Tianjin

Lying on a low plain adjacent to Bohai Bay, Tianjin serves as a seaport gateway to Beijing, only 85 miles away. Tianjin, China's third-largest city with 12 million residents and history that dates back 4,000 years, is one of the nicest towns of its size in China. Despite its large population, Tianjin has a small-town feel and is easy to get around in. Colorful sections of town include the aptly-named Food Street, Ancient Culture Street, Dress Street, and the Antiques Market, which buzzes with activity during the day. One of China's preeminent opera houses, the Tianjin Opera Museum, offers regular performances of many famous Chinese operas. The centuries- old art of carpet weaving is the main activity in town. Famous for its quality and good prices, Tianjin attracts carpet buyers from around the world. The city is also famous for its handcrafted clay figurines and New Year's paintings, which are coveted throughout the world. You are invited to tour artisans' studios and display rooms.