Tianjin is one of the four direct-controlled municipalities in China. This modern city is located in the northeastern part of the vast and fertile North China Plain, on the western shore of the Bohai Sea, about 120 kilometers from Beijing.

The city of Tianjin holds an important position in the history of modern China. Many residences and memorials of prominent figures can be found here. In recent times, the old city of Tianjin, marked by both Chinese and Western cultures, has evolved into a modern city.

Streets 

In Tianjin, the most interesting aspects are its streets lined with buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, mostly in European styles juxtaposed with the concrete and glass structures of affluent modern China. The old town was formerly strictly divided by national affiliation, with each part preserving its unique character. Northwest of the main train station, on the west side of the Hai River, was the old Chinese quarter.

Architecture

To the east, on the north bank of the river, were the Austrian, Italian, Russian, and Belgian concessions, whose old buildings have largely been destroyed. The unmistakable chateaux of the French concession now dominate the downtown area south of the river, along with the mansions of the British to the east. Further east, also on the south side of the river in an otherwise unremarkable district, are examples of strict German architecture.

Festivals 

Traditional Chinese festivals hold great significance for the residents of Tianjin. It's important to note that the dates of Chinese festivals follow the Chinese lunar calendar and therefore shift in the Gregorian calendar. Key festivals include Chinese New Year, which falls in January or February, followed two weeks later by the Lantern Festival (also known as Chinese Valentine's Day).

Other important festivals include the Tin Hau Festival at the end of March, the Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) in early April, the Festival of the Bun Hills (Cheng Chau), and the Mid-Autumn Festival on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. In ancient times, emperors offered sacrifices to the sun in spring and to the moon in autumn. The Mid-Autumn Festival became one of China's most important festivals during the Tang (618-907), Ming, and Qing (1368-1911) dynasties.

Cuisine

A culinary specialty of the region is Chinese hotpot, where raw meat or vegetables are cooked in hot chicken broth and served with various seasoned sauces. Another specialty is Shuijiao, which are dumplings filled with pork, chives, and onions.

Another well-known dish is Mongolian Hot Pot, where thinly sliced lamb, cabbage, and noodles are dipped into a pot of boiling broth, usually kept warm from below. The remaining broth is often consumed as soup at the end.