How to spend 24 hours in Tianjin - Making memories from dawn to dusk

Tianjin is located within an hour's journey from Beijing. Nestled within the Hai River, it is a pivotal city in China that seamlessly blends nature with rich architecture. Tianjin's skyline is adorned with modern skyscrapers, while the streets below witness a tapestry of museums, waterfront parks, and churches. If you have only one day to spend in this city, here's a guide to making the most of your time and discovering the treasures of this wonderful city.

Morning

Morning views from Tianjin | Image via Unsplash

Start early by checking into your hotel. Depending on your budget, finding a hotel is not a difficult task. Whether you are travelling for work or on holiday, Pan Pacific Tianjin is an option you can choose.
You can start with a traditional Tianjin breakfast by picking up a jianbing guozi or another on-the-go dish from a food cart around the corner. Just like in other parts of China, Tianjin also offers a wide variety of food choices. If you like to munch on the go, make use of the food carts across the city.

Start by visiting the China House, one of the most popular museums in the city. You find a wide collection of antiques and pottery exhibited here. Also referred to as the 'Porcelain House,' you can easily spend an hour here. 

Since Tianjin is known for its ancient churches and breathtaking architecture, a stop at the magnificent 100-year-old St Joseph Cathedral is a must. A short walk, or you can even rent a bicycle to the Wudadao tourist area. This is where you can view European-style architecture, which is well preserved. You can spot the homes of famous icons here, too. If you want to spice things up, ditch the cycle for a horse-drawn carriage, and the carriage driver will be your tour guide.

Afternoon

Depending on your taste palate, you can either grab a Western dish at a cafe in Wudadao or you can tantalize your taste buds by heading to a local cafe or opt for a cheaper option from a food cart. Go check out one of the tallest towers in the world, Tianjin Radio and Television Tower, and get a bird's eye view of the city from the observation deck. Your day would be incomplete if you didn't visit Guwenhua Jie Street. This is the perfect place to buy souvenirs and grab local knick-knacks to take home.

Evening

If you are tired after a busy day, then you can drop into one of the Tianjin 5 Star Hotels to freshen up. After sunset, make your way to the Tianjin Eye, the giant Ferris wheel overlooking the Hai River. The view of the Tianjin Eye is spectacular at sunset, with hundreds of sparkling lights adorning the wheel. Complete your trip by taking a ride on the giant wheel, which usually lasts half an hour, while enjoying the breathtaking views of the surroundings.

Night

For dinner, Nanshi Food Street is your best option. You can try standard Chinese street food; a variety of meat items are available to choose from, and the seafood dishes are just over the moon. There are plenty of appetizing food choices here, so you just need to pick and choose.

If the night is still young, then you can explore a local bar such as La Bamba or try a fancy luxury hotel by the Hai River. You can sip a cocktail with views of the city and relax after a busy day. You can end the day with a stroll around the lake before going back to the hotel and crawling into bed.