Global Major Cities Guide

Sections

1. Major Local Arts and Crafts in Tianjin

A. Yangliuqing New Year Paintings (杨柳青木版年画)

Cultural Significance: These traditional woodblock prints are a hallmark of Tianjin’s cultural identity. Originating in the Yangliuqing town during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), these paintings are used to decorate homes during the Chinese New Year, symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and prosperity.
Materials and Techniques: The paintings are created using woodblock printing combined with hand-painting. Artists carve intricate designs into wooden blocks, apply ink, and press them onto paper. The prints are then hand-colored with vibrant pigments.
Typical Costs: Small prints start at around ¥50–¥100 ($7–$15), while larger, more intricate works can cost ¥500–¥1,000 ($70–$150) or more.
Where to See/Buy: Visit the Yangliuqing Painting Museum in Yangliuqing town, where you can see the production process and purchase authentic pieces. The Tianjin Ancient Culture Street (古文化街) also has shops selling these paintings.
Workshops: The Yangliuqing Painting Museum offers workshops where visitors can learn the basics of woodblock printing and hand-painting.

B. Clay Figurines by Zhang (泥人张)

Cultural Significance: Clay figurines, particularly those made by the Zhang family, are a celebrated folk art in Tianjin. These figurines often depict characters from Chinese opera, folklore, and daily life, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and vivid expressions.
Materials and Techniques: Made from fine clay, the figurines are shaped by hand and painted with meticulous detail. The Zhang family has passed down this craft for over 180 years, refining the techniques over generations.
Typical Costs: Small figurines start at ¥100–¥300 ($15–$45), while larger or custom pieces can cost ¥1,000 ($150) or more.
Where to See/Buy: Visit the Clay Figurine Zhang Museum (泥人张博物馆) in Tianjin, where you can view the history of this craft and purchase authentic figurines. Shops in the Ancient Culture Street also sell these items.
Workshops: Some studios in the museum or nearby offer short courses where you can try your hand at making simple clay figurines.

C. Tianjin Kites (天津风筝)

Cultural Significance: Tianjin is famous for its intricately designed kites, which are not only toys but also works of art. Kite flying is a traditional pastime in China, symbolizing freedom and joy.
Materials and Techniques: Tianjin kites are made from bamboo frames and silk or paper. They are hand-painted with motifs such as dragons, phoenixes, and flowers. The craftsmanship involves precise bamboo carving and detailed painting.
Typical Costs: Small decorative kites cost around ¥50–¥200 ($7–$30), while larger, functional kites can range from ¥300–¥1,000 ($45–$150).
Where to See/Buy: The Tianjin Kite Museum and shops in the Ancient Culture Street are excellent places to explore and purchase kites.
Workshops: The Kite Museum occasionally hosts workshops where visitors can learn how to make and decorate kites.

D. Wei’s Kite String Instruments (魏记风筝弦乐器)

Cultural Significance: This unique craft combines kite-making with traditional Chinese string instruments, creating a hybrid art form that is both visually and musically captivating.
Materials and Techniques: These kites are made with bamboo and silk, incorporating strings that produce musical tones when flown.
Typical Costs: Prices vary widely depending on the complexity, starting at ¥500 ($70) and going up to several thousand yuan for custom pieces.
Where to See/Buy: These are rare and can be found in specialty shops or ordered directly from artisans in Tianjin.

E. Tianjin Paper-Cutting (剪纸)

Cultural Significance: Paper-cutting is a traditional Chinese folk art, and Tianjin’s style is known for its intricate designs and themes drawn from local culture, such as opera characters and auspicious symbols.
Materials and Techniques: Artists use red or multicolored paper and scissors or knives to create symmetrical patterns. The process requires precision and creativity.
Typical Costs: Small pieces cost around ¥20–¥50 ($3–$7), while larger, more detailed works can cost ¥200–¥500 ($30–$75).
Where to See/Buy: Paper-cutting can be found in shops along the Ancient Culture Street and at local craft fairs.
Workshops: Some cultural centers in Tianjin offer paper-cutting classes for visitors.

2. Where to Experience Tianjin’s Arts and Crafts

A. Tianjin Ancient Culture Street (古文化街)

Overview: This pedestrian street is a hub for traditional arts and crafts, with numerous shops and stalls selling Yangliuqing paintings, clay figurines, kites, and more. The street itself is a cultural experience, with Qing Dynasty-style architecture and performances of traditional music and opera.
Tips: Bargaining is common but be respectful. Look for shops with artisans working on-site to ensure authenticity.

B. Yangliuqing Painting Museum

Overview: Located in Yangliuqing town, this museum is dedicated to the famous New Year paintings. Visitors can see the entire production process and even try their hand at making a print.
Address: Yangliuqing Town, Xiqing District, Tianjin.

C. Clay Figurine Zhang Museum

Overview: This museum showcases the history and techniques of Tianjin’s clay figurine tradition. It also has a shop where you can purchase authentic pieces.
Address: 17 Shuige Street, Nankai District, Tianjin.

D. Tianjin Kite Museum

Overview: This museum highlights the history and artistry of kite-making in Tianjin. It also offers workshops for visitors.
Address: Near the Ancient Culture Street.

3. Workshops and Hands-On Experiences

Yangliuqing Painting Museum: Offers woodblock printing workshops.
Clay Figurine Zhang Museum: Provides clay modeling classes.
Tianjin Kite Museum: Hosts kite-making and decorating workshops.
Cultural Centers: Check with local cultural centers or hotels for paper-cutting and other craft workshops.

4. Local Considerations

Authenticity: When purchasing arts and crafts, ensure you are buying from reputable shops or directly from artisans to avoid mass-produced imitations.
Language Barrier: Many artisans and shopkeepers may not speak English. Consider hiring a local guide or using a translation app.
Bargaining: Bargaining is acceptable in most shops, but do so politely and with a smile.
Transportation: Tianjin’s public transportation system is efficient, with buses and subways connecting major cultural sites. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are also convenient.

5. Conclusion

Tianjin’s arts and crafts offer a window into the city’s rich cultural heritage and provide visitors with unique souvenirs and experiences. Whether you’re admiring the vibrant Yangliuqing paintings, crafting your own kite, or marveling at the lifelike clay figurines, you’ll find that Tianjin’s traditional crafts are a testament to the city’s artistic legacy. Be sure to explore the workshops and museums to gain a deeper appreciation of these timeless traditions.