Contents
I. Cultural Icons of Tianjin
Introduction
The Shell Ridge: A Witness to Shifting Land and Sea
The Haihe River: Tianjin’s Mother River
Mount Panshan: “Had I Known of Panshan Earlier, I would not have Journeyed to the South of the Yangtze River.”
The Yellow Cliff Pass Section of the Great Wall: Jibei’s Mighty Pass and the Forging of Loyal Spirits
The Grand Canal in Tianjin: Endless Stories Flowing North and South
Xiaozhan Town: A Century of Fragrance from Thousands of Acres of Rice Paddies
The Five Great Avenues: A World Architecture Exposition
II. Customs of Tianjin
Introduction
Mazu: The Sea Goddess Who Watches over Tianjin
Flying Cymbals: Hangu’s Dance of Roaring Waves
Mama’s Traditions: Where Tianjin’s Traditional Wedding Customs Meet the Present
The Son-in-Law Festival: A Unique New Year Tradition in Tianjin
Tianjin Dialect: The Cheerful Charm of the “Wei” Accent
Tianjin’s Three Delicacies: A Taste of the City’s Lively Streets
III. Arts of Tianjin
Introduction
Peking Opera: The Golden Melodies of China’s Essence Echo through Tianjin
Tianjin Magic: Chinese Illusions That Dazzle the West
Tianjin-Style Xiangsheng: Connecting with the World through Laughter
Yangliuqing New Year Paintings: Bringing Tradition Art to Life
Clay Figurine Zhang: Clay Crafted into Flesh and Spirit
Kite Master Wei: Skillfully Delicate Paper Wings Dancing in the Sky
Brick Carver Liu: Cutting-Edge Masterworks
IV. Figures of Tianjin
Introduction
Zhou Xuexi: A Trailblazer of Northern Industry
Wang Xiang: A Pioneer in Oracle Bone Inscription Studies
Liang Qichao: A ReformTorchbearer Dispelling Old World Fog
Li Shutong: From an Artistic Trailblazer to a Buddhist Master
Cao Yu: The Pinnacle of Modern Chinese Drama
Shiing-shen Chern: Father of Differential Geometry
Chia-ying Yeh: A Poetry and Literature-Enriched Scholar
Yu Min: The Illustrious yet Nameless Father of China’s Hydrogen Bomb
Eric Liddell: The “Flying Scotsman” Born in Tianjin
V. Accomplishments of Tianjin
Introduction
Dagu Dockyard: Birthplace of Northern China’s Modern Industrial Civilization
Tianjin Arsenal: Cradle of Northern China’s National Industry
Large Dragon Stamps: The Dawn of China’s Modern Postal System
Tianjin Telegraph General Office: Radio Waves That Transcend Eras
Drawbridges: Tianjin’s Iconic Engineering Marvels
Peiyang University: China’s First Modern University
General Mint of Tianjin: The Center of Modern Chinese Currency Manufacturing
Ta Kung Pao: Tianjin’s Legendary Stories Told Through Its Impressive Newspaper
Hebei New District: The First Urban New District in Modern China
Luban Workshops: The Spirit of Craftsmanship Travels across Oceans and Seas
Tianjin Port: A Global Hub of Smart and Green Energy
Tianjin Launch Vehicle Base: The Space Odyssey on Saline-Alkaline Land
VI. Spirit of Tianjin
Introduction
The Spirit of Patriotism: Zhang Boling’s Three Patriotic Questions
The Spirit of Pioneering: Yan Xiu and Modern Education in China
The Garrison Rush Spirit: Strengthening China’s Northwest Frontier
The Luanhe River Diversion Project Spirit: Driving Tianjin’s Development Forward
TEDA Spirit: Miraculous Development on a Saline-Alkaline Beach
The Spirit of Dedication: One Man’s Heart Inspires an Entire City
The Spirit of Openness: A Kenyan Girl’s Bond with Tianjin