Tianjin

Antique markets and scrumptious snacks make Tianjin a nice getaway destination. Spend a few days exploring the city's narrow alleys, browsing its antique markets and sampling its famous snacks.

Over 600 years old, Tianjin, the largest port city in north China lies on the coast of the Bohai Sea. The city continues a legacy that's both ancient and modern, Chinese and Western. Most of all, the city is known among Chinese cities for its colonial buildings in the former concession areas that still retain a European air of elegance.

There are over a 1,000 concession era buildings in Tianjin, the construction of which began in 1858 when the Qing court was forced to sign the Treaty of Tianjin allowing for the establishment of concessions in the city. Britain, France, Japan, Germany, Russia, Belgium, Italy and Austria divided parts of Tianjin. Each nation created their own self-sustaining walled enclaves, where their citizens could forget they were far from their native soil.

People in Tianjin are known as great talkers; they can yak on and on, which also makes them great arguers. Many of China's most famous cross-talkers, comedians who give hilarious pun-filled monologues and dialogues hail from Tianjin. Even if you're not fluent in Chinese, just observing the animated conversations of the locals will convince you that they've been given the gift of gab.

Tianjin Memorable Experience
Sampling food of various flavors at the Nanshi Food Street and then soaking up in local culture at local arts and crafts stalls on the Old Culture Street.

Strolling through the former concession areas and getting a feel of what life must have been like 100 years ago.