Haihe River

海河

The 'Mother River' of Tianjin flows through the city. Its best stretch for cruises and night views runs from Jiefang Bridge and Jinwan Plaza to the Century Clock and the Tianjin Eye.

The Haihe River runs through the entire city of Tianjin, from the Three Rivers Confluence to Dagu Estuary. Along the urban stretch, Jiefang Bridge (a century-old steel bridge that can be raised), the Century Clock in front of the railway station, the European-style buildings of Jinwan Plaza, the Italian-Style Town, Ancient Culture Street, and the Tianjin Eye form the core of the city's 'river and sea city' landscape.

Here are some suggestions. First, take a Haihe River cruise. The main piers are at the Tianjin Railway Station Pier (beside Jiefang Bridge) and the Ancient Culture Street Pier. Boats run between Tianjin Railway Station, the Three Rivers Confluence, and the Tianjin Eye, taking about 50 minutes for the round trip. Day cruises cost about 80 to 100 yuan and night cruises about 100 to 120 yuan. The night cruise has the best lighting. Book ahead through the 'Haihe River Cruise' official WeChat account, as the 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. departures sell out fastest.

Second, walk along the river. From the railway station, cross Jiefang Bridge to Jinwan Plaza, then head north along the west bank past Jintang Bridge and Shizilin Bridge to Ancient Culture Street. The walk is about 3 km, and the riverside views and bridge lights are free to enjoy.

Third, watch the 'Diving Old Man' and other scenes of everyday street life from Shizilin Bridge.

Getting there: exit at Tianjin Railway Station on Metro Lines 2 and 3, or at Jinwan Plaza station on Line 3.

Note: Night cruise tickets often sell out on holidays. Bridge-opening performances of Jiefang Bridge are held irregularly, so check official announcements. The river is windy, so dress warmly on spring and autumn evenings.

Haihe River

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby