TIANJIN HISTORY

The history of Tianjin can be dated back over 600 years, through its prosperity and development stand only in modern times. As an international trading port from the early days, the busy trading has invigorated the city enormous vitality and verified Tianjin 's position and images as the major commercial port city in North China . Tianjin is located at the lower end of nine tributaries merging into the Haihe River which flows through the city. Tianjin 's local culture enjoys considerable variety.

It has both the warm and honest old inner city culture, and the riverside culture, full of life, vitality and vigor. Thanks to its historical experiences, Tianjin has encountered many European cultures, and their integration within a Chinese society has made Tianjin 's urban culture uniquely enchanting.

Tianjin 's architecture is particularly unique, with a combination of traditional Chinese culture architecture and the rich mixture of architecture culture from other parts of the world. It is known as the World Museum of Architecture. Even as early as the 19th Century, Tianjin 's national industries had developed to a sizeable scale. Its ship-building, dying and textile industries were at an advanced level nationwide.

Tianjin has honest and simple social customs and morals; its art and folk culture are long respected and uniquely enchanting. The Ancient Street lies on the junction of three rivers and is the center of ancient Tianjin . With a Mazu Temple in its center, it is the cradle of Tianjin 's riverside culture. The Great Wall, running through Jixian County to the north of Tianjin is of primitive simplicity and charm. And China 's capital Beijing is 120km to the northwest. Its vast hinterland covers an area of more than 5 million sq. km in the north of China.

As one of the municipalities under the direct administration of the Central Government of the People's Republic of China , Tianjin is the economic center of China 's Bohai rim and is being built a modern port city and a major economic center in Northern China . Tianjin is also a State-level city of historical and cultural value.

Source: Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone Administrative Committee
http://www2.tjftz.gov.cn/system/2006/10/05/010001291.shtm