As the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit (SCO Summit) approaches in late August, Tianjin, a Bohai coastal gem in the Chinese mainland, is gearing up to showcase a tapestry of traditions.
Nestled on the shores of Bohai Bay, this city wears many cultural hats: “Peking Opera Stage,” “Pingju Cradle,” and “Northern Folk Arts Hub.” Its streets hum with centuries-old performances and age-old stories.
Join a folk vibes walk through Tianjin’s urban folk culture. Wander into the Guangdong Guildhall, now the Tianjin Opera Museum, where you can almost hear the echoes of legendary arias. Climb the historic Drum Tower for panoramic views of alleyways where old and new collide.
At the Old City Museum, each exhibit unfolds tales of cultural continuity, from street festivals to sacred rituals. Nearby, artisans breathe life into tradition: watch Zhang’s clay figurines take shape under skilled hands, marvel at Wei’s colorful kites dancing against the skyline, and inspect intricate wood carvings born of generations.
Along the way, Tianjin’s modernity seeps in—cafés by ancient shrines, street art beside classical gates—creating a dynamic contrast that turns every corner into a discovery.
With the SCO Summit on the horizon, there’s no better moment to uncover Tianjin’s timeless charms and witness a city where heritage meets innovation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
