Quick Trip to Tianjin

Beijing and Tianjin are very close, just a 35-minute train ride away. First, check out the Starbucks on Pinghe Road, located in the former Zhejiang Xingye Bank building. The architecture is unique and worth visiting for a cup of coffee and a photo. Then, you can walk to the Porcelain House and Zhang Xueliang's Former Residence. There is an admission fee, but you can also take photos at the entrance. There are many white taxis nearby that can take you to the Five Great Avenues, or you can walk there in about 30 minutes if you have the stamina. Many buildings are under first-class protection, but most are unoccupied. For lunch, we went to Jinmen Restaurant and tried the Wen Si Tofu and diced beef, both of which were delicious. Afterward, we called a car to the Italian Style Town and took photos at Zhongshuge Bookstore. There is also a unique place called Tianjin Memory, which offers free explanations of Tianjin's special products. The exit is designed to entice you to buy something, and we ended up purchasing Jinxing Rose Dew Wine. We then walked to the Century Clock and the Iron Bridge before taking the train back to Beijing.