station building is open to visitors during daylight hours, typically from 8 AM to 6 PM. The best time to visit is during weekdays or early in the morning to avoid crowds.
There is no entrance fee for visiting the Tianjin West Railway Station Old Building. You can visit freely, but if you plan to access specific parts of the station or take a guided tour, it’s recommended to check for any booking or tour fees.
No advance booking is necessary for general access to the building. However, for group tours or special events, booking in advance is advised.
A visit to the building itself typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes. If you're also exploring the surrounding area or nearby historical sites, plan for about 2-3 hours in total.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, but English-speaking tours may be limited. Audio guides might also be available during specific events or as part of a scheduled tour.
The clock tower offers the best photography spots, especially for capturing the station's architecture. The exterior of the building, with its colonial style, is also a prime spot for photos.
Start by entering through the main doors, take a moment to appreciate the intricate architecture, and then head toward the clock tower. If possible, visit the surrounding areas to understand the station's role in the city’s history.
There are no night visits or light shows available. However, the building is beautifully lit in the evenings, and a nighttime visit to the surrounding area is also enjoyable for photography and exploration.
The station is relatively quiet during weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends and holidays may see more visitors, so it’s best to visit early in the day to avoid the crowds.
The station has basic facilities such as restrooms and shops selling snacks and drinks. For more dining options, it’s better to explore the surrounding area or visit one of the nearby malls or restaurants.
The station building is accessible to elderly and children, but some parts may have stairs or narrow hallways. There may be limited accessibility for disabled visitors, depending on the specific areas you wish to access.
Cash is accepted, but cards and mobile payments (such as Alipay or WeChat Pay) are more commonly used and widely accepted around the station.
There are several restaurants and cafes nearby, especially around the Tianjin West Railway Station complex. You’ll find a variety of local Chinese food and international dining options.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available in the nearby area, though they may not be directly inside the station building itself. It's recommended to check surrounding restaurants for suitable options.
Several hotels are located near the Tianjin West Railway Station, ranging from budget accommodations to more upscale options. For more luxury choices, head towards the city center, which is a short drive away.
There are small souvenir shops inside and around the station that sell items like keychains, postcards, and local handicrafts. For more unique souvenirs, consider visiting Tianjin Ancient Culture Street nearby.
Taxis, buses, and the metro (Line 1) are the best options for continuing your trip after visiting the station. The Tianjin West Railway Station is a major transportation hub, so connecting to other parts of the city or even neighboring regions is easy.
