Bo Wu
Let me be straight with you: Tianjin Italian Style Town is not a theme park. It's a real neighborhood – the former Italian concession – and walking through it feels like stepping into a Mediterranean postcard, except the pasta is served with chopsticks if you're not careful. I've brought dozens of groups here over the years, and most people love it. But some waste time getting lost or hitting the wrong spots. So here's exactly how to visit, built from my mistakes and yours.
Getting to Tianjin Italian Style Town
First, you need to get to Tianjin. Most visitors come from Beijing. The high-speed train from Beijing South to Tianjin Station runs every 10-20 minutes, takes 30 minutes, and costs around ¥55 (US$7.5). Once you're at Tianjin Station, the Italian town is literally a 10-minute walk north – just cross the Jiefang Bridge over the Hai River. You'll see the red-brick buildings right away.
By subway: Take Line 2 to Jianguo Dao station (Exit C). Walk east on Ziyou Dao for about 500 meters. You'll hit the main square Marco Polo Square. Total from exit: 8 minutes.
By bus: Lines 5, 8, 27, 634 all stop at "Italian Style Town" stop. But honestly, subway is easier.
Driving? The area has paid parking lots along Ziyou Dao and Minzu Lu. Expect ¥6-8 per hour. But streets are narrow, so park and walk.
Best Time to Visit
Most guides tell you to go in the morning. I say: come at 3:30 PM on a weekday. Why? The light hits the yellow and ochre facades perfectly for photos until sunset. And the day-trippers from Beijing start leaving after 4 PM. You get the place almost to yourself – maximum romantic vibe, minimal elbow-jostling.
Avoid weekends if you can. Saturdays are packed with Chinese tourists and wedding photoshoots. If you must go on a Saturday, arrive at 9 AM sharp. The official opening hours for the area itself are 24/7 (it's an open neighborhood), but most shops and cafes open around 10 AM and close by 9 PM.
My Recommended Walking Route (2-3 Hours)
I always start at Marco Polo Square – the heart of the district. From there, walk east along Ziyou Dao. Then circle back via Minzu Lu. Here's a quick table with key points:
| Stop | Highlight | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Marco Polo Square | Central fountain, statue of Marco Polo | 15 min (photos) |
| Former Italian Embassy Building | Neoclassical architecture (now a hotel) | 10 min (outside) |
| Liang Qichao's Former Residence | Historian's home with exhibits (ticket ¥10) | 30 min |
| Wing's Cathedral (St. Joseph) | Active Catholic church, Gothic style | 15 min (inside) |
| Bourbon Street (similar vibe) | Restaurants with outdoor seating, street performers | 20 min (stroll) |
After Liang Qichao's house, take a break at one of the cafes on Bourbon Street. I like Caffe Pascucci – decent espresso, and the outdoor tables let you people-watch. Avoid the hot dog stands near the square; they're overpriced and mediocre.
What to See (Don't Miss List)
Marco Polo Square
The centerpiece. A bronze statue of Marco Polo stands in the middle. But the real gems are the surrounding buildings – each one painted in soft pastels. Bring a wide-angle lens. Warning: At noon, the sun is harsh and shadows are ugly. Come late afternoon for golden light.
Former Italian Embassy (Hotel)
Now the Grand Boutique Hotel. You can't go inside unless you're a guest, but the facade is gorgeous. Check the small plaque on the wall for historical photos of the concession era.
Liang Qichao's House
This is a must. The ticket is ¥10 (free for children under 120cm). It's a well-preserved replica (the original was damaged). The garden is small but peaceful. I usually spend 20-30 minutes inside. No English audio guide, but there are English placards. Don't take photos inside the bedroom – I've seen security get testy.
St. Joseph's Cathedral
Also called Wing's Cathedral. It's a working church. Mass is held daily at 6 PM (Chinese). The interior is simple but the stained glass is lovely. It's free to enter. Please cover your shoulders and knees – I've had tourists turned away at the door.
Where to Eat & Drink
Italian food in the Italian town? Sounds right, but many restaurants are overpriced for what they serve. Here's where I take my groups:
For a quick bite, try Goubuli Baozi on Minzu Lu – a famous Tianjin steamed bun shop. Not Italian, but you need real local food. The pork buns (¥15 for 8) are juicy. Warning: They close at 8 PM sharp.
Street snacks: Look for jianbing (Chinese crepe) carts near the square in the morning. ¥8-10, made fresh. It's a breakfast thing, though.
Where to Stay Nearby
If you want to stay in the Italian area, here are three options I personally recommend:
| Hotel | Price Range (per night) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Boutique Hotel | ¥800-1500 | Inside the former embassy. Beautiful rooms. English spoken. No elevator (only stairs). Noise from street at night. |
| Hanting Express (Ziyou Dao) | ¥250-400 | Budget clean chain. 3 min walk to square. Wi-Fi strong. Front desk speaks basic English. |
| Airbnb apartments on Ziyou Dao | ¥300-600 | Look for places with "Italian Style" in the name. Check if the host provides bottled water – tap water isn't safe to drink. |
For longer stays, I'd suggest staying near Tianjin Station (1 subway stop away) – cheaper and more options. The Italian area itself is small; you can cover it in half a day.
Insider Tips: What Nobody Tells You
- Free maps: At the tourist information kiosk on Minzu Lu (open 9-5). They have an English version, but it's basic. Use your phone's GPS.
- ATM: There's a Bank of China ATM near the square, but it sometimes runs out of cash. Withdraw at Tianjin Station.
- Language: Few locals speak English. Download a translation app. But for basic purchases, pointing and smiling works.
- Shopping: The souvenir shops along Ziyou Dao sell the same stuff everywhere – minibuses, keychains. If you want genuine antiques, skip them. The real antique market is at Tianjin Ancient Culture Street (Guwenhua Jie), a 20-minute walk east.
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