The Best Markets in Tianjin
Shop for souvenirs on Tianjin’s Ancient Culture Street | © David Parker / Alamy Stock Photo
Though Tianjin has rapidly developed into an economic powerhouse of skyscrapers, megamalls and hotels, the city still retains few original open markets. These markets are one of the few places in Tianjin that will still make you feel like you’re not at home. As China has been the manufacturing centre of the world for the last couple of decades, you can buy a multitude of goods at wholesale prices and plenty more.
Cao Zhuangzi Flower Market
Market
This classic European-style market is
Tianjin’s largest wholesaler of flowers and other plants. Its convenient location and easy parking make it one of the most accessible markets in town. You can buy more than just flowers, with other items on offer including aquarium sets and home decor.
Tianjin Shenyangdao Antiques Market
Market
Loaded with hundreds of antiques, this shop attracts swaths of shoppers. The majority of its space is occupied by Cultural Revolutionary memorabilia, and there’s also a wide selection of cheap jewellery. This market is located on
Ancient Culture Street. Be prepared to haggle with its vendors.
Tianjin Textile Mall
Market
One of the lesser-known, underrated markets in Tianjin is the Textile Mall. Not only does it feature a curated museum that tells the history of Tianjin’s textile industry and the global industry as a whole, you can also shop for an amazing selection of textile goods.
Da Hu Tong
Market
Basically a bargain supercentre, Da Hu Tong sells everything you could possibly want. You can find anything from paperclips to kayaks, along with art supplies, sporting goods, kitchen appliances, and clothing. If you’re looking for wholesale buys downtown, this is Tianjin’s top market.
Wang Ding Di Aquatic Products Wholesale Market
Market
When you first here the name Aquatic Products Market, you’re probably envisioning scuba gear and spearfishing harpoons. This is not the case at Wang Ding Di. Here, they serve daily catches of seafood, fresh from the bay. Try the sashimi or other fresh fish here in Tianjin’s wet market.
Wenzhou City Clothing Wholesale Center
Market
This wholesale clothing market is not far from Da Hu Tong, but you might need to ask a local for help to find it. Here, you can shop for any season, as this market is Tianjin’s main wholesaler of all types of jackets, scarves, shoes, jeans and more.
Tianjin Foreign Commodities Market
Market
There’s no denying that Tianjin’s Foreign Commodities Market is largely a centre for knock-offs of Western brands, and that’s all right. But beware as a foreigner, you may stick out and be expected to be able to afford higher prices. Brush up on your Chinese and know the fair prices of goods before you come to this smoky flea market. Leaving with a good bargain will make this shopping experience worth the haggling, though.
Ancient Culture Street
Market
Last but not least is Tianjin’s premier market, Ancient Culture Street. It’s packed with hundreds of shops and vendors that sell silk, porcelain, Niren Zhang figurines and many more traditional souvenirs. The wares here are a little pricey, but you’re bound to find something that takes your fancy.
These recommendations were updated on October 8, 2019 to keep your travel plans fresh.
