'''Tianjin''' (_V__) is a municipality in China.

Understand

Despite its size and importance as a port, the city lacks the vitality of other large Chinese coastal cities, and has been unable to attract the same degree of investment as places such as Guangzhou and Shanghai. However, new development is increasing rapidly and Tianjin is now catching up to nearby cities such as Beijing.

Get in

By plane

If traveling internationally, it will be easiest for you to fly into the Beijing International Airport. To get to Tianjin from the airport, take a bus found on the 2nd floor of the parking garage out of Terminal 2.

Tianjin does have its own airport, the '''Tianjin Binhai International Airport''' (ZBTJ) is about 15 kilometers to the east of the urban area. Most flights are domestic, although there is nonstop service to Hong Kong, Seoul, Nagoya and Kuala Lumpur.

By train (need update)

Tianjin Railway Station is the largest station in the city. It was first built in 1888 and then rebuilt in 1988. The station is now being rebuilt again and will be open for service in August 2008. There are also several other railway stations in the urban area, Tianjin West and Tianjin North. Tanggu station serves the seaside district Tanggu and currently being renovated, while Taida station is a small station located in TEDA, 5 kilometers east of Tanggu station.

Before the reopening of the new station, Tianjin railway station is served by a temporary station that 4 km east. When you arrive at the Tianjin train station, take a Number 8 City Bus to the Polytechnic University stop (second stop from the station). You can then find a good, safe, legal taxi for the metered fare. The bus costs \1.50 or \2.00, and the announcements are in Chinese and in English. Taxis at the train station are a total scam.

Tianjin railway station is now open for the Bullet train to Beijing South train station. Ticket from Tianjin to Beijing south cost RMB58 per trip. The bullet train number start with a 'C' and take about 30 minute to reach Beijing south, travelling up to speed of 331km/h.

There are shutter bus between Tianjin railway station and Tianjin airport. The shutter bus ticket cost RMB10 per trip. The shutter bus stop about 200m from the train station. When one get down from the shutter bus, just walk along the pavement and you will reach the train station.

Should you choose to take taxi, please use the official taxi stand (just follow the signage ). The fare from Tianjin railway station to Tianjin airport is about RMB50. It is not advisable to use any of the touts that offer taxi services. The official taxi stand has plenty of taxi.

By car

The expressways to Beijing are sometimes closed due to dense fog in the Autumn and Spring so allow extra time if planning on using them during this period.

Taxis from Beijing and Tianjin cost about \50-60 per seat (4 seats in total), but these may be illegal taxis.

You can RENT a CAR managed by an international and safe company calling to +86 1310 210 7700 or visiting the web site www.rentcartianjin.com

By bus

Tianjin is well connected with other cities via bus. The price from Beijing is about \30.

There are also two school bus lines linking Nankai and Tianjin Universities and Tsinghua University. They depart daily at 3:45PM and 4:45PM from Tsinghua North-West Gate.

You can book or RENT a BUS managed by an international and safe management company calling to +86 1310 210 7700 or visiting the web site www.chinabustravel.com

By boat

Tianjin is connected to Dalian as well Incheon, South Korea, by passenger boat.

Kobe, Japan - is served by a weekly China Express Line[http://www.celkobe.co.jp/] ferry, departing Kobe at 11am on Fridays and arriving in Tianjin at 2pm on Sundays. It takes 51 hours to do the nearly 2000 kilometer crossing between the two cities. Tianjin Office Tel.:''+86'' 22-2420-5777

Get around

Founded in 1904, the '''Tianjin bus system''' was the first in China, and today the city is well served by its public transportation. Within the city, traveling on a bus line that is less than 12 kilometers will cost \1.5, while \1 will cover a journey on any line over 12 kilometers, even if you travel less than 12 kilometers but on a line that is over this distance, the cost is still \1. It's well worth your time to look up popular bus routes. And the buses are all comfortable and clean.

The old Tianjin metro was suspended in 2001, but after refurbishing was re-opened on 28 May 2006. In addition, a light railway line runs between the urban area of Zhongshanmen to the seaside area Donghailu in TEDA.

You can book a personalize tour around Tianjin calling to +86 1310 210 7700 or visiting the web site www.thestarstravel.com. They can offer from Air Tickets, book hotels, private tours by car or bus, etc...

By taxi

'''Taxis''' are abundant, and the price is not high. The minimum cost for 3 kilometers is \8, and then a further \1.7 is added for every kilometer after that. Taxis also charge for the time while the vehicle is stationary at \1.7 for every five minutes (cost is exempt for less than five minutes. However, it is strongly recommended that you do not take a taxi from near the railway station. See note in the Get in-By train section above about how to avoid train station taxis. The same advice applies at tourist stops, it is best to walk a few blocks to a regular street to catch a metered taxi. Do not support non-metered taxi drivers! There are plenty of legal taxis.

You can rent a taxi for the day or even for a few hours. For example you could have a taxi wait for a few hours while you visit a tourist attraction such as the harbor area. The drivers are happy to wait, and the cost for two hours would be less than \100 (US$10-15).

Another caution about taxis is that there are toll roads in some parts of China. In a taxi, you will be expected to pay the base fare plus the toll fee. The driver pays the toll and receives a receipt at the toll booth. At your destination, you ask for the receipt(s) and pay that amount plus the base fare. If you are going a long way, you may also be asked to pay for the return toll fee. That is a legitimate request, although you could argue that the driver will pick up another fare to pay for the toll anyway. You may or may not succeed with the driver.

Lastly, tipping taxi drivers is a Western trait. Most local Chinese do not tip except for exceptional service. You will not be treated poorly if you cannot afford to tip or to tip much. It would be generous of you to tip in certain situations, perhaps when the driver gets out to handle your baggage.

By train

Don't be afraid of the train either. The fast train between Tianjin and Beijing is a bargain and is comfortable with plush seats and bi-lingual announcements. If you take an older train, buy a group of 4 or 6 tickets all seated together. Otherwise, you may find yourself on a bench with 3-5 strangers pressed up against you for the ride. Booths on the train come in sets of 4 or 6 seats. If you're a tourist, no one will blink an eye at your extravagance (though it only amounts to US$4-6 for the entire ride). Bring your own food and drinks, although all the trains provide hot, safe water for tea and noodle bowls. Only the fast train has a Western style toilet.

See

  • '''Ancient Cultural Street'''— Well known by locals and overseas tourists for its two attractions, Yuan Huang Ge and Tian Hou Temple, which are two historic cultural relics. The lanes and houses in the street are almost preserved in a good condition with Tianjin local feathers.
  • '''Gulou Jie'''— Ancient cultural street full of cheap and tasty cafes.
  • '''Heping Lu'''— One of the busiest shopping precincts in Tianjin.
  • '''Xikai Cathedral'''— Also called the French Church, it is a famous Catholic church in Tianjin City.
  • '''Machang Dao'''— Lined with large English style homes, another cultural street in Tianjin.
  • '''Binjiang Dao'''— Enormous street with block upon block of stalls and shops containing almost anything you may need.
  • '''Binhai District'''— The 183-square-kilometer Binhai New District holds three administrative areas, Tanggu, Hangu and Dagang, as well as some towns.
  • '''Huangyaguan''' — Worth a visit for its water run-off controls, well-preserved Great Wall of China towers, challenging hiking and striking scenery.
  • Do

    Not a tourist-friendly destination compared to other major cities, Tianjin is not visited by a large number of foreigners. However, if you want to get to know the real China, it's a great place. Everyone is friendly and many people will say "Good Morning" or "Hello" to you in English, even if that's all the English they know.

    One of the largest shopping districts is in Tianjin, near the Wal-Mart Supercenter. The Ancient Cultural Street has a lot of souvenirs and trinkets, but you ''must'' know (or learn) how to bargain. If you are not willing to haggle you might pay far to much for an item you want. You are very unlikely to encounter a mean seller, even when bargaining hard or walking away from an offer. But, once you agree to a price, you cannot change your mind as that would be considered offensive. You can walk away from a bad offer, but not from an agreed price, so decide early what you want and for how much. You may be stopped as you walk away with an "Okay" to your last offered price, that's still an agreed price, so go back and pay and take your treasure home.

    Learn what a local would pay for an item and stick to that price. Do not convert Yuan into your home currency and think it's a bargain. Never ever shop in any currency besides Yuan. You will get ripped off when they convert it over (because, of course, they cannot take any other currency besides Yuan). A small silk handbag is worth \12-20; a set of 4-6 chopstick sets is worth about \50-60 in Beijing and about \35-45 in Tianjin; large dolls are worth about \80-120 depending on how excited you seem to the seller; and bottled water in the street is only worth \1 (maybe 2). A Yuan is also called a Kwai in slang, so you can seem more knowledgeable if you offer in Kwai. There is a unique set of hand gestures for the numbers 1-10, find a local to teach you. When you ask for a price, you'll often get a hand gesture. Carry a pen and pad of paper, which can help clarify if a price is \6 or \60 or was another odd number like \73, which can be hard to catch if they move their hands too fast. When you bargain, you should use the appropriate hand gesture for the number, too, or write it down. In real touristy spots, the sellers will know some English, but in more local areas, they won't have a clue what "fifty" is when you say it aloud.

    Carry mostly \20 bills or smaller. Many merchants don't have change and don't like to accept large bills. Counterfeiting is or has been a huge problem in China. Don't be offended if someone inspects your money closely before accepting it. You should be careful to inspect it before taking any money, too. And never "swap" your old ragged \100 bill for a nice shiny \100 bill. Once the money leaves your hand, consider it accepted and gone. Don't take it back or renegotiate.

    There are other large shopping districts where only local people shop. You'll be a novelty in those areas, but you don't need to be nervous. You will probably get some great deals because even the inflated tourist prices in Tianjin are half what what they are in Beijing! Add in some friendly bargaining, and you'll feel like the Champion Shopper of the World!

  • BUSINESS TIANJIN. agnetic Plaza - Aocheng. rossing of Binshui Xi Dao and Shuishan Dong Lu, Office 606. TIANJIN 300381, CHINA. 86 22 2391 7700. ww.businesstianjin.com. Best English Magazine of Tianjin that provide local information of business, living, art, expats community, etc... It have a very good map about China, Tianjin city and province.

    Learn

    Putonghua is standard Mandarin and is most often spoken in Tianjin, any Putonghua you learn will be helpful throughout your visit.

    Optionally, buy a good translator, preferably after arriving in Tianjin, as the prices are about 1/2 what they are in the U.S. Also, most restaurants have a picture menu where you can point and order.

    There are Tianjin tourist maps with destinations written in Chinese characters and English. Pointing at where you want to go will get you a long way with taxi drivers. It might be a good idea to take a magnifying glass along as many of the drivers have trouble with the small print.

    You could also learn the hand gestures for numbers that sellers and buyers occasionally use for negotiating. Always carry a pen and paper too.

    Learning a few of the city bus routes for popular destinations may be useful (and especially for leaving the train stations and other tourist areas where taxis might try to rip you off).

    Work

  • There are many opportunities for English speakers to work as a "English Language Instructor" in Tianjin.
  • There are an international consulting company called BOXINVES managed by foreigners that provide free assistance to find a full or part time job, and offer intership programs in their group of companies in China. You can contact them in www.boxinves.com and send emails to csc@boxinves.com
  • Buy

    Tianjin has both modern shopping malls and distinctive traditional stores, for shopping delight. Binjiang Dao Business Street and Heping Lu Business Street are the busiest and most prosperous shopping centers in Tianjin. Most of the top shopping malls or department stores can be found on these two streets, like Quanye Chang, Isten Department Store, Jinhui Shopping Square, and so on, of which Quanye Chang is the most famous.

  • '''Tea'''— Buy from the best at the many authentic Chinese tea houses in Tianjin.
  • '''Ceramic Figurines'''— Tianjin is famous for its high quality ceramics. These are a great souvenir to take home.
  • '''Shenyang Dao Antique Market'''— Biggest antiques market in China, this is a place that is a must see on any travelers list. Shenyang Dao Antique Market is filled with all kinds of shops selling porcelain items, paintings, gold, silver, copper, jade etc.
  • Eat

  • '''Goubuli''', '''Guifaxiang Mahua''' and '''Erduoyan Zhagao''' are the most famous restaurants in Tianjin.
  • '''Western food''' is also common in Tianjin, and the following restaurants have a good reputation: '''Qishilin''' or '''Kiessling'''.
  • Budget

  • Street Markets, many locations throughout the city.
  • Mid-range

  • '''YY Beer House''', Located on #3 Aomen Lu behind the International Building in Heping District, tel 22-23399634 — A great inexpensive Thai restaurant offering a wide selection of beers. A great place to visit during the Thai Water Splashing festival in the spring!
  • '''Amazon Brazilian B.B.Q. Bar''', In the basement of the Exchange, Nanjing Lu Number 189, Heping District, tel 022-83191098 — Does exactly what it says on the tin and has an enthusiastic, if slightly kitschy Filipino band providing live music as you munch.
  • '''Alli Baba''' No. 2 Hutong Tong-an Road (Nankai University), tel +86 22 2351 3976 — Featuring international cuisine and foreign student clientele close to the Nankai University campus, which has a whole range of dishes such as pasta, pizza, salad, etc.
  • Splurge

  • '''Sheraton Hotel''', Zi Jin Shan Road, He Xi District, tel 86)(22) 2334 3388. Fine dining available at one of three top quality restaurants available onsite.
  • '''C_fest la Vie''', tel 86 (22) 2341 9808 — Pricey, but fantastic authentic French food for special occasions.
  • '''Bawarchi''', 3/F, Shanggu Business Complex West Building, No. 69 Tianta Road, Nankai District, tel (8622) 2341-2786 — Great Indian food, cooked in a traditional Indian tandoor clay oven by Indian chefs.
  • Drink

    There are a number of expat bars catering to the visiting business community, most of which can be a little expensive (\25 upwards for a small bottle of beer) so if you like something a bit more laidback and comfortable, some recommended venues are as follows.

  • '''Jim_fs Cafe''' Number 6 Changdu Road, Heping District, near the intersection of Yingkou Dao and Qixiangtai Lu, tel 2871 7172 — Jim_fs is a bit like _eCheers_f, in that everyone knows your name, the food is not the greatest but it is cheap and has a mix of Western and Chinese dishes. The beer is cheap (\8 for a large Tsing dao) and the staff are friendly, speak good English and there is free internet access and a pool table. Good spot for a great night out.
  • '''Alibaba''' — (Small lane opposite Bengon_fs on Tong2 An1 Dao4, _a_______________m?_______I___X) Comes in a close second to Jim_fs. Good Western food, cheap beer and table football. There is also a newly constructed _eNumber 10 Downing Street_f themed private dining room for hire at the back. Also provides free internet access.
  • '''The Tavern''' Joy Business Center, Building B, 3rd Floor, tel 2341 9696 — More up-market and therefore slightly more pricey but a great place to hang out nonetheless. Run by the ever-welcoming British born Aussie, David, they have a good selection of draught beers and live music.
  • '''Rainbow Pub''', 12 Yanhe Road, Hexi District [near Sheraton] ___________H12__)— Very similar to pubs you might find in an English suburban town except the clientele are predominately Chinese. There is also a very kitsch Filipino band in residence here. Great fun and unpretentious to the end. Has recently received some very poor reviews by expats in Tianjin.
  • As far as '''clubs''' go, Tianjin is a big university city both for Chinese and foreign students so there are lots of places for dancing. The music policy tends to be mostly Western and Chinese dance, pop and hip hop/R&B, so if you have more alternative tastes in music, the clubs are possibly not for you! However, some notables are '''Scarlet''', '''Seven''', '''New York Bar''' and the new '''Sitong Bar''' in the Olympic building.

    Sleep

    Mid-range

  • Tianjin First Hotel. 58 Jie Fang North Rd. ust across from the Hyatt and newly built Hisense Plaza. 8622 330 9988. 8622 312 3000. 270 and up. Built in 1922, the rooms have high ceilings and a bit of a classic feel. In room internet can be had for \10 per day. Staff English ability is a bit low.

  • '''Astor Hotel''', 33 Taier Zhuang lu Tianjin, 12 300040, tel 22-2331-1688. The Astor Hotel in Tianjin was regarded as a major national historical relic preservation project. It combines British classic architectural style with modern amenities. It is comprised of two wings, be sure to check out one of the rooms in the old wing for a true Old World experience. The lobby can pass as a history museum lined with murals, plaques and other interesting finds.
  • '''Tianjin Crystal Palace Hotel''', 28 You Yi Road Hexi District Tianjin 300061, tel (022) 28356888. You won't be able to miss this hotel, which looks like two beached cruise ships butted up against a lake. Has a good variety of features and amenities, but its location is a bit out of the way from downtown.
  • '''Dickson Hotel''', No 18 Binshui Ave, Tianjin, CN 300074. Four star hotel located in an ideal location, within easy access to the business and entertainment areas. The hotel provides Chinese and Western cuisine as well as offering a gym, jacuzzi and gift shop.
  • Splurge

  • Hyatt Regency Tianjin. 19 Jie Fang North Rd. ity centre. 86 22 2330 1234. zcentre.tianj@hyattintl.com. ttp://tianjin.regency.hyatt.com. 4 star hotel with 353 guest rooms and suites. Located in the city centre, on the banks of the Hai River, close to the Foreign trade bureau, Art museum, banks and government departments.

  • '''Sheraton Hotel''', Zi Jin Shan Road, He Xi District, Tianjin, Tianjin 300074, tel (86)(22) 2334 3388. The Sheraton provides luxurious relaxation in every one of its 296 rooms. Only 5 km from the city centre, and 30 minutes away from the international airport, the Sheraton has an enviable location.
  • '''Teda International Club''', No. 7-2 Fukang Road Nankai District, Tianjin 300074, tel 86-22-23005555. International 5 star hotel that is nicely decorated and equipped with modern facilities. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, satellite TV, IDD telephone, internet access, mini bar and 24 hour room service.
  • '''Renaissance Tianjin''', 105 Jianshe Road Heping District Tianjin, 300042 , tel 86 22 23026888. Offering deluxe accommodations and superior facilities, it has a pool and fitness centre and meeting facilities.
  • Contact

  • '''Tianjin Balitai Post Office''' (_V________), Weijin Rd, No. 215 District (Opposite The Gate of Nankai University), 23378621.
  • Stay safe

    General Emergencies: _______w_______S___@_C_______w___O___@_C ?_]___@.

    Traditional Medicine: _V_________@_______@.

    Ocular Emergencies: Tianjin Medical University Eye Centre (TMUEC) _V_________w_______S.

    Cope

    Get out