During the long Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, tourism fervor continues to rise, and the trend of exploring gastronomic delights remains strong. In Tianjin, a blend of tradition and innovation in various culinary experiences is attracting tourists to capture memorable moments.
The Haihe River, which meanders through the city, is often hailed by many tourists as a must-visit attraction in Tianjin. As night falls, the river sparkles with brilliant lights. Visitors eagerly board the Haihe River dining cruise, anticipating a romantic rendezvous with fine cuisine and stunning cityscapes.
"Indulging in delicious food while admiring the night scenery provides an immersive experience of the urban beauty along the Haihe River. It's been a fantastic experience," remarked Jia Xin, a visitor from Shandong.
"During the holiday season, there's a strong demand for boat cruises, and we adjust the frequency of trips based on visitor numbers, weather conditions, and the illumination of the Haihe River night lights. Particularly, the newly introduced 'internet-famous' dining cruises this year are fully booked almost every session," said Song Lin, Marketing Manager of Tianjin Jinlv Haihe River Cruises Co., Ltd.
As gastronomy takes center stage and innovative experiences flourish, many tourists are also embracing the charm of iconic "time-honored" delicacies.
In the midst of towering skyscrapers, a quaint and charming pedestrian street stands out, bustling with activity. Located in Nankai District, Tianjin, the Ancient Cultural Street is a magnet for crowds of visitors. Renowned establishments offering local specialties such as Goubuli steamed buns, Erduoyan fried cakes, and Guifaxiang sesame cakes captivate numerous tourists.
At the entrance of the street, the Tianjin Guishunzhai store is abuzz with customers. Staff members adeptly introduce customers to the shop's signature pastries while efficiently packaging purchases.
"This year, during the Mid-Autumn and National Day holidays, there has been a noticeable increase in customer flow, and the pre-order volume for pastry gift boxes has seen a significant rise compared to last year," revealed Zhang Yu, General Manager of Tianjin Guishunzhai Food Co., Ltd. The continued surge in tourism has driven the sales of local specialty foods.
On the first day of the holidays, 230 catering enterprises monitored by the Tianjin Municipal Bureau of Commerce achieved a total turnover of 4.276 million yuan, marking a 31.6% year-on-year increase.
Long lines of eager diners can be seen outside many restaurants in Tianjin. Employees at various dining establishments have noted that dining consumption during this year's "Double Festival" period has been exceptionally vibrant. According to a survey by the Food Tourism Research Team of the China Tourism Academy, 92.3% of respondents plan gastronomic adventures before or during their travels, and 93.1% consider experiencing local cuisine as one of the key factors in their tourism choices. Professor Dai Bin, President of the China Tourism Academy, pointed out that travelers are increasingly inclined to explore diverse culinary cultures and specialty dining in different regions, making gastronomy an increasingly important component of the tourism attraction system.
