Jetset to China: A weekend in Tianjin

Summary: In Beijing for a holiday? Pop over to Tianjin for a weekend: admire the eclectic architecture styles and more in this busy city. Body: TIANJIN (天津)rnBeing a business centre, Tianjin may be an unusual choice for tourists but there’s still interesting sights for the traveller: like the mix of modern and colonial buildings spread around Tianjin. rnIts waterfront has also been spruced up, with more parks and new structures like the huge Tianjin Eye ferris wheel; there’s more luxury hotel options set up in Tianjin too.rnKeep an eye on this city: with its current eco-city project, Tianjin’s cityscape is primed for major change. Expected to be complete by 2020, the project will add lush greenery, futuristic architecture and scenic trails to Tianjin. rnIn the meantime, here are six quick tips on what to see and do in Tianjin: The Hai river waterfront (Haihe/ æµ·æ²³): Enjoy the sea breeze and the city’s night lights on the ferry, or on foot, as you will. It’s the perfect way to survey the new and old architecture at the Tianjin waterfront: notable landmarks include the Tianjin Eye ferris wheel, Hai he Park, Wanghailou Church and the Haihe Cultural Square. rnGo for an afternoon stroll: wander about the Jiefang North Road (Jiefang beilu 解放北路) in the day. European-style buildings and other colonial architecture have been preserved from the 1800s and onwards; the city was once a treaty port. rnNanshi Food Street (Nanshi shipinjie/ 南市食品街): Situated in the south of Tianjin, get to savour Chinese dishes and snacks of various styles, all on this street. Popular must-tries include the Tianjin Ma Hua (麻花), a uniquely-flavoured fried dough twist made with ginger, osmanthus, walnuts and more, as well as the stuffed and sticky goubuli steamed buns (Goubuli baozi/ 狗不理包子) and the Erduoyan zhagao (耳朵眼炸糕); the latter are literally, ear-shaped fried cakes that are really more tasty than they sound, pun intended.   rnTianjin Ancient Cultural Street (Guwenhuajie/ 古文化街): Lined with buildings in the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty, this is another must-visit spot in Tianjin. Okay, the entire area is actually a reconstruction of the ancient Qing Dynasty streets and not the ‘real’ thing. Still, it can be good fun to soak in the atmosphere of the Guwenhuajie. Browse handicraft shops for artisan buys; perhaps you’ll pick up a clay figure or two as souvenirs.    rnPlanning on a longer trip in Tianjin? Then travel out further within the Tianjin municipality for scenic and historical sights. ‘Yellow Cliff Pass’ of the Great Wall (Huangyaguan/ 黄崖关长城): Instead of another trip to the overcrowded Badaling section in Beijing, opt to trek up the Huangyaguan Great Wall instead. Perched at over 700 metres on a mountain ridge, it may be a more challenging climb up the craggy Huangyaguan. Even after the extensive restoration in the 1980s, the stairs are steep and narrow. But at this height, you’ll get to enjoy spectacular sights of the sunrise and the surrounding waterfalls and springs too. rnMount Pan/ Panshan Scenic Area (Panshan fengjin mingshengqu/ 盘山风景名胜区): Nature-lovers and the outdoorsy types should not miss out on this scenic attraction. Known for its distinctive rocky peaks, clear streams, ancient temples and diverse plant life, Mount Panshan boasts one of the most scenic 15 mountains in eastern China. rnThe weather: July is the hottest month of the year in Tianjin, with temperatures reaching up to over 30 degree celsius. The temperature dips to an average of -4 degree celsius in wintry January.rnThe best time to visit Tianjin? For mild, comfortable weather, pick the spring or autumn period: March to June and October are the ideal months for a trip to this city.rnHow to get there: One of the quickest ways to Tianjin? Fly direct from Singapore to Tianjin on Scoot. One-way economy fare starts at $196.rnOr make it a double-city trip in China: fly to Beijing and travel within the city, then board a train on the high speed Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Railway to Tianjin for the weekend. On this high speed train ride, the Chinese capital is just 30 minutes away from Tianjin.rnStay at: The St. Regis Tianjin. Located right beside the Hai river, some of the hotel’s top attractions include its scenic waterfront views and the St. Regis brand of personalised butler services to all guests.rnFrom unpacking and packing your luggage, shoe polishing to daily itinerary arrangements, the St. Regis butlers will have these fine details taken care of, all on your behalf.