Day 120
Monday, April 8, 2024
Tianjin, China
Tianjin has a rich cultural heritage, a mix of traditional Chinese elements and Western influences. The city is known for its Peking opera, a traditional form of Chinese opera, and its unique Tianjin clay figurines.
This city has a history that dates back over 2,000 years. It has served as a major port city, a gateway to the capital Beijing, and a center of trade and commerce throughout the centuries.
With a population of over 14 million people, it is the 5th largest city in China.
We visited the The Shi Family Grand Courtyard.
The 140-year-old estate includes more than 7,200 square meters and houses 15 courtyards, 278 rooms, opera stages, gardens, Buddha halls and horse stables.
The Shi family built up its fortunes more than one century ago by trading and shipping grain and cotton when Tianjin was a sea-shipping center at the time.
Shi Family Grand Courtyard is located in the ancient town of Yangliuging, Tianjin. It used to be the residence of the Shi Family, the eight prominent families in Tianjin. It was built in the Qing Dynasty. All the buildings here are painted in gray and white, typical North China traditional residences with beautiful stone carvings.
Along the way we saw Eye of Tianjin, Tianta Tower, Hai river and much more.
We had an authentic Chinese cuisine lunch. Tianjin is famous for their seafood. Seafood pot was amazing!
Last stop was Ancient Culture Street.
The street is not only rich in ancient Qing architecture but also in handcrafts and unique artifacts. Almost all the arts and crafts found on this street have been handmade by locals.
One can buy various folk crafts, and sample delicious local snacks. We had mystery ice-cream and few other snacks. All were delicious 
Interesting fact about Tianjin:
Tianjin means literally “Heavenly Ford”.
