Tianjin has seen a phenomenal growth in the past few decades, and like many other cities in the People’s Republic of China has meant that huge amounts of urban renewal and regeneration have occurred. City engineers though have endeavoured to ensure that elements of the old city have been preserved in the new incarnation. One of these old areas of Tianjin to at least survive in a small part is Guwanhua Jie, Ancient Culture Street.

Found in the northeast area of Tianjin, Guwanhua Jie, is easily accessed from Wenhua Street, which itself is in walking distance from the nearby railway station, although most people tend to take advantage of the cheap taxis in the city.

The reason why so many people visit Guwanhua Jie today is the fact that it is one of the main shopping centres of the city. Purpose built Guwanhua Jie houses shops and stalls that sell almost everything imaginable. There is something for almost anyone’s taste. There are many retailers selling the traditional tourist souvenirs of kites, coins and musical balls. These traditional stalls though have been overtaken to some degree by more modern objects for sale, with electronic singing crickets being one of the major selling products.

Much of the old has long disappeared from the area, and although there are some shops and stalls that make the selling of antiques as their primary concern, these are in the minority. That being said there are some stalls that do sell painted clay figurines, something that Tianjin has long been known for manufacturing. These figurines may have only been made in the past few weeks, but could well prove to be the antiques of the future.

There is still an element of the old in Guwanhua Jie, and many of the vendors like to highlight the historical nature of the area, making their shops and stalls far more eye-catching and appealing.

As with many traditional shopping areas it is often a surprise to the visitor just how much time can be spent perusing the stalls and shops, it is advisable that any visitor ensures that they have enough time, and enough money, to fully experience Guwanhua Jie.