As an industrial Mecca by the sea Tianjin has often been considered a shopper’s paradise rather than a historic hotspot. A thriving Chinese city by any measure the city does boast all the trappings of progress with engaging local markets and sky scraping malls thrown into the mix. But what most visitors miss are the resplendent colonial structures and ancient religious institutions that hark back to the city’s no less illustrious past. Taking visitors on a visual journey back in time to a period dominated by mystical monasteries and heaven grazing temples the cultural highlights in Tianjin are concentrated around its breathtaking temple edifices that have stood the test of time.
The chief highlight of Tianjin’s ancient temples is of course the Dabeichanyuan Temple or Grand Mercy Monastery located on the banks of the Haihe River. As amongst the most expansive and best conserved Zen temples in the northern reaches of China this Qing Dynasty marvel was completed as far back as 1669. Famed for its catalogue of Buddhist carvings the shrine is divided in to two sections with the old temple occupying the western courtyard, while the newly built section completed in 1940 nestled in the eastern courtyard.
Tipped to be one of the finest ancient wooden structures in the country Dule Temple is another Tang Dynasty marvel that is part of Tianjin’s proud heritage. Having survived multiple earthquakes and political upheavals in its centuries long history the shrine is one of three existing Liao temples in China today. Must-see points of interest include Goddess of Mercy Hall with its stunning architectural attributes and the Kwan-yin Hall with a 53 foot tall sculpture of Kwan-yin with 10 Buddhas in hand. Exquisite murals and Ming Dynasty style guardians cast imposing shadows within the edifice while handwriting samples of emperors and prominent officials are also preserved at the place of worship.
The Mt. Panshan Scenic Area also contains four ancient temples which include Wanfo Temple, Tiancheng Temple, Wansong Temple and Yunzhao Temple. The Tang Dynasty Tiancheng Temple houses an ancient dagoba which contains 13 floors and is the tallest tower on the mountain range. The Yunzhao shrine with its golden roof is another highlight as is the Wanfo Temple which boasts 10,960 Buddha sculptures in all.
Travellers in search of luxury Tianjin accommodation should look to none other than the Somerset Youyi Tianjin. Ideally located within 30 minutes of the nearest airport and 20 minutes away from the train station these Tianjin apartments are some of the most conveniently located rests in the city.
