As Tianjin develops, it preserves old styles

TIANJIN - Upon arriving at the Astor Hotel, Liu Sutong was fascinated by what unfolded before his eyes: wooden doors, shining wall lamps, exquisite handmade carpets and a grand piano, not to mention more than 3,000 pieces of cultural relics and exhibits.

Liu and his friends, from Jilin province, booked the Astor for the weeklong Spring Festival holiday in Tianjin.

"I heard about the century-old hotel before I came here, and its architecture attracted me," Liu said.