Location: Tianjin
Travel notes: I squeezed in a day trip to Tianjin during my Beijing visit, curious about this direct-controlled municipality. With limited time, I rushed through the Ancient Culture Street, visited the Tianjin Temple of the Queen of Heaven, and explored the Nanshi Food Street. Tianjin's famous 'Three Delicacies'—Goubuli steamed buns, Guifaxiang fried dough twists, and Ear-Hole Fried Cake—are everywhere here. I snacked on the twists and cake, bought some local treats as souvenirs, and tried the legendary Goubuli buns for lunch. At 88 RMB for a mixed basket, they were pricey; the skin was smooth, but the filling didn't live up to the hype. Still, no regrets—life's about trying new things. In the afternoon, I headed to the Yanghuo Market in Tanggu, an early hub for imported goods, though it felt quiet nowadays. The Tanggu waterfront offered a boat ride and views of historical sites. The most striking scene was Tianjin Railway Station at dusk—a beautiful blend of old and new architecture against the river. I took the high-speed rail back to Beijing, then flew to Shanghai. Reflecting on my seven months in China, I traveled to many provinces on weekends, but the country…
