Joanna James
As the biggest port city in all of northern China, Tianjin has been a cultural and leisure hub for the masses since time immemorial. From exploring its rich historic heritage to enjoying more recent additions to the city, here are the main points of interest in Tianjin.
While it may bear no resemblance to the London Eye, the Eye of Tianjin is a one of a kind Ferris wheel of truly mammoth proportions. Also known as the Tianjin Yongle Ferris Wheel, the Eye of Tianjin also holds the distinct honour of being the only Ferris wheel on the planet to be located on and build atop of a bridge. Offering visitors breathtaking 360-degree views of the city at large on a ride that lasts 30 minutes, it is also described as one of the finest feats of engineering in the area. With a diameter of 110m, the Ferris wheel reaches heights of up to 120 meters during a single rotation and provides views of landscapes 40km away from Tianjin. The slow pace of the rotation also makes it ideal for those who wish to take panoramic photographs of the city.
No trip to Tianjin would be complete without exploring its own stretch of the Great Wall which is located at the Huangya Pass. As a secluded part of the world wonder that occupies the East Mountain, tourists may find that climbing the Great Wall section in Tianjin is a far more enjoyable experience than braving the large crowds in Beijing own portion of the world-renowned attraction. Constructed on a mountain ridge and perched at an altitude of 738m, this stretch of the wall contains fourteen watchtowers and 16 towers. Don't forget to step over to the Music Wall where amusing sounds emanate from the wall of this once strong military outpost.
Often regarded as the best place in Tianjin to relax and enjoy the culinary delights of Europe, Italian Style Street is located in what was once the Italian Concession region of the town. The buildings in this area of Tianjin have changed little since those days except for the fact that now the street contains a whopping 200 restaurants, bars and shops fashioned in the European style. Tipped to be the ideal venue to grab some authentic Italian meals, the street is also famously used for shooting many local television shows and series due to its unique architectural features. The shops down Italian Style Street also sell Venetian masks and other souvenirs that appear to be of European origin. The best way to explore this part of Xiamen via the guided tour buses available at Marco Polo Plaza.
Sometimes identified as Tianjin's equivalent to The Bund in Shanghai, the Tianjin Haihe Cultural Square is anther architectural highlight located across the road from the Tianjin Railway Station. Perfect for evening walks and swimming activities, this scenic area is often used as the backdrop for wedding photos. Skating enthusiasts can also enjoy their favourite pastime here while those who are based at Pan Pacific Tianjin or any other Tianjin hotel can also witness locals fishing in the nearby river.
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