A Comprehensive Guide for Sisters Planning to Visit Tianjin in June-July

Tianjin is a coastal city that blends Chinese and Western cultures, history with modernity, featuring European architecture from its concession era, traditional folk culture, and renowned for its cuisine and cross-talk comedy. Here’s a detailed travel guide to help you explore Tianjin efficiently:

✅ Must-Visit Classic Attractions
1️⃣. Five Great Avenues (Architectural Expo)
- Highlights: Historic buildings showcasing British, French, Italian, and German styles, perfect for cycling or walking.
- Recommendations: Minyuan Square (a photo hotspot), Qing Prince’s Mansion, Xiannong Courtyard.
- Tips: Opt for a paid horse-drawn carriage tour with commentary or rent a shared bike for free exploration.

2️⃣. Ancient Culture Street
- Experiences: Clay Figurine Zhang, Yangliuqing New Year Paintings, cross-talk teahouses (Mingliu Teahouse is the most famous).
- Food: Ear-Hole Fried Cake, Jianbing (try the iconic "Nanlou Jianbing").

4️⃣. Tianjin Eye Ferris Wheel
- Best Time: Ride at dusk for panoramic views of the Haihe River sunset and nightscape.

✅ Tianjin Food Map
1️⃣. Breakfast
- Jianbing: Try "Nanlou Jianbing" (open late) or local street stalls.
- Gaba Cai (Crispy Pancake Soup): Visit the time-honored "Dafulai."
- Miancha: Millet porridge topped with sesame paste, savory and fragrant.

2️⃣. Meals & Snacks
- Goubuli Buns: Locals prefer "Zhangji Buns" or "Ergu Buns."
- Tianjin Cuisine: Must-tries include Eight-Treasure Tofu, Lao Bao San, and Zèngbèng Carp at "Hongqi Restaurant" or "Guiyuan Restaurant."
- Halal Dishes: Hongqishun Restaurant (their braised ox tongue and tail are exceptional).
- Snacks: Steamed Pear Cake, Mahua (choose "Guifaxiang"), and Lüdagun (glutinous rice rolls).

3️⃣. Night Markets & Food Streets
- Northwest Corner: A hub for halal snacks, especially breakfast.
- Xihu Road: A local favorite with long queues; try "Duchengqi Snack Shop."

✅ Accommodation Tips
- Binjiangdao/Heping Road: Downtown area with shopping and dining; opt for star hotels or B&Bs.
- Haihe Riverside: Stunning night views, ideal for luxury stays (e.g., The Ritz-Carlton).
- Near Tianjin Station: A transport hub for easy access to Beijing-Tianjin routes.

✅ Transportation Guide
- Metro: Covers major attractions; download the "Tianjin Metro APP" for QR code rides.
- Bus/Shared Bikes: Great for short trips, especially along the scenic Haihe River.
- Beijing-Tianjin Travel: High-speed trains take 30 mins (Beijing South → Tianjin Station), with frequent departures.

✅ Sample Itineraries
- One-Day Tour: Five Great Avenues → Xikai Church → Porcelain House → Ancient Culture Street (cross-talk show) → Tianjin Eye.
- Two-Day Tour:
- Day 1: Italian Style Area → Haihe River Cruise → Italian Style Street at night.
- Day 2: Binhai Library or Yangliuqing Ancient Town + food exploration.

Tianjin’s laid-back lifestyle shines in its vibrant street life. Slow down, sip tea, enjoy cross-talk, and soak in the city’s humor and charm. With extra time, visit Binhai New Area for the aircraft carrier or Polar Ocean Park!