Tomato (1kg) | USD 1.45 |
Rice (white) | USD 0.88 |
One-way ticket (local transport) | USD 0.32 |
Taxi start | USD 1.29 |
Utilities (Electricity, Heating, ...) for medium apartment | USD 59.38 |
Water bottle (1.5 liter) | USD 0.42 |
Combo meal at McDonalds | USD 3.61 |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff | USD 0.10 |
Cappuccino | USD 3.05 |
1 Pair of men leather shoes | USD 56.22 |
If you think Beijing is the ultimate travel destination in China, think again. Its neighbor city Tianjin offers a good load of insights on the life and culture of the Chinese people. Since it is accessible through just an hour and a half trip by train, it is worth to do a side trip to Tianjin after you have exhausted your Beijing itinerary.
If you go through the Beijing route, the first thing that should be in your itinerary is the exploration of the Italian District. This is a luscious display of Italian architecture, the only one in Asia. So this is your best chance to appreciate the unique beauty without even having to go as far to Italy.
Next up, you must visit the Five Avenues or the Wu Da Dao District. It comprises of thousands of villas inspired by Spanish, French, Italian, English, and German architecture. The neighborhood is no wonder an area for the rich and famous, wherein the houses ranges from different and very colorful styles – Renaissance, Eclectic, Greek, Gothic, and Romantic among others.
As if your walk down the memory lane of China’s and Tianjin’s rich culture is not enough, you may visit the Tianjin Ancient Culture Street, which is constantly brewing with cultural antiques. There are art ceramics, jade carvings, jewelries, musical instruments, and of course, painting, calligraphy, and sculptures.
The Tianjin Eye is another attraction that should not be missed. It is known as the only Ferris wheel that was constructed over the bridge, particularly the Yongle Bridge. This is the best seat to have an overview of the whole city.
To make the most of your trip, make sure to visit many other attractions that require no entrance fee but provide memorable experiences just the same. There’s the Grand Mosque in Hongqiao District, the Drum Tower in Nankai District, and the Tianjin Museum in Hexi. Rounding up the free attractions will provide great value to your adventure because you will not need to cough up an amount to experience, see, or do something that will make you understand Tianjin better.