Gang Zheng
I’ve taken dozens of groups here over the years. Some love it, some shrug. Let me give you the unfiltered truth so you can decide for yourself.
First Impression: It’s Not What You Expect
You step out of the taxi and see rows of pastel-colored buildings, cobblestone streets, and wrought-iron balconies. For a split second, you might think you’re in Milan. Then a vendor yells “便宜了！便宜了！” in Chinese, and you’re back in Tianjin. The Italian Style Town (former concession area) is a collection of over 200 neoclassical buildings left from the early 1900s. It’s a weird but charming mix of Europe and China.
Reality check: It’s a tourist zone. Expect crowds on weekends and holidays. But if you go on a weekday morning, you can almost pretend you’re in a quiet European village.
The Good: Why You Should Go
1. Architecture Lovers Will Drool
The buildings are legit. Not replicas. Many were designed by Italian architects in the early 20th century. The Former Residence of Liang Qichao and the Zeng Guofan Temple are must-sees. The detail on the facades is stunning – look for the carved lions and vine patterns.
2. Amazing Photo Ops
If you’re into Instagrammable spots, this is gold. The best light? Early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM). Avoid noon – harsh shadows wash out the colors. My go-to corner is Maestro Street where the fountain is. Stand with your back to the fountain and get the full row of buildings.
3. Food & Drink Scene
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants offering Italian food. I usually stop at La Casa on Liberty Road – their pizza is passable but the tiramisu is legit. Prices: about 80-120 RMB per person. If you want a quick bite, grab a gelato from the street cart (20 RMB, but check the price first – they sometimes overcharge tourists).
The Bad: What Nobody Tells You
1. It’s a Souvenir Trap
Every second shop sells the same “Italian” keychains and silk scarves. Don’t buy here unless you’re desperate. The prices are 2-3x what you’d pay at a local market. Negotiate hard if you must.
2. Paid Toilets Everywhere
Public toilets are scarce. Most cafes require a purchase to use their restroom. Strategically use the free ones inside the Italian Style Town Museum (3 RMB entry but worth it). Pro tip: go before you arrive – the mall nearby (Dongying Street) has free clean toilets.
3. Fake “Authentic” Experiences
Some places offer “Italian gondola rides” in a tiny artificial canal. It’s a 200-meter loop for 50 RMB. Skip it. You’ll laugh, but then feel ripped off.
Costs, Timing & Logistics
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | Free for the open area. Some museums charge 20-30 RMB each. Best combo: buy the Through Ticket at the tourist center for 80 RMB (covers 5 attractions). |
| Hours | Open 24/7 for streets. Museums: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30). Closed Mondays for most. |
| Best Time | Tuesday to Thursday, 9-11 AM or after 4 PM. Weekends are packed. |
| How to Get There | Metro Line 2 to Italian Style Town Station, Exit B. Walk 5 mins. Or taxi from Tianjin Railway Station: ~15 RMB. |
| Duration | 2-3 hours if you just stroll. Half a day if you visit museums and eat. |
| Accessibility | Most streets are flat cobblestone – hard for wheelchairs or strollers. Limited ramps. |
Nearby Gems to Combine
Don’t make the Italian Style Town your only stop. Here’s what I pair it with:
- The Tianjin Eye: A Ferris wheel on the Haihe River. Walk 15 mins east. Night view is magical. Cost: 70 RMB. Evening lines can be 1 hour.
- Gubei Water Town – wait, that’s in Beijing. For Tianjin, head to Ancient Culture Street instead. It’s 20 mins by taxi (20 RMB). Great for cheap souvenirs and local food.
- Five Great Avenues: Another colonial area but with English and French styles. Take Metro Line 1 to Xiaobailou – 3 stops. Free walking area. Rent a bike (20 RMB/hour) to explore.
Sample Half-Day Plan: Start at Italian Style Town (9-11 AM), grab lunch at a local dumpling shop (try Goubuli Baozi nearby), then head to Five Great Avenues (1-3 PM), and end at Tianjin Eye for sunset (4:30 PM).
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