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The Century Clock is a large, iconic urban sculpture built by the city of Tianjin in front of Tianjin Railway Station to welcome the new century. At midnight on January 1, 2001, the Century Clock struck its first note. Each year since then, it has become one of Tianjin's most recognizable landmarks, accompanying the new century.
The Century Clock, constructed entirely of metal, stands 40 meters tall, has a diameter of 14.6 meters, a base area of 74.4 square meters, and weighs over 170 tons. Its minute dial, pendulum, and base are all made of metal, creating a dazzling display. The dial is surrounded by relief carvings of the twelve zodiac signs. The clock creates a seamless fusion of time and space, classicism and modernity, power and beauty, and humanity and nature, inspiring endless imagination. When illuminated at night, the clock offers a completely different spectacle.
Warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons, best in spring and autumn
Recommended play time: 1 hour
free
All day
The Century Clock was built to celebrate the turn of the century and symbolizes Tianjin's modernization. It stands as a landmark for both locals and visitors, representing the city’s growth and technological advancements over the past century.
The Century Clock is located in the central business district of Tianjin, near the Tianjin Radio and Television Tower. It is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or metro (take Line 2 to the Jinwan Plaza station, then walk a short distance).
The Century Clock is a public outdoor attraction and can be visited at any time. The best time to visit is during the evening, as the clock is beautifully illuminated. Daytime visits are also great for a less crowded experience.
There is no entrance fee for visiting the Century Clock, as it is an open-air public landmark. Tickets are not required.
Booking tickets is not necessary as there is no fee to visit the Century Clock.
A visit to the Century Clock itself will take about 20 to 30 minutes. However, if you wish to explore the nearby Cultural Square and surrounding areas, you may want to set aside an additional 1 to 2 hours.
Guided tours are generally not available for the Century Clock itself as it is an outdoor public landmark. However, nearby cultural and historical sites may offer tours in Chinese and occasionally in English.
The Century Clock is an outdoor attraction, so there is no specific route to follow. Start by admiring the clock itself, take some photos, then explore the surrounding Cultural Square and relax while enjoying the city views.
There are no formal tours at night, but the clock is beautifully lit up after sunset, making it a fantastic spot for nighttime photography.
The Century Clock is generally not too crowded. Weekdays during the morning or early afternoon are the least crowded times to visit. Evening visits are popular for photos but can be slightly busier.
Basic facilities like toilets and rest areas can be found in the surrounding Cultural Square. There are food stalls and small shops nearby, though there are no large shopping malls within the immediate vicinity of the clock.
The Century Clock is accessible for elderly and disabled visitors as it is located in an open outdoor space. The surrounding Cultural Square is also wheelchair-friendly, though some areas may have uneven surfaces.
Since there is no entrance fee for the Century Clock, cash is not needed for entry. However, for food and souvenirs around the area, mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted.
There are several restaurants and cafes near the Cultural Square where the Century Clock is located, offering a variety of Chinese and international cuisine. Popular options include local Chinese eateries and international fast food chains.
Yes, nearby restaurants may offer vegetarian and vegan options, though halal food may be more limited in the immediate area. It’s advisable to check the menu in advance.
Souvenir shops are available near the Cultural Square, where you can find traditional Chinese crafts, postcards, and small trinkets representing Tianjin's history.
