There is a city in eastern China, where slum-like neighborhoods stand just across of financial district’s skyscrapers, where chaotic markets and brothels neighbor luxurious estates and shopping malls. This city is Tianjin.
The city is just 30 minutes ride from Beijing… But don’t think it is a suburb, Tianjin is a massive megalopolis with a population of 12+ million.
Also it is much more modern and visually appealing than its better known neighbor.
Tianjin is relatively easy to get and cheap, so you won’t need to break the bank for enjoying those magnificent views.
High-speed train from Beijing to Tianjin will cost you something like $15 USD, a room in one of the tallest buildings would be in $90–150 bracket.
Unforgettable feeling of having the world below you.
Let’s get back to the contrast of the city. Just look from above, how different its districts look.
Shady poor districts on the foreground, modern business districts nearby and the symphony of light near the the river with its luxurious housing estates.
Take a look on amount of light used for highlighting upper floors of modern buildings.
That is what I call a “Symphony of light”.
Ground level
Let’s go down and explore poor districts at night.
Shady streets full of brothels. I’ve shot it with my phone, sorry for the image quality.
All in all it looks just poor, but not too dystopian… until you compare those districts to wealthy ones!
If you’ve read till here, probably it is a time for you to pack things and visit Tianjin!
