Time zone: GMT +8 time zone.

Weather: Tianjin has four distinct seasons. Spring is particularly dry and windy; summer is hot and rainy; autumn cool and pleasant; and winter dry and cold.

Hottest month: July with temperatures reaching up to 26 degrees Celsius.

Coldest month: January with an average temperature of minus four degrees Celsius (yes it does occasionally snow here).

Electricity: 220 volts, using the 3-pin and 2-pin plugs of these shapes:

Emergencies: Dial 110 for the police, 119 for fire, and 120 for general emergencies. Keep in mind, though, that most responders on the emergency lines do not speak English, so do seek help from alternate sources if you do not speak Mandarin.

Getting around: The airport shuttle, city bus, and metro all ply the route between Tianjin’s Binhai International Airport and the city centre, with tickets costing from 3 RMB.

The metro system has six lines running through the city, stopping at industrial zones and some tourist attractions.

Water: Tap water in China is not safe for drinking, but bottled water are available from as low as 2 RMB.

Tipping: Not a common practice, but it is okay to tip tour guides, drivers, and bell boys for their good service.

For the best photos of Tianjin and a bird’s eye view of the city, few spots beat Hai River and Tianjin Eye—the only Ferris wheel in the world built on a bridge.

If you fancy pictures of the massive Ferris wheel itself, walk three minutes from Pan Pacific Tianjin to Jingang Bridge. There, you will be greeted by a picturesque view of the attraction surrounded by the gorgeously glowing buildings on the banks of Hai River. Do go at night, where the city sparkles under the illuminating lights.

A ticket to the Tianjin Eye costs 70 RMB—you will travel in a passenger pod up to 120 metres high, or the equivalent of a 35-storey building. On a clear day, you can train your smartphone or DSLR camera lenses on a panoramic view of the city within a span of 40km.

Next to Tianjin Eye at the Dabei Yuan Dock, you can catch a 50-minute cruise down Hai River, regarded as the heartbeat of the city. The ride costs 100 RMB per person, and departs at 7.30pm and 8.30pm daily.

Get directions to Jingang Bridge

From the modern marvels of contemporary Tianjin, we now view the city from a bygone era.

A convenient eight-minute walk from Pan Pacific Tianjin, the Ancient Culture Street brings you back to the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) with its replica architecture reminiscent of that era.

The precinct’s classical buildings are dressed in vibrant colours, but take a closer look at the doors and windows—painted on them are legendary historic figures, as well as scenes from important Chinese novels such as The Dream of the Red Chamber.

Fancy a local snack or handmade souvenir? You can get both at street stalls in the vicinity.

Do also pay a visit to the oldest building in the city, the Temple of the Queen of Heaven. Built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368) and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Taoist temple honours Mazu, goddess of the sea and protector of seafarers.

Covering 2,500 square metres, the temple’s premises are filled with altars for other deities, intricately crafted statues, a pavilion, bell tower, drum tower, and the Tianjin Folklore Museum. There are lots to see here, so give yourself ample time to explore.

Get directions to Ancient Cultural Street

If you have a passion for distinctive architecture, and have a few hours to spare, consider a 60-minute journey to the highly lauded Tianjin Binhai Library.

Time magazine has called the library a “gleaming new ziggurat” and described it as “something out of a sci-fi movie, replete with stark white interiors and terraced shelves that cascade from floor to ceiling.”

The main atrium of the library has been making its rounds on Instagram since 2017—though it has also received flak online for the “fake books” on the upper tiers. (The real books are kept in other rooms.)

Taking centre stage is the giant luminous orb that serves as an auditorium for 110 people. Visible from the park outside through an eye-shaped opening, the sphere gives the library its nickname “The Eye.”

Do note that all visitors must wear covered footwear. While cameras are not allowed, mobile phones with cameras are fine, with available lockers for storage.

Get directions to Tianjin Binhai Library

Visiting the city? Stay at Pan Pacific Tianjin, and enjoy complimentary buffet breakfast, 20% savings on in-room dining, as well as late check-out until 3pm! Contact the team at Pan Pacific Tianjin to learn more.