Who says there’s nothing to do in Tianjin? On this 3-day, 2-night trip, I discovered countless surprises!
Tianjin 3-day 2-night travel guide.
Day 1: Historical and cultural exploration with local life vibes.
Start at Minyuan Square, stroll along the Five Great Avenues to experience the international architectural styles of Tianjin from a century ago. Cycling is recommended to enjoy sights like the Qingwang Mansion and Geda Building, feeling the blend of Chinese and Western historical charm. In the afternoon, head to Xikai Church, a solemn Gothic-style building where you can enter to feel the religious atmosphere or take photos around it. Near the Five Great Avenues, try Jianbing Guozi (Chinese crepes) and fried cakes to savor authentic Tianjin breakfast flavors. “Er Saozi Jianbing” is recommended for its crispy texture and is popular among locals. Visit the Italian Style Town to experience exotic vibes. Here you can find the former residences of famous figures like Liang Qichao and Cao Yu, and relax at a café in Dante Square to enjoy a leisurely moment. Nearby restaurants offer Guoba Cai, a Tianjin specialty snack made of mung bean pancake strips topped with gravy, cilantro, and sesame paste, delivering a savory and rich taste. Proceed to Ancient Culture Street, which gathers traditional Tianjin handicrafts and folk performances. At Gongqian Square, try Erduoyan Fried Cake, crispy on the outside with sweet red bean paste inside—best enjoyed hot. At night, ride the Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel to overlook the dazzling night view along both sides of the Haihe River. The Tianjin Eye, located on the canal, is Asia’s largest Ferris wheel built on a bridge, and its illuminated night scenery is especially enchanting. After the tour, dine at a nearby restaurant and try Goubuli steamed buns, known for their thin skin, juicy filling, and uniform pleats; the old shop on Shandong Road is highly recommended. After dinner, take a stroll along the Haihe Riverbank to enjoy the night view.
Day 2: Natural scenery and artistic atmosphere.
Early morning, visit Water Park, Tianjin’s largest park with clear lakes and lush trees. You can choose to row a boat and enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. The park also features gardens in different styles, such as the Japanese Garden and the British Garden, perfect for walking and photography. Have lunch near the park and try Tianjin’s specialty noodles like Laomian, served with fried sauce and vegetables for a rich taste. In the afternoon, visit the Tianjin Museum, which houses a large collection of precious artifacts including bronzes, calligraphy, paintings, and porcelain—a great place to learn about Tianjin and Chinese history and culture. Afterward, visit the nearby Century Clock Square, where the giant clock tower is one of Tianjin’s iconic landmarks, ideal for photos. At dusk, head to Tai’an Road British Style Area, which preserves late 19th-century British architectural styles, with many cafés and restaurants lining the streets. Enjoy dinner at an English pub, tasting local craft beer and Western cuisine. At night, visit Heping District, Tianjin’s commercial center, with many trendy shops and restaurants. Stroll along Binjiang Dao Pedestrian Street to experience the city’s bustling atmosphere.
Day 3: Modern city and nostalgic feelings.
In the morning, go to Tianjin Binhai New Area to visit the Aircraft Carrier Theme Park, home to the former Soviet aircraft carrier "Kiev." You can tour inside the ship to learn about the history and structure of the carrier. The park also offers various amusement facilities, suitable for family fun. Have lunch near the park and try fresh seafood, which is delicious in Tianjin’s vicinity. In the afternoon, return to the city center and visit Nanshi Food Street, which gathers various traditional Tianjin snacks such as Jianbing Guozi, Guoba Cai, and fried cakes, allowing you to taste many delicacies at once. The food street’s architecture is also distinctive, featuring antique-style buildings perfect for photos. After exploring the food street, visit the Drum Tower, the old city center of Tianjin. You can climb the Drum Tower for a panoramic view of the old city streets. Around the Drum Tower, there are many long-established shops and teahouses where you can experience traditional Tianjin life. At dusk, dine again near the Italian Style Town and try Guoba Cai to experience different restaurant flavors. For dinner, choose a local favorite restaurant near Tianjin Station to enjoy Tianjin’s specialty stir-fried dishes and noodles. Before ending the trip, consider buying some Tianjin specialties like Shibajie Mahua (fried dough twists) and Goubuli steamed buns as souvenirs.
Food Recommendations:
Jianbing Guozi: Mung bean flour pancake with freshly fried crispy fritters, fermented bean curd sauce, and scallions, savory and crispy.
Guoba Cai: Mung bean pancake strips topped with gravy, sprinkled with cilantro and sesame paste, savory and rich.
Erduoyan Fried Cake: Crispy outside with sweet red bean paste inside, best eaten hot.
Goubuli Steamed Buns: Thin skin, juicy filling, uniform pleats; the old shop on Shandong Road is recommended.
Transportation Suggestions:
City transport: Tianjin has a well-developed metro and bus network. It is recommended to purchase a “Tianjin One Card” or use Alipay ride codes for convenience and speed.
Distances between attractions: Most attractions are concentrated in the city center and can be reached by walking or short bus rides. For Binhai area, Metro Line 9 is a good choice.
Budget:
Transportation: High-speed rail round trip about 500 RMB, city transport 20-30 RMB per day.
Accommodation: Budget hotels cost about 150-300 RMB per person per night, totaling 450-900 RMB for 3 nights.
Meals: About 100 RMB per day, totaling 300 RMB for 3 days.
Tickets: Main attractions like Tianjin Eye (100 RMB/person), Five Great Avenues Museum (20 RMB/person), about 200 RMB for 3 days.
Total: Approximately 1500-2000 RMB per person.
Tianjin is a city that blends history and modernity. In three days and two nights, you can experience its diverse charm. The Western-style houses on the Five Great Avenues, the exotic atmosphere of the Italian Style Town, the traditional flavor of Ancient Culture Street, and the modern romance of the Tianjin Eye are all worth savoring. Food-wise, snacks like Jianbing Guozi and Guoba Cai are not to be missed. With convenient transportation and concentrated attractions, it’s perfect for a short trip. It is recommended to adjust the itinerary according to personal interests to deeply experience Tianjin’s unique features.