Ancient Culture Street is one Tianjin’s best-known tourist attractions. Lined with more than 100 stores, this street is a lively place to shop for everything from tea sets to clay figurines. Explore the shops and restaurants and discover interesting museums, temples and historic Chinese architecture.
Notice the large archways marking the northern and southern entrances to the street. Their inscriptions are the characters “jin men gu li” (hometown of Jinmen) and “gu shang gu yuan” (Art Gallery of Gushang).
During the Qing dynasty, this street was the heart of the city’s port district. In 1986, the area was renovated to recreate its former appearance during this historic era. Notice how all of the buildings lining the street feature the green walls, red columns and upturned roofs characteristic of architecture of the Qing dynasty period. Pay close attention to the buildings’ doors and windows, many of which feature paintings of animals, flowers or historical figures.
Be sure to see the Tianhou Temple, about mid-way down the street. Originally built in the 14th century, the temple is the oldest building in the city and one of only a handful of Mazu temples remaining in the world. Today the building houses the Tianjin Folklore Museum, which features historical documents, Buddhist scriptures and folk crafts.
Don’t miss the Huaxia Shoes Culture Museum, which displays shoes from almost every significant period in China’s history. Look for a stone shoe said to have been worn by ancient Chinese hero Day Yu, as well as examples of lotus shoes designed to bind women’s feet.
When you’re feeling hungry, seek out one of the many restaurants cooking Tianjin’s local specialties try tea soup or erduoyan (fried rice cakes). One of the most exciting times of year to visit this street is during the annual Huanghui Fair in March, when you can watch stilt walkers, lion dances, martial art displays and parades.
Ancient Culture Street is located at the northeast corner of Nankai District, on the Hai River’s west bank. Use the bus or subway to get to the Dong Bei Jiao stop.
