As host of this year's SCO Summit, Tianjin reveals its unique position as a living museum of global cultural fusion. The city's Five Great Avenues district – recently named among the most sought-after inland destinations for overseas visitors – offers a time capsule of architectural styles spanning Victorian, French Colonial, and traditional Chinese designs.
Footsteps Through Time
CGTN's Li Yiqing and Tianjin University's Sarfraz Muhammad recently traced the city's evolution through its iconic landmarks. Their journey juxtaposed archival photographs with contemporary landscapes, revealing how former foreign concession areas have transformed into vibrant public spaces while retaining historical authenticity.
Urban Development Narrative
The walking tour highlights Tianjin's strategic approach to urban preservation, balancing modernization with heritage conservation. This methodology has positioned the city as a case study in sustainable urban development, attracting interest from urban planners and cultural historians alike.
Cross-Cultural Echoes
From neoclassical bank buildings to renovated traditional courtyard homes, the visual comparison exercise demonstrated how Tianjin's streetscapes serve as dialogue between Eastern and Western design philosophies – a physical manifestation of China's historical global connections.
