A stroll around Tianjin's Beitang Ancient Town

#0YenTravel2025Autumn It's about an hour's drive from Tianjin Station. As the skyscrapers recede into the distance, the ocean gradually approaches. Our destination is Beitang Ancient Town, located at the northern end of the Binhai New Area. Although it's called an "ancient town," it's not a bustling tourist destination, but rather a quiet, old-fashioned seaside townscape. The first thing I noticed upon arriving was how relaxed the atmosphere was. ⸻ 🏘 Walking Around the Town: Quiet Streets and Nostalgic Buildings At the entrance, a brick gate and old-fashioned paper lanterns greet me. Stepping inside, I find a cobblestone street gently winding its way toward the sea. The rows of buildings retain a Ming and Qing dynasty atmosphere, with brick walls, wooden lattice windows, and tiled roofs evoking a nostalgic feeling. However, not everything remains the same. Some buildings have been renovated, and some shops are closed. Rather than a tourist spot, it feels more like a stroll through an old port town. The sparse crowds make it a perfect spot for taking photos. As I strolled with my camera in hand, the sea breeze caressed my cheeks. ⸻ 🐟 The Sea's Atmosphere and Local Flavors As I walked through the streets, the smell of the ocean became stronger. Locals were fishing near the port, creating a laid-back atmosphere. As befits a fishing town, seafood signs were everywhere. Local specialties include clams, mussels, shrimp, and crab. At lunchtime, I enjoyed a small plate of local baijiu (rice wine) at Beitang Seafood Street. It was simple, yet rich and delicious. "This is the way to enjoy Beitang," I thought. This wasn't a trip that involved a checklist of tourist attractions, but a leisurely one, spent surrounded by the breeze and the smell of the sea. ⸻ 🌅 An ancient town at dusk and the lingering feeling on the way home As evening approaches, the sky turns golden, and the sun slowly sinks over the sea. Streetlights begin to light up here and there, and the red of paper lanterns sways in the breeze. The scene is indescribably beautiful. It's a sparsely populated, quiet time. I never imagined I'd find such a quiet China just an hour away from the modern city center of Tianjin. ⸻ 🚗 Travel Tips • Access: Approximately an hour by taxi from Tianjin city center (public transportation is a bit inconvenient). Make sure you have transportation to return early. • Stay: 2-3 hours is enough time to explore. • Recommended Time: Afternoon to evening. The evening sea breeze is pleasant. • Clothing: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the cobblestone streets. Bring a jacket in case the sea breeze is strong. • Recommended Points: Photography, seafood lunch, and a quiet stroll through the ancient town. ⸻ ✨ Summary: A place to enjoy space rather than hustle and bustle. Beitang Ancient Town lacks the typical "glamour of a tourist destination." But for those who appreciate the quiet, the smell of the sea, and the atmosphere of an old town, this is sure to be a memorable experience. This small ancient town is highly recommended for those looking to experience Tianjin's "seaside nostalgia."