Strategically located along the Chinese Grand Canal, Tianjin is one of China’s major cities. The sixth largest city in terms of urban population, Tianjin is also one of the People’s Republic of China four municipalities, meaning that it has the same standing as any province, with the same dual party leadership, that sees it report directly into the central government.

Tianjin is home to some 11.15 million people, with almost 9.6 million considered to be permanent residents of the city; almost two thirds of residents live within the urban area of the municipality.  The city is am ethnic melting pot, and 51 out of 55 off all the ethnic groups to be found in the People’s Republic of China are to be found in Tianjin, although the majority of the residents are Han Chinese.  To this end it is possible to see in corners of the city the individuality of Koreans, Manchus and Mongols. This ethnic melting pot has seen the city develop its own distinct Tianjin dialect, although it is close enough to Mandarin to be widely understood.

Located in the north east corner of China, Tianjin is subject to the same monsoon conditions that affect large sways of the Pacific region. This means that summers in the city are normally hot and humid, whilst the winters are cold and dry. Although not a climatic condition it is not unusual to experience sandstorms, which in many ways mirror the summer monsoons. The sandstorms, which often occur during the spring months, are caused by winds picking up sand from the Gobi Desert.

Visitors to the city may have to dodge monsoon rains and occasional sandstorms, but they are rewarded by many places of interest to visit. For those looking to the cultural elements of Tianjin, there is the Luzutang museum, a venue that shows the impact of the Boxer Rebellion on the region. Culture and shopping can be combined also with a visit to Guwan Shichang, where it is possible to purchase antiques.

If the visitor to Tianjin though is looking for a more spiritual experience, rather than a commercial one, then a trip to Wen Miao will allow the visitor to see one of the most prestigious of all Temples to Confucius. A Taoist Temple can also be visited at Yuhuangge.