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One of Tianjin's Ten Scenic Spots, Ancient Culture Street, a street of small shops resembling those of the Qing Dynasty, is centered around the Yuan Dynasty Tianhou Temple. Located just outside the East Gate in the northeast corner of Tianjin's Nankai District, it boasts nearly a hundred shops and is a hub for time-honored Tianjin shops and handicrafts. Authentic Tianjin delicacies include Goubuli steamed buns, Erduoyan fried cakes, Jianbing Guozi (rice cakes), Lao Zhai medicinal candies, Zhangjia Shuipu (water shop), and Tianjin Mahua (fried dough twists).
There is an ancient temple on this street that has been famous for hundreds of years. It was originally named "Tianfei Palace" and later changed to "Tianhou Palace". A grand imperial meeting is held here on the 23rd day of the third lunar month (the birthday of "Tianhou"), with performances of dragon lantern dance, lion dance, Shaolin meeting, stilt walking, Dharma drum, land boat, ground yangge, martial arts, as well as Peking opera, Pingju opera, Bangzi opera, etc.
temperate monsoon climate;
It is suitable for all seasons. There is a grand imperial meeting on the 23rd day of the third lunar month.
Ancient street effect
After renovation, the Ancient Culture Street still retains the architectural features and basic lines of the past. Its architectural style imitates the small-scale buildings of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with one or two floors high. The streets are naturally curved and straight, with a staggered rhythm. The exterior buildings are of moderate scale, and the shop fronts are of orderly lengths, presenting the effect of a densely packed ancient street.
Tianhou Temple
Tianhou Temple is the centerpiece of Ancient Culture Street. In Tianjin, there's a long-standing saying: "The Tianhou Temple came first, and Tianjin later." The temple enshrines Lin Mo, the "Queen of Heaven." During the annual Imperial Festival and Tianhou's birthday, 24 large red lanterns hang from the two tall masts in Tianhou Temple Square, each symbolizing the safe return of sailors.
Yan Fu's former residence
Dashizi Hutong, on Ancient Culture Street, is the site of Yan Fu's former residence, though the original house no longer exists. To explore its history and culture, researchers interviewed Yan Fu's descendants and historical experts, and, incorporating landscape design, built Tianyan Square on the site of Yan Fu's former residence, displaying a bronze statue of Yan Fu and a stone inscription of the Theory of Evolution.
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Tianjin Ancient Culture Street (Gu Wenhua Jie) dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The street is a cultural and historical hub, showcasing Tianjin's rich heritage through traditional architecture, arts, and crafts. It is a symbol of the city's efforts to preserve its historical roots while embracing modernization.
The street is located in the Nankai District of Tianjin, near the Haihe River. You can take the Tianjin Metro Line 1 and get off at the Ancient Culture Street station. Taxis, buses, and even walking from Tianjin's central areas are also good options for reaching the site.
Tianjin Ancient Culture Street is open daily, usually from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the larger crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays.
There is no entrance fee for walking through the street, as it is a public area. However, individual attractions, museums, or shops may have their own entry fees. Tickets for specific attractions or cultural performances can be bought directly at the site or online through local tourism websites.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for visiting the street itself, but for specific attractions or cultural performances, it is advisable to book at least a few days in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
You can explore the street in about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how many shops, temples, and attractions you want to visit. If you plan to enjoy street food and cultural shows, it may take longer.
Guided tours are available in both Chinese and English. You can hire a local guide to learn more about the history and cultural significance of the street and its attractions.
Start from the main entrance and walk through the street to explore the various shops, temples, and historical landmarks. Make sure to visit the Confucian Temple, then take a stroll along the river to enjoy the local shops and snacks. Stop for tea or a traditional meal in one of the many restaurants.
Night visits are a great way to experience the street, as the area is beautifully lit with lanterns and lights. There are no specific light shows, but the night-time atmosphere is a unique experience. Special cultural tours may be available in the evenings, especially during festivals.
The street can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are early in the morning or late afternoon during weekdays.
The street has clean public restrooms, numerous shops selling souvenirs, food stalls offering traditional snacks, and some seating areas for rest. There are also cafes and restaurants if you want to enjoy a more relaxed meal.
The street is generally accessible, though some areas may have narrow pathways or steps. It is advisable for elderly visitors and those with disabilities to be cautious. There are accessible facilities like ramps in some places, but not all parts of the street may be fully wheelchair-friendly.
Cash is accepted at many shops and stalls, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are more commonly used. Credit and debit cards may not be widely accepted at smaller vendors.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some of the restaurants, especially in the larger ones. Halal food options are available in some restaurants catering to Muslim tourists.
Yes, there are numerous souvenir shops along the street. Popular items include traditional Chinese crafts, such as jade jewelry, silk, calligraphy, tea sets, and handmade paper fans.
