Ancient Cultural Street
Tianjin Ancient Cultural Street is located in Nankai District of Tianjin Municipality and was formally opened in 1986 on the west bank of the Haihe River, with Tianhou Palace as its geographical center. Although essentially a business street, it appeals to tourists who come to see its special architectural styles, admire its classic cultural features, buy various folk crafts, and sample the delicious local Tianjin snacks.
Standing at the center of Tianjin Ancient Cultural Street, Tianhou Palace, originally built in 1326, is one of only three Mazu Temples in the world (the other two are the Mazu Temple in Fujian Province and Beigang Chaotian Temple on Taiwan Island. Tianhou Palace now houses the Folk-custom Museum of Tianjin and displays many ancient folk crafts and cultural relics. Yuhuang Pavilion (Yuhuang Ge) in the palace is the only building put up during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in Tianjin.
Visitors who are interested in Chinese traditional handicrafts will also appreciate another Tianjin Ancient Cultural Street attraction—hundreds of stores selling a wide variety of folk handicrafts. These include the famous Yangliuqing New Year Pictures and Clay Figurines by the famous folk artist surnamed Zhang. And those who are fond of Chinese curios will probably get jade items, cloisonné and potteries.
