Top 6 Things to Do in Tianjin on an Unforgettable Holiday – Enthralling Adventures in an Enchanting City

Immerse yourself in architectural grandeur at the Five Great Avenues, also known as ‘Wu Da Dao’. This upscale neighbourhood with parallel streets, is home to over 2,000 villas built in the 1920s and 1930s. As you stroll down elegant boulevards you will come across buildings featuring Gothic, Baroque, Classical, Roman and Renaissance-style architecture, as well as those that blend Western and Chinese design. To make your exploration unique, look to hire a horse-drawn carriage and truly feel like you have travelled back in time!

Seek serenity at the majestic Dabei Buddhist Temple, also known as the Temple of Great Compassion. The largest and oldest Buddhist structure in the city, it offers much to discover, and exploring it is one of the most rewarding things to do in Tianjin. Keep in mind that the complex features two wings, namely the West Temple which dates to the 17th century and the East Temple which was completed in the 1940s. Highlights you will come across include a large collection of Buddha statues that date to the Wei and Jin period carved from various materials like wood, bronze, stone and iron; also, of interest is a statue of Sakyamuni dating to the Ming Dynasty with numerous Buddhas carved on the lotus throne.

Feel as if you have stepped into the past as you walk along Ancient Culture Street, located close to properties like Pan Pacific Tianjin. Here, Qing Dynasty replica houses line the street, their distinctive facades beckoning you to explore. Browse through stalls offering traditional handicrafts, from delicate jade pieces to exquisite calligraphic artworks. Don't miss the chance to snag unique souvenirs like a hand-carved ornament or sample local snacks too. Be sure to visit the Palace of the Queen of Heaven, a historical landmark transformed into the Tianjin Folklore Museum; also, look to climb to the top of the Yuhuang Pavilion for captivating views.

Embark on a culinary adventure at Nanshi Food Street, a haven for gourmands. This enclosed space is home is a maze of restaurants, stalls, and shops, all showcasing the diverse flavours of Tianjin. From steaming bowls of noodles to sizzling street food, prepare to tantalise your taste buds. Don't miss Tianjin's famous delicacies: the crispy Mahua (fried dough twists), the melt-in-your-mouth Goubuli steamed buns, and the intriguingly named Ear-Hole Fried Cake (a deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar). Be sure to come hungry – with countless options at pocket-friendly prices, you will want to try it all!

Witness Tianjin from a breathtaking perspective aboard the iconic Tianjin Eye. This giant Ferris wheel, towering 120 metres above the Yongle Bridge, offers a panoramic view of the city skyline and the meandering Haihe River below. Take a 30-minute ride in one of its comfortable capsules and capture unforgettable memories from this unique vantage point. The Tianjin Eye is also a dazzling sight at night, illuminated against the city's glittering backdrop. Head to Jingang Bridge for the best photo opportunities.

For history buffs and adventure seekers, a trip to the Huangya Pass, a section of the Great Wall of China, is a must. Located approximately two hours from downtown Tianjin, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a challenging yet rewarding hike. Traverse along the ancient ramparts, dating back to the Northern Qi Dynasty, and soak in the stunning mountain scenery. Look out for iconic landmarks like the Huangya Sky Ladder and the Widow Tower and lose yourself in the grandeur of this historical marvel.