Haihe East Road with separate cycle lane[Photo by Bruce Connolly]

A popular tourism area is historic Wudadao (‘Five Great Avenues’) centered around Minyuan Stadium, an area of grand European-style villas along tranquil tree-lined streets. Such were the crowds at peak times that there could be conflict for space between people and vehicles. Recently, some of those streets, such as Hunan Road, have been pedestrianised with the adjoining buildings renovated and blending in with the feel of the area. Again, very impressive achievements.

Jingang Bridge and Tianjin Eye[Photo by Bruce Connolly]

A major attraction, helping enhance the city’s beauty is the Haihe River. A waterway that once connected the Grand Canal with the Bohai Sea and in effect providing Beijing historically with essential international port facilities. Today, such activities are based downriver, around one of the world’s major container terminals close to the ocean. The river, within central Tianjin, today forming an environmental corridor, has become a prominent attraction. Increasing numbers of cruise boats ply the waters allowing excellent viewing of the city’s modern architecture and its bridges which are famed for their unique designs. Today they are all beautifully illuminated and again perfect for photography. The cruises are particularly popular in the evenings. A spectacular viewpoint of the river and surrounding buildings also is from the observation floor of tall Jinta, World Financial Centre.

Ancient Cultural Street tourist zone[Photo by Bruce Connolly]

During the warmer months, many people come to the riverbanks to relax, admire the spectacular lighting displays and listen to impromptu music performed by a mix of local people. The Haihe is one aspect of Tianjin that hopefully the world also will soon have a chance to admire.

Cruise boat on Haihe River passing Jinwan Plaza[Photo by Bruce Connolly]

Conveniently close to Beijing, Tianjin has many advantages to develop as a focus for activities such as conventions. The city boasts several of the world’s top hotel brands such as Shangri-La, Ritz-Carlton, Conrad, Four Seasons, St Regis and more, providing outstanding accommodation for visitors. Beijing is only 30 minutes by high-speed train. Indeed is is connected nationwide through China’s vast rail network. Connectivity is increasingly growing internationally through the city’s Binhai International Airport and nearby Beijing’s Daxing Airport. The latter connected to Tianjin by high-speed train in only 36 minutes.

Jiefang Bridge and Haihe River[Photo by Bruce Connolly]

There is much about the city I have found that can create excellent backdrops for photography and reporting. Tianjin has a legacy of international architecture resulting from its days of former 19th and early 20th century concession districts. They represent, in stone, splendid contrasts in design from pseudo-classical to almost contemporary art-deco.

Musical performance alongside Haihe River[Photo by Bruce Connolly]

If I was introducing someone to Tianjin, I would start amongst the fine residential architecture of Wudadao, followed by the 1920’s classical-styles along Jiefangbei Road. Amongst its many features is historic Astor Hotel, dating from 1863 whose interior presents a fascinating feel of a view into a bygone era. Nearby also is a former Anglican Church, transformed recently into a unique Arts Centre including a popular cafe in an adjacent building.

Cruise boat on Haihe River approaching Dagu Bridge[Photo by Bruce Connolly]

Across the Haihe, at north end of Jiefangbeijie Road, spans the iconic 1927 Jiefang Bridge, an iconic landmark of the city. It leads eventually to a charming Italian-style area with examples of architecture from throughout that country. Very popular today, it boasts a range of excellent restaurants and cafes.

Dagu Bridge across Haihe River[Photo by Bruce Connolly]

Of course, there are also the city’s long established temples and the really fascinating Muslin area with its historic mosques. I often suggest that visitors should try out the city’s metro, particularly the relatively new Line 4. Stations there have fascinating exhibits, such as at Jinjie Station, depicting some of the commercial history of the surrounding area. Indeed the area referred to as Jinjie (‘Golden Street’) includes historic avenues such as Heping Lu and Binjiangdao. Small electric buses, resembling street cars, or ‘dang dang che’ provide a novel way of admiring those streets and some of the fine architecture.

Enjoying a warm summer evening beside Haihe River[Photo by Bruce Connolly]

It is to be hoped that Tianjin will become better known through its increasing role as a centre for conventions and conferences. People will see something of its beauty and hopefully will visit the city and experience for themselves what the city can offer. Indeed, maybe like myself, one visit will result in many return trips. I personally hope to return regularly to Tianjin.

Tianjin is a true gem on the Haihe River.