Deciding where to stay in Tianjin is not that easy. The city is huge and hard to understand! We’ve been to Tianjin several times and have all the information you need. You have to stay in one of the following three neighborhoods.
These areas are safe, well connected, and full of attractions, shops, and restaurants. We believe that Tianjin has the best luxurious hotels at the best prices in all of China. That’s why we strongly recommend the Ritz-Carlton in Heping, the St. Regis by the Italian Concession, and the Pan Pacific in Old Tianjin.
Heping Road and Binjiang Ave
This area is considered Tianjin’s city center. We think you should stay next to its two pedestrian streets: Heping Road and Binjiang Avenue. It’s a modern area with all types of eateries and shops. However, there are a couple of historic buildings that are noteworthy.
You have to check the Porcelain House. The 1920’s French inspired house is covered in Chinese porcelain. Saint Joseph’s Cathedral (a.k.a. Chatholicism Xiaki Head Church) was entirely shipped from France and opened in 1916.
The Best Hotels around Heping Road and Binjiang Ave
The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin
The Ritz-Carlton Tianjin is cheap, for an uber luxurious Ritz-Carlton that is. We loved every minute of our stay here. The hotel is inspired by English colonial architecture and has everything you ever dreamed of, in an unbeatable location. Treat yourself and go for it!
Holiday Inn Express Tianjin Heping, an IHG Hotel
The Holiday Inn Express Tianjin Heping is a steal. The contemporary tower is in the heart of Heping. Pay a bit extra and book a top floor suite for unbelievable views. The complimentary breakfast is pretty good.
Italian Concession – Marco Polo Square
The Italian Concession is absolutely beautiful. It’s the area south of Tianjin Railway Station and north of the River Haihe. Its epicenter is Marco Polo Square. Stay here if you like beautiful areas and want to be near the train station to travel further in China.
You will see lots of historic buildings converted into shops and restaurants. Our favorites are the Italian Consulted and the Italian Barracks from 1916. Walk to the river and cross Dagu Bridge. The views from there will take your breath away.
The Best Hotels in the Italian Concession
The St. Regis Tianjin
The St. Regis Tianjin is an iconic futuristic tower directly in front of the river. Book a river view room and you will never want to leave. The hotel’s indoor pool is fantastic. Even if you don’t stay here, stop for drinks on their terrace.
Hilton Garden Inn Tianjin Railway Station
You can’t get any closer to the train station that at the Hilton Garden Inn. The contemporary tower is one of the newest hotels in the city. Their deluxe rooms on the top floors offer awesome views.
Old Tianjin – Ancient Cultural Street and Drum Tower
This neighborhood is the only part of ancient Tianjin that’s still left. It’s the area from the Drum Tower to the River Haihe. Its main draw is the Ancient Cultural Street. Stay here if you are into Chinese architecture.
There aren’t many tall towers in the area. You can walk for hours admiring the buildings. Our favorites are the Palace of Queen Heaven and the Tianjin Wenmiao Museum. Since people from all over the country visit, it’s a great place to experience the real China.
The Best Hotels in the Old Tianjin
Pan Pacific Hotel Tianjin
You won’t get a 5 star hotel room at a lower price than at the incredible Pan Pacific Hotel Tianjin. The fancy tower is next to the river and has a huge indoor pool. We stayed in a Deluxe King Room with river views and had our own hot tub!
Novotel Tianjin Drum Tower
The Novotel Tianjin Drum Tower is a 4 minute walk from the drum tower. If you know the French brand, you know what to expect: great rooms and excellent service at a reasonable price.
How Many Days in Tianjin
Tianjin is pretty big. You can spend weeks discovering the city. However, to explore its historic and contemporary sites you need to spend at least 2 nights. Granted, you will have to rush a bit, but you’ll get what Tianjin is all about.
That said, we strongly believe you should spend an extra day and go to Binhai, where the world famous Tianjin Binhai New Area Library is. Some of China’s best modern architecture is here. A train from Tianjin takes an hour. Thus, if you want to spend the night, stay at the incredible Intercontinental Tianjin Yujiapu.
