Tianjin Neighborhoods, Locations and Districts

(Tianjin, China)

Tianjin has a total of 15 official districts. However, only six are actually within the limits of the city itself, the remaining nine are focused in the rural areas around Tianjin and along the coastal regions.

The districts of most interest to tourists in Tianjin are Hebei, where a selection of hotels and attractions are all within walking distance of one another, and also the popular Heping and Hexi districts.

The following are the city's main six districts.

Hedong District

In the moderately sized Hedong district, visitors will find a selection of visitor amenities, including hotels such as the Olive Hotel and the Tianjin Long Feng Hotel. Of little interest to tourists, aside from a few restaurants and accommodation options, there is little to attract holiday makers to this part of the city.

Hebei District

In the Hebei district you will find a number of tourist amenities, with popular hotels, such as the Holiday Inn Tianjin and the Tianhe Hotel, plus a cinema and also a theatre. The atmosphere here is less frenetic than the activity within the downtown area. Visitors can leisurely stroll to Ancient Culture Street and other attractions, which include the Notre Dame des Victories.

Heping District

This district is considered historically old and covers a total area of nearly 10 square kilometres / 4 square miles. There are several cinemas, theatres and a concert hall located in the Heping area of Tianjin, amongst other attractions. Popular accommodation choices in this district include the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Yucheng International Hotel and the East Asia Hotel. Often referred to locally as the Peace district, the Heping neighbourhood has been a hive of activity since its days as the concession area. British and French influence can be discerned in the district's architecture.

Nankai District

Bordering the Chentangzhuang railway in the west and south, and the Hai He in the east, the Nankai is among the biggest of the city's districts, housing a population of almost 900,000. Numerous popular hotels can be found in the area and include the Carnhill Hotel and the Tianjin Hui Bin Yuan Hotel. The district's two universities - Tianjin University and Nankai University - ensure a lively and inexpensive dining scene, with plenty to do after hours. To escape the busy streets, head to scenic Shuishang Park for respite.

Hexi District

The Hexi district is home to the Zhujiang and Xiawafang cinemas, as well as many notable accommodation options, such as the Sheraton Hotel, Geneva Hotel, Tianjin Grand Hotel and the Caesar Palace Hotel. German influences can be seen in the colonial-style architecture around Hexi, and some of the buildings dating from the concession years have been transformed into truly top-notch restaurants.

Hongqiao District

The name of this district is derived from the Chinese word 'dahongqiao', meaning 'big red bridge' and referring to the bridge over the Ziva River. The highlight of Hongqiao is the Grand Mosque, one if Tianjin's many must-see attractions.