Yangliuqing
Yangliuqing: This is a small town to the west of Tianjin. To get there take a taxi and negotiate a lump-sum price - shouldn't cost more than 30 RMB. There should be buses too somewhere.

The main draw here is the Old Mansion of a rich merchant family (Shi's family mansion). There are a number of courtyards, small alleyways with red lanterns, a theatre stage and a small garden. It is heavily renovated but still gives a good picture of the living conditions in the late Qing dynasty.

There is a second mansion right behind the first one. To get there you have to walk past the first mansion along the side street and then turn to get to the entrance gate - it is really directly behind the first big mansion. This mansion is smaller but equally attractive with some nice courtyards and interesting exhibitions. There are some interesting displays of household items and western-style furniture.

The newly designed waterfront promenade in front of the two mansions is relatively pleasant for strolling. You can also rent boats here. Around the two mansions they have erected a number of new traditional-style buildings with shops selling Chinese crafts, in particular the famous Yangliuqing New Year pictures (mostly fat babies, big fish or a combination of both). Business doesn't seem to be thriving though.

On the other side of the river there is a small tower (Wing Ta?) hidden between the Hutongs. Apparently this one is several hundred years old.

In the modern town centre of Yangliuqing is a huge square with a red steel sculpture surrounded by pleasant water features. Fun in summer! Contributed by Matthias Bauer.
 (0)