Bank of Tianjin
Everbright – Tianjin Branch is located at Xiaobailou. Xiaobailou is the current CBD in Tianjin. The history of the area can date back to late 19th century.
After the inception of Tianjin in 1860, imperialist countries were in fierce competition for the provision of concessions. Britain, France and the US were the first few foreign powers estralish concessions in Tianjin. The now Xiaobailou area was American concession. Covers an area of about 131 acres, it is a small area. it was once a entertainment hub for the Americans, British and later Russian expats.
The past glory ended with Second World War, all foreigners left the place by the time Communist took over the control. After economic reform in China, this area is gradually re-developed. High rise buildings emerged and lead the city into its modern prosperity.
Swire Group Tianjin
The building was the office for Swire Group Tianjin branch. It was built in 1886, with an construction area of 1971.27 square meters. It’s a two-story brick-wood structure building.
Swire Group Tianjin Office
The facade for the plane was “concave” shaped dry wall. The entrance is higher above the ground. First floor has arch-shaped windows and doors, window lintel with its radial floriation. Roof is flat-topped and equipped with parapet.
Leopold Building
Leopold Building was once seen as a skyscraper in Tianjin. It was owned by Swiss-born Jewish businessman Marcel Leopold. The construction of the building started around 1936-1938, designed by French architect P·Mulle. The multi-purpose building is consists of offices and condo apartments. The design and concept was considered modern at its time.
After communist took over the control of the city, Marcel Leopold was prisoned. After spending two and half years in prison, the communist government extracted all his profits. He left China and went back to Switzerland. In making plenty of money in his lifetime, Marcel Leopold made plenty of enemies too. He was later murdered while at home. (Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,891357,00.html#ixzz0gp4ovwYn)
Tianjin Chengli
A View of Chengli, Tianjin.
Northern Liberty Road
Buildings on Northern Liberty Road in Tianjin, China.
Colorful Tianjin
The striking color of new area in Tianjin, China.
China Skyline
China Sky
Looking up into the sky in Tianjin, one could hardly see the ancient skyline anymore. Most part of the old town disappeared in the ashes of history. The modern development is an unstoppable force. When you pass by the ancient part of the town, it feels to close yet so distant. The past has long gone and it’s more of an idea than real emotional attachment. The symbol lost its meaning.
Skyscrapers
Compare to other metropolitans in China, Tianjin started development a little later. But the city is booming in recent years, the government started rapid development, the city is under-construction. In the picture, you can see the skysrappers rising to the sky.
Marble Boat
The marble boat you see in the picture is a riverside lakeside pavilion on Hai River in Tianjin, China
watchtower
A watchtower that overlooks Dongli Lake in Tianjin, China.
I was born and bred in Tianjin, China. I have spent recent few years out of China. People living overseas long enough know: you can never go back home. Tianjin changed so much during the last few years, every time I go back home, it makes me few like a traveler. I set up this blog to tell stories about my beautiful hometown. It's history, architecture, culture and people.