Tianjin (Beijing)

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💡Tianjin (Beijing): Good to Know

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🛂 Visa: China requires most travelers — including those from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU countries — to obtain a visa before arrival. However, Beijing offers a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for eligible passport holders transiting to a third country. This allows up to 6 days of visa-free stay if you meet the conditions. Always check the most current requirements based on your nationality and travel itinerary.

 

✈️ Closest Airport: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) 

 

💬 Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language. English is spoken in international hotels, major tourist attractions, and airports, but it’s less common in local shops, markets, or taxis. A translation app like Pleco or Google Translate (with offline mode) can be very helpful.

 

🏷️ Price Level: Moderate. Street food, local restaurants, and public transportation are very affordable. High-end hotels, fine dining, and imported goods can be pricey — but overall, Beijing offers good value for most travelers.

 

🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / China: US$3.22 

 

💰 Currency:  Chinese Yuan (CNY or RMB) | 1 USD ≈ 7.25 CNY

☀️ Best Times to Visit: March to May and September to November — when temperatures are mild, skies are clearer, and the crowds are smaller. 

 

🚘 Transportation: Metro, buses, and taxis (most public signs include English translations, making it relatively easy to navigate)

 

🔌 Adapter: China uses Type A, C, and I plugs. Visitors from the US, UK, and most of Europe will likely need a plug adapter.

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🛜 WiFi: WiFi is available in most hotels, cafés, and airports. However, many Western websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube) are blocked in China. To access them, you’ll need a VPN (Virtual Private Network) — download and test it before arriving in China, as app stores may be restricted.

 

🏧💰 ATM and “Cash or Card”: Cash is still accepted, but mobile payments via Alipay or WeChat Pay are dominant. Foreign cards may not work with mobile apps, so carry cash and use international ATMs or cards that support China.

 

💸 Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China and is generally not expected, though rounding up in taxis or leaving small change at upscale restaurants is appreciated.

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🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Tianjin International Cruise Home Port No. 1001 Guanhai Road Dongjiang Freetrade Port Area, Tianjin, China (docked)

 

 

✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around

 

🎟️ Getting around Beijing and Tianjin is efficient and affordable, with extensive public transportation networks that make it easy to explore both cities and even travel between them.
In Beijing, the Beijing Subway is one of the busiest in the world, with over 25 lines connecting major sights like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the Great Wall train stations. Trains are modern, air-conditioned, and inexpensive (starting around 3 CNY) with bilingual signage in Chinese and English.

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Tianjin also has a growing metro system that connects key neighborhoods, shopping areas, and the train station. To travel between Beijing and Tianjin, the high-speed train (CRH) from Beijing South Railway Station to Tianjin Station takes just 30–35 minutes, with frequent departures all day.

For local travel, both cities offer buses, taxis, and DiDi (China’s ride-hailing app, similar to Uber). Consider purchasing a Yikatong transportation card in Beijing or Jin Jin Card in Tianjin — both can be used on metros and buses, and in some cases, across cities.

While central areas like Wangfujing, Nanluoguxiang, or Tianjin’s Italian Concession are walkable, keep in mind both cities are large and traffic can be unpredictable — so allow extra time during rush hours.

 

✈️ Beijing is served by two major airports:

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) — the older and more established hub, located about 30 km (19 miles) northeast of the city center.

• Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) — the newer, architecturally striking airport located about 46 km (29 miles) south of central Beijing. Both handle international and domestic flights, with Daxing expanding rapidly for global routes.

 

From Beijing Capital Airport (PEK):
You can take the Airport Express Line, which connects Terminals 2 and 3 to the Beijing Subway (Lines 2 and 10), reaching the city center in about 30 minutes.
Taxis are available 24/7 and cost around 100–150 CNY (≈ 14–21 USD), depending on your destination and traffic. DiDi (China’s Uber) is widely used and slightly cheaper.

 

From Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX):
The Daxing Airport Express takes about 20–35 minutes to reach Caoqiao Station, where you can transfer to the Beijing Metro (Line 10). High-speed trains also connect the airport to Beijing West Railway Station.
Taxis from Daxing to downtown Beijing cost around 200–300 CNY (≈ 28–42 USD), and DiDi is available as well.

If you're headed to Tianjin:
From either airport, you can take a taxi or metro to Beijing South Railway Station, then board a high-speed train to Tianjin, which takes 30–35 minutes. Trains run frequently all day, and tickets typically cost 55–75 CNY (≈ 8–10 USD) for second class. Tianjin is also served by Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN), mostly for domestic flights and select regional routes.

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🚇 The Port of Tianjin (Tianjin International Cruise Home Port) serves as the main cruise terminal for the Beijing region, though it's located in the Binhai New Area, approximately 170 km (105 miles) southeast of central Beijing and about 75 km (47 miles) from central Tianjin.

There is no metro station at the cruise terminal, so the most common way to reach major cities is via private transfer, taxi, or shuttle to the nearest train station:

• From the port, it’s about a 30–45 minute drive to Tianjin Railway Station or Tianjin South Station, depending on traffic.

• From there, you can board a high-speed train to Beijing South Railway Station, which takes only 30–35 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day. Trains are comfortable, fast, and ticket prices typically range from 55–75 CNY (≈ 8–10 USD).

If you’re exploring Tianjin instead:

• Take a taxi or DiDi from the port to the city center (approx. 60–90 minutes, depending on traffic).

• Tianjin has a clean and efficient metro system, making it easy to reach attractions like the Italian Concession, Ancient Culture Street, or Haihe River.

While the port area itself is more industrial and lacks direct public transport access, once you're connected to the high-speed rail or Tianjin Metro, travel is convenient and affordable.

 

 

⭐️ Top Sights in Tianjin (Beijing)

​"Beijing has the most billionaires in the world."

 

📸 Five Great Avenues (Wudadao): Stroll through Tianjin’s most charming and elegant district, where over 2,000 historic European-style buildings line leafy boulevards. Built during the city’s colonial era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area showcases British, French, German, and Italian architectural influences. Great for walking, photos, and soaking in the slower pace of the city.

 

📸 Italian Style Town (Italian Concession): A rare Italian concession outside Italy, this riverside district has been transformed into a lively pedestrian zone with cobbled streets, restored villas, cafes, and restaurants. Visit Marco Polo Square, admire Renaissance-style architecture, or enjoy a glass of wine with river views — a unique slice of Europe in China.

 

📸 Ancient Culture Street (Guwenhua Jie): Located near the Haihe River, this colorful street is lined with traditional Qing-style buildings, temples, and folk art shops. It’s a great place to shop for local crafts, painted clay figurines, calligraphy, and Tianjin-style kites. Don’t miss the Tianhou Palace, a historic temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu.

 

📸 Haihe River Promenade: The heart of Tianjin flows along the scenic Haihe River, which winds past iconic bridges, modern skyscrapers, and colonial landmarks. Take a river cruise, walk along the promenade at night when buildings are lit up, or cross the striking Jiefang Bridge for stunning views of both old and new Tianjin.

 

📸 Tianjin Eye (Yongle Bridge Ferris Wheel): One of the few Ferris wheels in the world built over a bridge, the Tianjin Eye offers panoramic views of the city skyline and riverbanks. It stands at 120 meters (394 ft) tall and is especially beautiful at sunset or in the evening when it’s illuminated.

 

📸 Porcelain House (China House): A love-it-or-hate-it kind of spot, this French-style mansion has been covered in millions of porcelain shards, vases, tiles, and ceramic sculptures. It’s a bizarre, eye-popping mix of art and architecture — part museum, part mosaic wonderland.

 

📸 Tianjin Museum: Modern and beautifully designed, the museum covers Tianjin’s history, arts, and cultural development. Its exhibitions include ancient Chinese bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and artifacts from the city’s colonial past. Admission is free with ID or a passport.

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📸 Dabei Buddhist Monastery: One of the largest and most active Buddhist temples in northern China. The temple complex includes halls, shrines, and a museum of Buddhist art. Visit in the morning to hear chanting or see monks performing rituals.

 

📸 Nanshi Food Street: For a taste of Tianjin, head to this lively, semi-indoor street filled with stalls and small restaurants serving local snacks like Goubuli baozi (steamed buns), Jianbing (Chinese crepes), fried dough twists, and sweet rice cakes. It’s touristy but fun — and delicious.

 

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Beijing, China’s capital for over 800 years, is the political and cultural heart of the nation. It’s home to some of China’s most iconic landmarks, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the nearby Great Wall. Despite its fast-paced modernization, Beijing retains its traditional charm through historic hutongs, imperial gardens, and local markets.

 

📸 The Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Once the exclusive domain of emperors, this vast palace complex was home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. With over 900 buildings, golden roofs, red walls, and intricate woodwork, the Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive architectural treasures in China. The palace now houses the Palace Museum, filled with imperial art, calligraphy, and historical artifacts. It’s best to pre-book tickets online, especially in high season, as daily visitor numbers are capped.

 

📸 Tiananmen Square: Located directly south of the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square is one of the largest public squares in the world. Surrounded by monumental buildings like the Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong’s Mausoleum, and the National Museum of China, it’s a symbolic heart of modern China. The square hosts the daily flag-raising ceremony at sunrise, a moving tradition worth seeing if you’re an early riser.

 

📸 Temple of Heaven: A masterpiece of Ming architecture, this vast ceremonial complex was used by emperors to pray for good harvests. The striking Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its iconic blue-tiled roof and round structure, is surrounded by a large park where locals practice tai chi, dance, or fly kites — giving you a glimpse of daily life in Beijing.

 

📸 Summer Palace: Escape the city bustle at this imperial retreat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its expansive gardens, tranquil lakes, and historic pavilions. Highlights include the Long Corridor, the colorful Tower of Buddhist Incense, and the whimsical Marble Boat. Rent a paddle boat on Kunming Lake or stroll along stone bridges for beautiful photo ops.

 

📸 Hutongs: These narrow alleys are the soul of old Beijing. Explore areas like Nanluoguxiang, Shichahai, or Qianmen for a mix of traditional courtyard homes, hidden temples, quirky shops, and hip cafes. Take a rickshaw tour or join a walking tour to learn about the history, or stop by a local teahouse to unwind and soak in the atmosphere.

 

📸 Beijing National Stadium ("Bird’s Nest”): Built for the 2008 Summer Olympics, this striking structure has become an architectural icon. Its steel-lattice design is especially captivating at night when illuminated. The nearby Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) is also worth a visit, especially if you’re into photography or modern architecture.

 

📸 Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple): Beijing’s most famous Tibetan Buddhist temple, this active place of worship is both serene and vibrant. Admire the beautiful incense-filled halls, intricate carvings, and the 26-meter-tall wooden Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single piece of sandalwood.

 

📸 798 Art District: A former factory zone turned into Beijing’s contemporary art hub. Explore galleries, street art, boutique shops, and industrial-chic cafes in this creative neighborhood. It’s the perfect contrast to Beijing’s ancient sites and offers a glimpse into China’s modern, youthful culture.

 

 

🍽️😋 Regional Specialties

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Beijing’s cuisine is hearty, bold, and steeped in imperial history. As the capital of China, it brings together traditional northern Chinese flavors with influences from across the country. Expect wheat-based staples like noodles and dumplings, generous use of garlic, soy sauce, scallions, and vinegar, and a love for slow-cooked, roasted, and stir-fried dishes. Beijing’s food reflects both its imperial legacy and its humble hutong roots — from street snacks to banquet classics.

 

🍽️ Peking Duck (Beijing Kaoya): Beijing’s most famous dish — an imperial favorite that’s now a must-try for visitors. The duck is roasted until the skin is crispy and golden, then sliced tableside and served with pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and hoisin sauce. Top places to try it include Quanjude, Da Dong, or the more traditional Li Qun Roast Duck Restaurant tucked away in a hutong.

 

🍽️ Zhajiangmian (Noodles with Soybean Paste): Thick wheat noodles topped with a savory, slightly sweet fermented soybean paste, stir-fried pork, and julienned vegetables like cucumber and radish. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that’s a staple of Beijing home cooking.

 

🍽️ Lamb Skewers (Yang Rou Chuan): A beloved street food originally from Xinjiang but wildly popular in Beijing. These cumin- and chili-spiced lamb skewers are grilled over charcoal and often served with flatbread and cold beer — best enjoyed in bustling night markets or roadside stalls.

 

🍽️ Hot Pot (Huǒguō): Especially popular in Beijing’s cold winters, hot pot meals let you cook thinly sliced meats, tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables in bubbling broth right at your table. Try traditional Beijing-style copper hot pot with mutton and sesame dipping sauce at spots like Dong Lai Shun.

 

🍽️ Donkey Burger (Lü Rou Huo Shao): A quirky local favorite: shredded braised donkey meat stuffed into a crisp, flaky Chinese-style bun. It’s tender, savory, and often compared to a roast beef sandwich. Look for it in small eateries or at Beijing snack stalls.

 

🍽️ Fried Sauce Buns (Zhá Jiàng Bāo): A Beijing street snack made from soft buns filled with zhajiang (fermented bean sauce) and minced meat, then pan-fried until golden. Crunchy outside, savory inside — they’re addictive and hard to find outside the capital.

 

🍽️ Douzhi’er & Jiaoquan: A uniquely Beijing breakfast. Douzhi’er is a fermented mung bean drink with a sour, acquired taste — traditionally paired with jiaoquan, a crispy fried dough ring. It’s a deep dive into old Beijing hutong life.

 

🍽️ Stuffed Pancakes (Jian Bing Guo Zi): One of Beijing’s most popular breakfast items, jianbing is a savory crepe made with egg, scallions, chili sauce, and a crispy fried cracker in the middle — often eaten on the go from roadside carts.

 

🥤 Suan Mei Tang (Sour Plum Drink): A traditional sweet-tart beverage made from smoked plums, hawthorn, and herbs — refreshing in the summer and served cold at many local restaurants.

 

🥤 Beijing Yogurt (Nai Lao): Served in ceramic jars, this slightly tangy and sweet yogurt is a nostalgic local treat — often enjoyed as a snack or dessert after meals.

 

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📍🗺️  Maps, Apps & Links

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🌐 Public Transport Map 

🌐 Free Walking Tour I

🌐 Free Walking Tour II

🌐 Beijing Food Tour

 

🚕 Didi