Tianjin, a city where walking and photography go together

The British photographer and columnist opened his personal photo exhibition Tianjin Stories in Shangri-La Tianjin on March 31, which will run until the end of April. This is his third photo exhibition held in the hotel since 2018. He shares his insights on the city's appeal and charm for photography.

Walking or at times cycling is my preferred option for capturing the feel of a place, in my case, through the lens. This is something I have avidly followed through my life of travel.

My interest in Tianjin developed many years ago when walking around, for example, historical Jiefangbei. In the 1920s, it was regarded as Asia's "first Wall Street".

The diversity of its European-style architecture, combining elements of classical Greek or Roman design, reflected the status of the financial, commercial or banking occupants. Quickly, I realized how photogenic much of the city was and, of course, the opportunities there for photography.

Today I continue documenting with my camera although my explorations have extended citywide. The Haihe River provides a range of excellent walks that offer perspectives, such as the city's relationship with the Grand Canal.

The riverbanks are popular with local fishermen patiently hoping for a catch. Tianjin is known as a "city of bridges" — individually styled and beautifully illuminated every evening. Traveling by boat along the Haihe presents a panorama of contemporary, at times stunning, architecture.

Only a short walk from the Shangri-La, where I have been staying, is the compact but attractive Jiefang Park.

Reaching the park involves crossing the Haihe via Baoding Bridge. Often I stop midway, taking in the river scene while reflecting on the days of its once busy commercial heyday.

Reaching the park, its trees recently display an abundance of seasonal colors. Such beauty is enhanced by the historical buildings around its perimeter.

The scene attracts many photographers and even aspiring artists. Nearby, the former Anglican church has been carefully restored into an arts center, its pleasant coffee shop and restaurant well worth return visits.

Another short stroll from the arts center leads to Xiaobailou, whose name translates as "Little White House". Another prominent landmark is Tianjin Concert Hall that dates back to 1922. Its roof design incorporates some inspiration from the US Capital Building in Washington DC.

Its outdoor piazza provides a popular, indeed stylish, photo spot for couples in wedding attire. The surrounding area, home to several of Tianjin's growing number of high-rise commercial buildings, contrasts with neighboring older, narrow alleys. Nearby is Wudadao (Five Great Avenues), a highly attractive and increasingly popular area.

Long-established districts continue to thrive with their vibrant street scenes presenting opportunities to capture some thoughtful moments of the city. This is where to see local people in everyday situations. Cities, after all, are about people. Tianjin is also home to beautiful temples, mosques and churches.

Today Tianjin is increasingly modernized, incorporating exciting infrastructure developments such as Metro Line 4 — several of its stations are designed to reflect local history. The recently opened Jinmao Place, a shopping mall created within the former Tianjin Power Plant is amazing.

All this provides creative opportunities as does the extension of pedestrianized shopping streets, such as Jinjie with its popular "diangdiangche" street cars. Tianjin never ceases to amaze and provides so much.

Photography, where a good image can be worth a thousand words is an important medium to share, to show how the photographer perceives a particular place.

It was encouraging for the Shangri-La Tianjin to present, in their main lobby, 80 of my images featuring recent impressions of Tianjin and its people.

I feel fortunate to have explored and documented so much of this city, something I desire to continue and to share my feelings for Tianjin.

In many ways it is a place of diversity, a city for all seasons and one which I feel passionate about.