1. Yangliuqing

If you’re after a scenic, tranquil escape from the chaos of the inner city, then a day in the old market town of Yangliuqing may be just the answer. Located in Tianjin’s south western Xiqing District, it’s roughly 40 minutes away by car and features a number of historic attractions, most notably the beautiful, well-preserved and fun-to-explore Shi Jia Da Yuan (Great Stone Courtyard). 

For RMB27 for adults and RMB16 for children, you’ll find an expansive traditional square courtyard complete with its own theater and folk exhibition hall. Once owned by the family of wealthy merchant Shi Yuanshi, the old residence is set on the river bank, making for a pleasant walk. You can also find shade among the winding hutongs of the old town surrounding Shi Da Jia Yuan. Antique markets and art auctions are often held in these little alleyways, most of which seem to lead to a tea house. The markets are stocked with tea pots, calligraphy sets and a million other trinkets. It’s a truly traditional Tianjin day out.

Yangliuqing, 47 Guyi Jie, Shi Family Grand Courtyard, Yangliuqing, Xiqing District 天津市西青区杨柳青镇估衣街47号

2. Xian Nong Da Yuan, Five Great Avenues (Wu Da Dao)

What was once a derelict series of roads, dotted with out-of-use governmental buildings and salubrious premises offering ‘24-hour massage,’ is now a picture-postcard network of hip, family-friendly restaurants, art galleries, outdoor cafes, breweries and organic markets – a world away from the garish trawl of Nanjing Lu and Bin Jiang Dao. 

One development of note is the Xian Nong Da Yuan Courtyard, which can be found on Hunan Lu, just behind The Westin Tianjin. Once just another moth-bitten long-forgotten hutong, the small yard has been converted into a neat, paved enclosure encircled by some varied and reputable restaurants. 

Visit on a weekend and you can browse the farmers’ market. It’s not actually a farmers’ market in the true sense, but it is a chance to sample and buy some locally-sourced, hand-prepared food and drink. Weather permitting, a stroll – or bike ride – around the former British concession comes highly recommended. Bikes can be rented a stone’s throw from the courtyard just outside the newly renovated Minyuan Stadium, another concentration of high-end restaurants. The former British concession, Wu Da Dao, has countless small alleyways in which to get lost for the day. The restaurants, boutiques and parks might easily be overlooked if passing through in a car or bus. It’s a spot of pedestrian tranquility among the hustle and bustle of Heping District.

Wu Da Dao (The Five Great Avenues), Chengdu Dao / Hunan Lu, Heping District 和平区成都道 与 湖南路交口

3. Huan Le Gu (Happy Valley)

Located about an hour’s drive from the city centre, Huan Le Gu or ‘Happy Valley’ is Tianjin’s premier theme park. The rides themselves are what one would expect from a theme park: a decent-sized roller coaster (no loop the loop, but a decent few twists and turns), a pirate ship (though it doesn’t go upside down); a log flume that comes with ponchos; a haunted house and plenty more for a variety of ages. 

In the summer you’ll find a large indoor swimming pool equipped with everything, including a wave machine. 

Price: Adults and children over 150cm - RMB180; Children under 150cm - RMB120
How to get there: Subway Line 2 to Airport Economic Centre (空港经济区) and then taxi to  Happy Valley (Huan Le Gu 欢乐谷)

4. Tianjin Aquarium

For those of you looking for something a little more educational (but fun at the same time), the aquarium in the Binhai District might be the perfect place to bring the family. Because it's indoors, it doesn't matter what the weather is like outside.

You’ll find a wide array of marine life on display here in a well laid-out, fully enclosed sanctuary. The aquarium is divided into the Earth’s latitudinal zones, so you can see everything from polar bears to coral reefs, all in large, comfortable and – above all – humane enclosures. There are regular displays and educational talks throughout the day. The beluga whale display is particularly entertaining.

Binhai may be a little way out from the city center but it’s easily reached. Subway Line 9 goes directly into the heart of the district, and from the Binhai stop it’s just a short taxi ride to the aquarium, which should cost no more than RMB30. There are also a number of other options in the area, including parks and countless seafood restaurants. 

Price: Adults RMB130
How to get there: Subway Line 9: Tanggu 塘沽 and then taxi to Tianjin Aquarium (Hai Chang Jidi Haiyang Guan  海昌极地海洋馆)

5. Cultural Center and the Galaxy Mall

Located on Youyi Nan Lu, the Cultural Center is a huge park where you’ll find hundreds of flower beds set among winding paths of wood and stone. By the main entrance there is a large paved area where you can see people practicing all sorts of art – from Tai Chi to rollerblading, singing and square dancing. In the center of the park is a large square pond with fountain displays (in the summer at least). The pond itself is flanked by a large library, a museum and a modern art gallery, all of which hold regular exhibitions, talks and displays. All are well worth a visit. Aside from these, there is also The Grand Theater which hosts a variety of different performance throughout the year.

On the northern edge of the park, set on Leyuan Dao, is the Galaxy Mall. It might look like just another large luxury mall, but this one houses some of the better restaurants in the city. From to authentic pizza to dim sum, this mall covers almost everything.

Adjacent to the Galaxy Mall is the Color Mall, a mini mall designed especially for children. The first floor is a haven of jungle gyms, small rides, games and colorful fun. The shops here are also geared toward kids, with most only stocking children’s sizes and styles. The jungle gym is one of the largest in the city, rivaled only by Joy City. It’s a great all-in-one day out for all the family.

Cultural Center and Galaxy Mall, Cultural Center, Youyi Lu, Hexi District 河西区友谊路天津文化中心