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China Travel Guide » Places in China » Tianjin Municipality
Places in China: Tianjin Municipality
Tianjin is one of only four municipalities in China which fall under the direct supervision of the central government of the country. The other three are Beijing, Chongqing and Shanghai.
Tianjin is the major industrial and commercial centre in North China due to its enviable location on the western shores of the Pacific Ocean. This Bohai Gulf faces both North and South Korea and Japan.
Several countries acquired settlement rights to the city under the Treaty of Tianjin in 1858. Thus, various European national styles are found in the various sections of the city. A visit to the city sections that each country used as a settlement will reveal evidences of the countries that controlled that section of Tianjin. Because of the presence of European influence, culture and art have become strong in the city.
Tourism is a slowly-growing element in Tianjin. By 1998, 300,000 tourists visited the city, giving credence to the future popularity of Tianjin becoming a strong contender for a great number of visitors.
There are various markets where souvenirs and remembrances of Chairman Mao can be bought in this metropolis. Ancient Cultural Street is a good place for higher quality souvenir purchases. There is an antique market which also sells souvenir items, although they are cheaper and of lower quality.
Sightseeing tours and various excursions into the more picturesque areas of the city are adding to the interest in tourist visits. One landmark of the city is the Tianjin Broadcasting TV Tower which dominates the skyline. It is sometimes called the 'Heavenly Tower'. Another worthwhile site is the Grand Canal of China which runs through the city and has been a positive element in the city's past.
The climate in Tianjin is continental-style semi-humid monsoon weather. Summers in the city find July temperatures at a high of 26 C degrees. The coldest month is January with below freezing temperatures being common. Most of the 500 to 700 millimetres of rain comes in the summer.
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