Tianjin Ancient Culture Street Transportation Guide and Directions

Address

Tianjin Ancient Culture Street is located in the northeast corner of Nankai District, outside the East Gate, on the west bank of the Haihe River, Tianjin, China.

Transportation Guide

By Bus

There are numerous bus lines that will take you directly to Tianjin Ancient Culture Street:

• Routes: 1, 4, 77, 632, 635, 653, 675, 619, 611, 612, 624, 824
• Tourist lines: 观2, 12路, 15路

By Subway

The nearest subway station to Tianjin Ancient Culture Street is Gulou Station, which is accessible via Line 2. From the station, it is a short walk to the street.

Detailed Location Description

Tianjin Ancient Culture Street is situated between Laotieqiao Street (Gongbei Street) to the north and Shuige Street (Gongnan Street) to the south. The street has a total length of 687 meters and a width of 5 meters, making it a compact but richly historical and cultural commercial pedestrian street.

At both the northern and southern entrances of the street, there are archways inscribed with “Jinmen Guli” (Ancient Land of Tianjin) and “Gushang Yiyuan” (Arts Garden of the River Port), respectively.

Historical Background

The street’s historical significance is tied to the legend of the sea goddess Tianhou (also known as Mazu), who was revered for protecting sailors. According to legend, Tianhou was a woman from Fujian named Lin Mo who often sailed the seas to rescue those in danger. She was later deified for her bravery and benevolence.

During the Yuan Dynasty, the imperial government relied heavily on maritime transport for grain supplies to the capital. To ensure safe voyages, the goddess Tianhou was worshipped, and temples were built in her honor along coastal towns, including Tianjin.

Notable Landmarks and Features

Tianhou Palace (Tianhougong)

Constructed in 1326, Tianhou Palace is a key landmark on Ancient Culture Street. The palace is dedicated to Tianhou, whose birthday is celebrated annually on the 23rd day of the third lunar month. The palace grounds feature a variety of historical artifacts and exhibits that showcase local customs and traditions.

Reference：Overview of Tianjin Ancient Culture Street

The Grand Fair (Huanghui)

Known as the “Grand Fair,” this event has historical roots dating back to the Qing Dynasty when Emperor Qianlong visited the fair during his southern tours. Traditional performances and cultural displays are held in the square in front of Tianhou Palace and throughout the northern and southern sections of the street.

Commercial and Cultural Aspects

Tianjin Ancient Culture Street has remained true to its core theme of “Chinese flavor, Tianjin flavor, cultural flavor, ancient flavor” since its establishment. The street primarily focuses on cultural and traditional goods.

With nearly 100 shops, visitors can find a wide array of cultural products. For example, Qiaoxiangge, a shop specializing in cloisonné, Suzhou embroidery, and inner-painted crystal, has expanded its business over the past two decades to include international markets in Germany, Japan, and Malaysia.

Qiaoxiangge has maintained a competitive edge by continuously introducing new products and maintaining high quality. Today, the shop offers a diverse range of items including cloisonné, Suzhou embroidery, inner-painted crystal, pearls, jade, jade bracelets, crafted umbrellas, art swords, traditional Chinese attire, and more. The shop also features unique handmade necklaces made from materials such as crystal, pearl, and tourmaline.

Qiaoxiangge strives to bring traditional Chinese products to the global stage, enhancing the country's cultural presence internationally.

Q1: What are the main transportation options to reach Tianjin Ancient Culture Street?

A1: Visitors can reach Tianjin Ancient Culture Street by bus or subway. Numerous bus lines, including routes 1, 4, 77, 632, 635, 653, 675, 619, 611, 612, 624, and 824, along with tourist lines 观2, 12路, and 15路, provide direct access. The nearest subway station is Gulou Station on Line 2, from which it is a short walk to the street.

Q2: What historical and cultural attractions can be found on Tianjin Ancient Culture Street?

A2: Tianjin Ancient Culture Street features several notable landmarks, including Tianhou Palace, which dates back to 1326 and is dedicated to the sea goddess Tianhou. The street also hosts the Grand Fair, an event with historical significance dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Additionally, the street is lined with nearly 100 shops offering traditional Chinese cultural products such as cloisonné, Suzhou embroidery, and inner-painted crystal.