1. Water Warning!
When staying in Tianjin, it is wise not to drink tap water in any form, unless if was been sterilised by boiling or by using purification tablets. Tap water in China is known to contain bacteria that can cause varying degrees of sickness and diarrhoea. Also avoid ice cubs, any drinks that may have been watered down, and uncooked fruit and vegetable dishes.
2. Haphazard Exit from Train Station
Being a new train station, there is a bit of confusion when getting out of the station to your next connection. There is a taxi and bus station.
At the same time, there are many offering transport or day tours. I doubt it is legal and it is better to wait until you find a travel agency or use the public bus or meter taxi to get your next destination.
There is a security personnel who was helpful in answering questions to new arrivals.
3. Everything Closes Earlier
Unlike Beijing, many tourist places, museums, temples and the Ancient Culture shopping areas close from 3-5 pm onwards.
So take note of closing times of the important places you want to go and avoid disappointments of being there but late.
Usually, there is a one hour stop of sale of admission ticket piror to closing time.
4. Polluted, Dirty, Noisy
When I was in Tianjin for my popular China travel package, traffic has been limited and construction has been stopped for several weeks already. So there was blue skies and the streets look quite welcomingly clean.
But I have heard from other tourists who complained that Tianjin has bad air, littered, disorganized with construction everywhere.
Perhaps the timing of my visit of between the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics was perfect. Seeing Tianjin at its best. You may see Tianjin at her usual self.
5. Crossing the road
There are several pedestrian bridge crossing but few tunnel crossings like Beijing (must-see destination for top China tours).
Many people cross at traffic lights or zebra crossiing. But generally especially since the roads are wide and new due to recent construction, road crossing I feel should be done with care.
Follow the locals but do not take unnecessary risks.
6. Cab Scams
Make sure your cab driver turns on the meter. Many try to take a foreigner to their destination and over charge them. If they will not turn it on either ask them to stop and get a new cab or refuse to pay at the end.
7. Taxi Drivers in Tianjin are...
Taxi Drivers in Tianjin are some of the worst in China. Tianjin is a safe place but these guys will try to rob you blind by charging double or triple the normal fare. The car taxis are better than the little vans. Find a woman if possible, they are more honest.
For more via popular China travel package.
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