A view of the Tianjin Ancient Cultural Street. [Photo by Yu Guanghui/For China Daily]

Located just a short train ride from Beijing, Tianjin is a vibrant port city where East meets West, tradition meets innovation, and historic charm blends seamlessly with modern life.

Known for its rich cultural heritage, unique architecture and mouthwatering local snacks, Tianjin offers an experience unlike any other city in China.

Whether you're wandering through European-style streets, savoring a crispy jianbing guozi at sunrise, or cruising down the Haihe River under glowing city lights, there's something here for every kind of traveler.

Here are the top 10 things to do in Tianjin that will make your visit unforgettable.

Clockwise from top: jianbing guozi, gabacai and laodoufu [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

1. Try a traditional Tianjin breakfast

A day in Tianjin wouldn't be complete without jianbing guozi. Start your morning with this delicious pancake wrapped around a Tianjin-style crispy fritter, known as guobi'er in the local dialect.

To make a jianbing, a paste of mixed grains is first spread on a hotplate to form a pancake, then topped with chopped green onions, pickles and the magic ingredient — Tianjin crisp fritter — before being wrapped up and cut in half. The outcome is the perfect texture – soft on the outside, crispy inside.

Aside from jianbing, Tianjin also offers other morning delicacies such as gabacai (savory crispy pancake soup) and laodoufu (tofu pudding).

From top: mahua, goubuli steamed buns , erduoyan zhagao [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

2. Taste Tianjin's "signature snack trio" at Ancient Cultural Street

Besides jianbing, Tianjin is famous for three must-try local snacks: mahua (fried dough twists), goubuli steamed buns and erduoyan zhagao (fried rice cakes).

Mahua are twisted fried pastries made from flour with ingredients like walnuts, sesame and peanuts, available in sweet and savory flavors.

Goubuli buns got their name from a seller nicknamed "gouzi" (dog), who was too busy making buns to greet customers — hence "goubuli" (the dog doesn't care).

Zhagao got its name from a narrow alley — Erduoyan — where it was first sold. These rice cakes symbolize promotion and success, making them a festive favorite.

Head to Ancient Cultural Street, one of the city's best-known tourist attractions, and you can try them all in one place.

People view woodblock new year pictures at Yangliuqing Ancient Town in Tianjin, North China, Feb 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

3. Create your own woodblock print in Yangliuqing

Yangliuqing woodblock printing dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. The colorful prints, often depicting folk tales or blessings for prosperity, are celebrated for both their vivid appearance and cultural depth.

As the cradle of Yangliuqing woodblock printing, the Yangliuqing Ancient Town in Tianjin offers opportunities for visitors to admire the artworks. You can even try making your own.

Comedians brought the audience a cross-talk performance at the Anligan Art Center in Tianjin, July 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

4. Enjoy a cross-talk show at a tea house

Want to live the authentic Tianjin lifestyle? Sip tea while enjoying a traditional cross-talk show.

Cross-talk (or xiangsheng) is a kind of Chinese folk art that features witty conversations and comedic sketches. Originating in Beijing and flourishing in Tianjin, it entertains audiences with humor while reflecting simple yet profound life philosophies.

In Tianjin, cross-talk is often performed in tea houses, allowing you to relax with a warm cup of tea and a handful of sunflower seeds.

Young people join in the diving activity at the Shizilin Bridge in Tianjin on Sept 5, 2023. [Photo by Zou Hong/chinadaily.com.cn]

5. Watch Tianjin grandpas dive at Shizilin Bridge

Want to truly connect with local life? Head to Shizilin Bridge to watch Tianjin's spirited grandpas dive into the river.

These senior daredevils usually give a lively and humorous speech before leaping into the water, drawing cheering crowds.

Visitors can even serve as informal judges to score the dives — an unexpectedly fun way to engage with the local community.

An aerial view of the Five Great Avenues, a major tourist attraction in Tianjin. [Photo/Xinhua]

6. Visit the Five Great Avenues一A galaxy of international architecture

The Five Great Avenues, or Wudadao, built in the 1920s and '30s, contain more than 2,000 villas in various Western architectural styles. Dubbed "the museum of international architecture", this area lets visitors admire buildings in Gothic, Baroque and Byzantine styles.

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride and pass by the former residences of prominent historical figures, including the famous diplomat Gu Weijun. Must-see landmarks include Tianjin Minyuan Stadium, Gedalou (The Knotty Building) and Dalong Post Office.

Tianjin's Italian Style Area has a history of 119 years and more than 100 Italian style-villas. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

7. Stroll through Tianjin's Italian Style Area

Apart from being a traditionally Chinese city, Tianjin's Italian Style Area transports visitors straight to Europe.

Walk along streets lined with Italian-designed schools, churches and gardens. Landmarks like the Goddess of Peace statue, Marco Polo Square and Winged Lion Fountain add to the old-world charm.

Complete your visit with a meal or coffee at one of the many Italian restaurants and cafes nestled in the historic lanes.

Photo taken on June 5, 2020 shows a view of the Panshan Mountain in Jizhou district, North China's Tianjin municipality. [Photo/Xinhua]

8. Visit Panshan Mountain – A recommendation from Emperor Qianlong

Located in northern Tianjin, Panshan Mountain offers stunning natural landscapes. As you climb, you'll pass through three scenic layers: waterfalls and deep pools at the base, unique rock formations halfway up, and pine forests at the summit.

Legend has it Emperor Qianlong visited the mountain 32 times and wrote 1,702 poems in its honor. Today, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views via a scenic cableway — no exhausting hike required.

An aerial drone photo taken on July 19, 2025 shows a night view along the Haihe River in North China's Tianjin municipality. [Photo/Xinhua]

9. Take a nighxat cruise on the Haihe River

The 72-kilometer-long Haihe River flows through Tianjin and is affectionately known as the city's mother river — or "a museum of bridges".

Hop aboard a night cruise to enjoy the city's glittering skyline and gentle breezes.

Along the way, you can admire illuminated bridges like Jiefang, Bei'an, Jintang and Yongle. At Yongle Bridge, you'll spot the Tianjin Eye — a 110-meter Ferris wheel with 48 capsules, adding to the river's romantic nighttime charm.

Binhai New Area Library is being referred to as the world's most beautiful library. [Photo/People's Daily Online]

10. Chill at Tianjin Binhai Public Library

In the eastern coastal Binhai New Area lies the Tianjin Binhai Public Library — one of China's most breathtaking libraries.

Featured on BoredPanda as the "world's coolest library", the building stuns visitors with its futuristic white interior and wave-like bookshelves.

Designed by Dutch firm MVRDV and the Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute, the library houses 1.2 million books.

Its most distinctive feature is the central spherical atrium — known as "The Eye" — which gives the illusion of a giant eye gazing outward. The design blends media, architecture and knowledge into one mesmerizing space.