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Places in China: Tianjin Municipality

This city is the third largest city in China. It is not a province nor is it within a province. Instead it is one of only four municipalities under the direct control of the central Chinese government. The other three are Shanghai, Beijing and Chongqing. It is the largest open seaport in North China and ranks fifteenth on the list of the world's largest cities.

The population of 9.5 million inhabitants occupies 11,300 square kilometres of land area. Early settlement of Tianjin dates back to the period of the Warring States. In the 12th century, the city was largely a storage and distribution centre for farm products.

After the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), this port city began to become important to China. In 1856, the British and French used a Chinese naval malfunction to initiate the Treaty of Tianjin in 1858, which made open trade more accessible. Various other countries entered the open door in Tianjin and set up settlements for their countries within the city. Each of the countries' settlement reflected the styles of the home country. This feature of the city draws many tourists to Tianjin.

An earthquake did extensive damage in 1976, causing the closing of the city to visitors while repairs were being made. Now, Tianjin is the second international trading port in China, Shanghai being the first.

The city is on the Bohai Gulf on the west coast of the Pacific Ocean. It faces Japan as well as North Korea and South Korea. The nation's capital of Beijing is 137 kilometres northwest of Tianjin. Tianjin is the main industrial and commercial area in North China.

The city has Ancient Culture Streets where souvenirs and good quality gifts may be purchased. In Shenyang Jie, there is an Antique Market which sells less expensive gifts and souvenirs, largely items to remember Mao. There are parks, museums and churches in Tianjin as well as good restaurants.