38. A Journey Through China: Tianjin and the Haihe River

If a city possesses a river, that river often serves as the repository of its most significant memories. For Tianjin, that river is the Haihe. Flowing through the heart of the city, it bridges Tianjin’s past and present, connecting docks, railways, bridges, and streets—as well as the lives of countless people. Why did Tianjin emerge as a vital city in Northern China? Why did it once serve as a major port and commercial hub in modern Chinese history? And why are the banks of the Haihe lined with such a dense collection of historic architecture? The answers to these questions can all be found by tracing the course of this river. Today, let us follow the Haihe—starting from Tianjin Railway Station—as we journey past bridges, squares, historic landmarks, and the city’s vibrant nightscape. Let us take the time it takes to follow a river to truly come to know a city. This is the Haihe River in Tianjin.