Embrace the splendid beauty and architecture of Tianjin during a full-day orientation tour of this historic city.
Depart the pier for the 1-hour drive to the city of Tianjin. Upon arrival, your full-day tour begins with a visit to the Tianjin Museum, which combines the former Tianjin Art Museum and Historical Museum. The Tianjin Museum houses 150,000 historical and cultural relics and artifacts, and offers a unique opportunity to learn the history of Tianjin. From here, you will continue on to the Jinyuan Garden where Puyi, the Last Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, lived for 2 years since 1929. Now restored to its original elegance, the garden is an exquisite combination of traditional Chinese and European architectural styles with display rooms depicting the era around the 1930s.
After lunch in a local restaurant, you'll make your way to the Yangliuqing Chinese New Year Painting Museum. Often called "Chinese Woodblock Prints" in the West, Chinese New Year Prints are an ancient folk art form associated with the celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival, which lasts a fortnight in late January or early February. Yangliuqing is one of the four celebrated centers for this folk art, dating back to the early 1600s. The museum houses a wide selection of woodblock prints in an assortment of themes, complimented with a show room of the whole process of woodblock printing.
Your final tour stop will be at the Ancient Culture Street. It's a wonderful place to sample the cultural traditions of China before re-joining your coach for the trasnfer back to Tianjin and your awaiting ship.
Please note: This tour inlcudes approximately 4 1/2 hours of moderate walking and there are steps to negotiate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and not considered suitable for those with mobility concerns. Weather appropriate clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. On Mondays visit to Tianjin Museum will be replaced by visit to the Confucius Temple.