Tianjin boasts a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, a diverse array of specialty cuisines, and warm, friendly locals. Besides the well-known attractions like the Five Great Avenues and the Italian Style Street, there are other offbeat spots worth visiting. Seize the chance on this May Day holiday and explore the city!

Yangliuqing Ancient Town

Located in the center of Yangliuqing Town, Xiqing District, Tianjin, the Yangliuqing Ancient Town is known for its rich history and culture. It is also celebrated for its scenery which quite resembles that of the Jiangnan area.

A decorated archway stood at the entrance of the town. As one strolls through the alleys, one can see vivid carvings of traditional New Year pictures decorating the walls on both sides. Featuring intricate carvings and decorations on doors, windows, eaves, and corners, many of the buildings date back to the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644). Those exquisite carvings on bricks, wood and stones showcase the artistic style of the Ming Dynasty and demonstrate extraordinary craftsmanship of local artisans.

Boasting a long history, the culture of Yangliuqing has been influenced by various factors. The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal that runs through the town, the tradition of making New Year pictures, the grand courtyard culture, as well as the historical role this region played in military and commerce, have all contributed to the formation of the unique culture in this town. There are other historical sites nearby, like the Wenchang Pavillion and the Puliang Taoist Pagoda. The Yangliuqing Woodblock New Year Paintings, which originated in the Ming Dynasty, are significant cultural heritage of the town. They are made from the birch-leaved pear trees native to the town, as well as the paper and pigment from the south. The Yangliuqing New Year Picture Museum is the perfect spot to admire these exquisite and bright-colored paintings up close. Though the themes of these paintings range from fairy tales and historical stories to fables,  all of them are representatives of the unique local culture and express the locals' hope for a good life in the year to come.

The ancient town not only brings you an immersive experience in local cultures, but also offers a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. No matter you are a lover of history, culture or natural beauty, a trip to the Yangliuqing Ancient Town won't let you down.  

Address: Yangliuqing Ancient Town Scenic Area, Liukou Lu(Rd), Xiqing District, Tianjin

Dongdi Park

Built along the coast, Dongdi Park stretches from the Mazu Cultural Park in the north to Haixu Dao(Rd) in the south and Dongdi Lu(Rd) in the west. It covers a total area of 350,000 square meters with a length of 3.1 kilometers. Two greenways run through the park, connecting four differently themed coastal areas where visitors can learn about local natural history, ecotechnology, local sea-faring culture and relax themselves respectively.  

The park is a perfect spot not only to enjoy coastal scenery, but also to camp and to have picnic. A 3.1-kilometer-long coastal walkway that runs along the coastal line allows visitors to get a closer look at the sea. If you don't feel like going on foot, shuttle buses and shared bikes are also available.

The Dongdi Park boasts one beach, two lakes, and coastal green belts, which make it a popular camping destination. There are also children's playground, where there are climbing walls, rocking horses and sandpits for kids. Moreover, the Mazu Cultural Park, home to the world's tallest Mazu statue, is nearby and open for visitors. It is a perfect spot to learn about Chinese coastal culture and no reservation is needed.

Address: 50 meters east of the intersection of Haixu Lu(Rd) and Dongdi Lu(Rd), Binhai New District, Tianjin

Shilong Gorge Scenic Area

Located in the northern mountainous region of Jizhou District, Tianjin, Shilong Gorge Scenic Area is surrounded by the Huangyaguan Great Wall to the north, the Jinwei Second Highway to the south, the Cheshenjia Scenic Area to the east, and the ancient Juyuan River to the west. Covering an area of over 2,000 hectares, it is known for stunning natural landscapes,

Numerous springs, waterfalls and creeks are scattered on the mountains in the scenic area. All year round, the waters run through the woods. Waterfalls like the Huanglong Waterfall, the Longtan Waterfall, the Longfei Waterfall, and the Tianyaochi Waterfall decorate the mountains with their stunning beauty. There is also the world-renowned stratigraphic section of the Mesoproterozoic Era, which features towering rocks in all shapes.

Besides natural beauty, there are numerous historic spots in the area. Since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), the area has been favoured by emperors and literati alike. Upon entering the area, you can see the Yushu Pavilion and the huge egg-shaped rock beside it, on which Emperor Kangxi (1661-1722) once wrote. A small stone bridge named "Yingdang", together with the surrounding natural scenery, makes a pretty picture. The nearby Zaochun Garden features lush trees and lucid water.

Standing on the observation deck on the north side of the Shilong Gorge Scenic Area, you can enjoy a panoramic view of sites including the Huangyaguan Great Wall and the Huanxiu Lake.

Address: north of the Duanzhuang Village, Xiaying Town, Jizhou District, Tianjin

Jiulong Mountain National Forest Park

Known as a "natural oxygen bar", the Jiulong Mountain National Forest Park boasts dense forests, ancient caves, magnificent peaks and lucid waters. As the only national forest park in Tianjin, it features both beautiful natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Huanghualing, the main peak of the Jiulong Mountain, is named for its yellow flowers. The slopes are covered with wild apricot and peach trees, which decorate the peak with yellow blooms in summer and yield fruits in autumn. With an altitude of 558.4 meters, Huanghualing stands opposite the Jiushan Top and the Baxian Mountain, the highest peaks in Tianjin. The highest peak in the park is the Limutai Mountain, which has an altitude of 997 meters. Consisting of over 80 peaks, the Limutai Mountain makes a magnificent sight. The second highest peak in the park is the Jiulongtou Mountain. Consisting of nine peaks, this mountain is known for spectacular cliffs.

The Jiulong Cave is the most extraordinary ancient cave in the park. The stones on the cave walls resemble nine stone Chinese dragons, which rise 1-3 centimeters above the walls. The park also features the Longquan Cave, in which a spring flows year-round, the water cool in summer and warm in winter. The spring water flows into he Longquan Pool. When night falls, the reflection of the moon in the clear pool and the moon in the sky together make a picturesque scene.

Jiulong Mountain is also rich in cultural and historical heritage. 1,200 years ago, it attracted great poets of the Tang Dynasty like Li Bai and Meng Jiao, who later praised the landscape in their poems. Tang Xianzu, the famous writer of the Ming Dynasty, once wrote a poem commending its spectacular views. Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, once stationed his troops in this area.

Address: Chuanfangyu Town, East of Jizhou District, Tianjin