Less than an hour by high-speed train from Beijing, Tianjin, one of China's four centrally administered cities, boasts a unique blend of traditional culture and modern European architecture. Unlike the hustle and bustle of large cities, Tianjin exudes a gentle, tranquil atmosphere, much like the picturesque Hai River that meanders through the city.
Simple happiness
Autumn in Tianjin is not boisterous, nor is it preceded by sudden rain showers. Just a few cool breezes are enough to make one realize that the sweltering heat of summer has faded away. After a night of transformation, the entire city seems to put on a new coat: Thousands of ginkgo trees simultaneously turn a brilliant golden yellow, shining brightly under the characteristic dry sunshine of northern China.
Along the Haihe River, around the Tianjin Eye area, the colors of autumn spread like a soft silk ribbon across the city. Leaves on the trees glow golden like lights, while those on the ground form a smooth carpet. Tiny, delicate leaves flutter in the breeze, slowly settling onto the pavement, creating a romantic scene. This brief transition between seasons is a wonderful gift that nature bestows upon this port city.
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Trees dye the road yellow in Tianjin. (Photo courtesy of TGCC) |
The most beautiful autumn day in Tianjin is when the sun is just golden enough, the breeze is just gentle enough, and the sky is just blue enough. Watching the ginkgo leaves playfully chase each other in the wind from one bush to another, one feels as if time has stopped. It is a moment that makes anyone living here cherish their own autumn even more.
These days in Tianjin, the landscape is not only awash in golden hues, but also imbued with the scent of a city transitioning between seasons. It's the fragrant, sweet aroma of roasted chestnuts wafting through the streets. Amidst the chilly wind that penetrates your coat, holding a bag of warm chestnuts in your hands, peeling off the crispy brown shells to reveal the golden, nutty kernels as you walk along, is a simple joy. That warmth makes anyone unconsciously smile, realizing that the approaching winter isn't so frightening after all.
Memorable experiences
Autumn in Tianjin is not just for sightseeing, but a time to go outside, to feel, and to listen to the rhythm of life.
Life here is always unhurried. Tourists can leisurely stroll along the Hai Ha River, admiring the skyscrapers interspersed with classic European architecture. From late summer to autumn, the city also has an interesting highlight: the sight of elderly men gathering to swim at the Lion Forest Bridge or the Bac An Bridge. This vigor and zest for life has become a symbol of the vitality of the local people.
And when your feet are tired, stop at a tea house and enjoy the "General's Voice," a renowned comedic art form of this region.
If you're looking for a more tranquil and contemplative experience, visit the Five Great Roads area. Here, autumn seems to slow down. The ancient paulownia and ginkgo trees shed their leaves onto the arched roofs and wrought-iron balconies of century-old villas. Walking amidst the time-worn brick walls, listening to the rhythmic tapping of shoes on the quiet streets, you feel as if you've stepped into an old film, where past and present coexist, serene and full of contemplation.
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The Nankai University campus is ablaze with golden hues in autumn. (Photo courtesy of TGCC) |
Memories of Hanoi
For those far from home, autumn in Tianjin evokes a very different kind of emotion. The more beautiful it is, the more it softens the heart. Amidst the vibrant yellow hues, sometimes just a gentle breeze or a falling leaf is enough to bring back memories of home.
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The photo was taken at Dân Viên Square. (Photo courtesy of the photographer) |
At those times, I suddenly remember Hanoi mornings, the faint sound of my mother calling me to wake up for school in the cool, crisp autumn breeze, the streets covered with withered banyan leaves and yellow sấu leaves, the intoxicating scent of milk flowers in the wind, and the faint aroma of young rice flakes wafting through the streets, signaling the arrival of autumn. Compared to Tianjin, Hanoi's autumn is gentler, the sunlight is softer and more subtle. If the autumn sky in Tianjin is vast and expansive, Hanoi's autumn is intimate and full of emotion.
There were evenings returning to the dormitory, walking along the long, leaf-strewn road, the gentle breeze caressing our faces, the streetlights glistening through the foliage. At those times, we naturally felt homesick: we missed warm meals, the sound of our parents' conversations, the familiar sounds of traffic from our hometowns. Autumn in Tianjin thus became an unforgettable part of the memories of the Vietnamese student community here. It was both a season of golden beauty and a season of emotions that are difficult to put into words.
*The author is currently a graduate student at Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
| According to data from China Unicom, during the 2025 National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, Tianjin welcomed 22.1959 million tourists , a 5.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024; tourist spending reached 21.575 billion RMB, a 13.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The city achieved its goal of stable growth in the contribution of cultural and tourism products; continued to enhance its urban prestige, continuously improved cultural and tourism activities, and minimized complaints. |
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| Nankai University in the golden hues of autumn. (Photo courtesy of TGCC) |
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/sac-thu-thien-tan-337136.html
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