Tianjin's rich cultural delights mix old and new

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The Tianjin Custom Letter House, located in the middle of Tianjin’s financial district, was built in 1878. It was renamed the Post Office of the Qing Dynasty, Tianjin Branch in 1897. It was at this post office that the first set of Chinese Dragon stamps was issued in 1878. The building serves as one of the many examples of Western architecture that can be found in Tianjin. (Chinadaily.com.cn/Lance Crayon)

Despite having lived in Beijing for three years, I had never visited Tianjin.

I join the China Through the Eyes of Foreigners photography tour, and Tianjin is the third city stop on the two-week trek.

The first thing that surprises me about this city that is only a 30-minute train ride from the capital is the Western-style architecture of the buildings throughout Jiefangbei Road, the city's financial street.

The most striking building, for me anyway, is the Tianjin Custom Letter House.

Built in 1878, it officially became the Tianjin post office of the Qing Dynasty in 1897. It was at this post office that the first set of Chinese Dragon stamps were issued.

The reason there are so many examples of classical Western architecture is because Tianjin was one of the first Chinese cities to connect with the West as it was established as a treaty port in 1860.

Once the sun goes down, I take a short cruise along Haihe, the river that runs through the city.

At night, this stretch of water becomes the main attraction and gives visitors a glimpse of both modern and old Tianjin. New hotels are juxtaposed with buildings over 100 years old, and the view is spectacular.

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