Tianjin Travelers Recommend

Three days in Tianjin gives you plenty of time to see different sides of the city—spanning eclectic architecture, modern museums, and pleasant outdoor spaces—as well as take a day trip to the Great Wall. Here’s how to make the most of three days in Tianjin.

Day 1: Hike the Great Wall of China

Head to Huanyaguan, the closest section of the Great Wall from Tianjin. Steep and challenging, it’s good for those looking to hike a restored section of the wall away from crowds. Those looking for something less strenuous—and who don’t mind the crowds—should opt for Mutianyu. It's the best restored section and also one of the easiest, with a cable car and chair lift to take you up, and a chair lift and toboggan to take you down.

Those who chose Huanyaguan can spend the rest of the afternoon hiking the wall, or head to Dule Temple, one of China’s oldest surviving wooden structures, see the tombs of Emperor Qianlong and Dowager Empress Cixi at the Eastern Qing Tombs, or go for a soak at Dijing Hot Springs Resort. Those who went to Mutianyu can head to Beijing and explore top attractions such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

Day 2: Architecture, Museums, and Views

Tianjin is a city of architectural contrasts. One way to appreciate those differences is to head to a former foreign concessions area, such as Five Great Avenues (Wudadao) or Jiefanglu Financial Street, and then contrast that architecture with the more traditional Chinese look of the Shi Family Courtyard or Ancient Culture Street. 

Spend the afternoon in one of the many museums in Tianjin. Options range from the unique Porcelain House, covered in porcelain vases and ceramic chips, to the historic Tianjin Old Town Museum. Or head to the vast Tianjin Museum and the ultramodern Tianjin Binhai Library.

Take a spin on the Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel for expansive city and sunset views. Another option is the Tianjin Television and Radio Tower. Spend the rest of the evening checking out the nightlife. Enjoy dinner and a nightcap at Marco Polo Square, or go barhopping and club-hopping.

Day 3: Local Flavors and Outdoor Pursuits

Head to Nanshi Food Street or Ancient Culture Street to sample a range of local dishes, such as fried dough twists and Guobuli steamed stuffed buns. A local guide can help you navigate the many options and vendors. Alternatively, spend the morning visiting cultural landmarks such as Tianhou Palace, Tianjin Confucian Temple, or Tianjin Drum Tower.

In the afternoon, head out to Shuishang Park or People’s Park; or, for something different, check out the Binhai Aircraft Carrier Theme Park. Wrap up your final day with an evening cruise along the Haihe River for one last memorable tour of Tianjin and to get a different perspective on more than eight bridges and 10 attractions.

Two days in Tianjin gives you time to explore the highlights of the city, from its food to its architecture and also take a day trip to the Great Wall. See below on how to make the most of 48 hours in Tianjin.

Day 1: Climb the Great Wall

Morning: The closest restored section of the Great Wall is Huanyaguan, which is less crowded than others. It’s quite steep, so if you need alternatives to walking, head to Mutianyu, which offers cable car, chair lift, and toboggan. Alternatively, head to Beijing by bullet train and explore the Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace.

Afternoon: Those who chose Huanyaguan can spend the afternoon at Dule Temple, the Eastern Qing Tombs, or both. Alternatively, head to Dijing Hot Springs Resort for a therapeutic soak in an outdoor hot spring. Those who spent the morning at Mutianyu can explore Beijing’s top attractions, such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

Night: Head back to Tianjin and enjoy an evening cruising down the Haihe River. Enjoy illuminated city vistas as you pass by highlights such as Tianjin Eye and Haihe Cultural Square. Shop for souvenirs at Binjiang Dao shopping area.

Day 2: Discover Tianjin

Morning: Start the morning sampling local dishes, such as Guobuli steamed stuffed buns and jianbing, a Chinese-style crepe, at Ancient Culture Street or Nanshi Food Street. Opt for a guided food tour to help navigate. If you prefer museums, head to the massive Tianjin Museum and the unique Porcelain House, covered in ancient porcelain vases.

Afternoon: See the legacy from the history of foreign concessions, including European-style villas and buildings in the Five Great Avenues (Wudadao) area or Italian Style Town. Admire the Spanish and Japanese architecture at Jingyuan Garden, former residence of the last emperor of China. Contrast that with the Qing Dynasty Shi Family Courtyard.

Night: Spend your final evening enjoying a sunset and a birds-eye view of the city. Head to Tianjin Television and Radio Tower, or take a spin on the Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel, the only Ferris wheel built on a bridge.

Tianjin is a diverse city, with influences from both China and the West. Whether you want to take in a broad range of architectural sites and museums or you want to find the best food and views, here’s how to experience Tianjin in just one day.

Morning: East Meets West and a Foodie Fest

See the lasting influence of foreign concessions in the city at the Five Great Avenues (Wudadao), an area known for its European architectural styles. Contrast that with Ancient Culture Street and its Qing-era styled architecture. Pick up souvenirs and try a variety of local snacks from the many vendors available. For a deeper taste of Tianjin, devote your morning, instead, to sampling local Tianjin dishes, such as fried dough twists and Chatang soup. Head to Nanshi Food Street or opt for a guided food tour to help navigate the huge selection. Some tours also include stops at cultural attractions such as Tianjin Drum Tower.

Afternoon: Museums and Architecture, Old and New

One unique attraction in Tianjin is the Porcelain House, a private house and museum covered with thousands of ancient Chinese porcelain vases and ceramic chips. Then, spend some time at Jingyuan Garden, also known as the Garden of Tranquility. The former residence of the last Emperor of China features both Spanish and Japanese influences. Alternatively, head to the outskirts of Tianjin to see the Shi Family Courtyard and its classic Qing dynasty architecture. Contrast that with the modern architecture of the Tianjin Binhai Library or Tianjin Museum, the largest museum in town and a great way to learn about the culture and history of the city.

Night: Sunset Views and River Cruises

Enjoy the sunset and expansive city views from Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel or the observatory in Tianjin Television and Radio Tower. Alternatively, take a twilight or nighttime cruise on the Haihe River and admire Tianjin’s illuminated skyline while passing by attractions such as Jiefanglu Financial Street and Tianjin Urban Planning Museum. For dinner, sample some of the fresh seafood for which Tianjin is known, before diving into its eclectic nightlife scene, with options that range from dive bars and karaoke bars to high-end lounges and clubs.