Tianjin - Past and Present

Most Westerners have heard of Beijing, China. Few Westerners have heard of Tianjin (formerly Tientsin), China. If Beijing is the front door of China, then Tianjin is the back door. Tianjin is 137 kilometers (85 miles) southeast of Beijing, It is an hour by car and 30 minutes by train. The two cities are so close, yet so far apart.

The name 'Tianjin' means 'Emperor's Ford', or 'the point where the Son of Heaven once forded the river'. The 'Son of Heaven' referred to Zhu Di, Emperor Yongle of Ming Dynasty. In those days, imperial tribute grain from the southern parts of the country were shipped to the capital city by the Grand Canal, which flows through Tianjin. Through the years, the city has now become one of the largest international trading ports and industrial and commercial metropolises in China.

Herbert Hoover, former president of the U.S., and a onetime Tientsin resident during the Boxer Rebellion, wrote in his memoirs: "Tienstin is a universal city, like a world in miniature with all nationalities, all architectural styles, all kitchens."

Tianjin is where East meets West, both in the Past and in the Present. Tianjin is a developing city overshadowed by Beijing to the Northeast and Shanghai to the South. It is both Old China and New China and all shades in between. Tianjin is a province/city focused on the Final Frontier while still trying to hold on to the old customs and superstitions.

Tianjin builds SuperComputers and Commerical Jet Aircraft. It sweeps it's streets both with trucks and brooms.

Tianjin University and NanKai University are leading Universities. English is taught in the schools and by private companies.