Tianjin tours

Things to do in Tianjin

In Tianjin, the old and new blend into a unique harmony of architectural beauty and cultural experiences. The city streets echo with the tales of imperial China and colonial influences. With a local guide, you'll delve into these narratives, going deeper than the superficial. A walk through the Five Great Avenues reveals European-style edifices that narrate a unique heritage. The taste of Tianjin's legendary jianbing awaits at lively markets during a food and wine tour. By avoiding the usual queues with your guide, you'll discover the city's hidden gems that make Tianjin a place of perpetual exploration. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Tianjin. Explore Tianjin your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Tianjin tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Tianjin for every interest, including: Art and Culture tours: On a private tour, you learn how Yangliuqing New Year prints are carved and inked at the Yangliuqing Woodblock New Year Painting Museum and pull your own print, then see contemporary work at Tianjin Art Museum. In the evening, your guide can get seats at a local teahouse for a xiangsheng crosstalk show or take you to studios around Wudadao. History tours: On a private tour, you walk the villa-lined streets of Wudadao to hear concession-era stories and step into Jingyuan Garden, the former residence of Puyi. Then browse the Tianjin Museum’s galleries on treaty-port trade and the Boxer Uprising with context from your guide. History tours: Your guide can help you trace the riverfront along the Haihe to Italian Style Town, cross Jiefang Bridge, and visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral. If you want a bigger picture, head out to the Dagu Forts to explore coastal batteries that once guarded the Bohai Gulf. The core is easy to cover on foot and the metro is fast and affordable, but landmarks can be far apart across the city; you can book chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation, and your local guide can plan transit and car time to keep travel smooth. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Tianjin inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Immerse yourself in Tianjin by booking a private walking tour, and let a local guide show you some of the city's most captivating neighborhoods. With their insider knowledge, you'll experience the true essence of each area. - Five Great Avenues (Wudadao): Famous for its colonial architecture and tree-lined streets, this area attracts history lovers and architecture enthusiasts. It's perfect for leisurely walks and discovering a piece of Tianjin's international past. - Heping District: The city's commercial heart, filled with shopping streets and modern amenities. Ideal for families and those wanting to experience the hustle and bustle of contemporary urban life. - Italian Style Town: A unique blend of Italian architecture and Chinese culture. Perfect for cultural tourists looking to explore themed dining and charming, picturesque streets. - Nankai District: Home to several universities, this area exudes a youthful energy. It’s great for those interested in experiencing the local student culture and vibrant street markets. Day trip ideas from Tianjin Base yourself in Tianjin and branch out to historic walls, quiet mountains, and imperial sites on smooth day trips, with your tour timed around fast trains and short drives so your day stays relaxed but full. Huangyaguan Great Wall: Stone steps climb to watchtowers that feel wild and real, village lanes sit below for a simple lunch, and views run across hills without big crowds. Pick this if you want history you can touch and a satisfying hike with clear rewards. Mount Panshan: Granite peaks, temples tucked into forest, and a cable car keep the climbs flexible so you can choose how hard to go. This suits you if mountain air, light trails, and quiet viewpoints beat busy city streets. Eastern Qing Tombs (Zunhua): Long approach roads lined with stone guardians lead to grand burial complexes, where carvings and colours show Qing design up close. Go if imperial history, ceremonial spaces, and calm grounds help you think about the past. Jizhou Ancient City and Dule Temple: One of China’s oldest wooden temples stands beside a tall pagoda, and old lanes nearby make an easy loop on foot. It fits you if early architecture, careful woodwork, and small‑town street life are high on your list. Beijing by high‑speed rail: In under an hour you can reach broad temples, lakeside parks, and narrow hutong alleys, then link sights without long transfers. This works if major landmarks, solid museums, and classic snacks sound like a balanced tour day. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Tianjin most travellers miss.