First established under the Song Dynasty 960 A.D., Tianjin has been the economic lifeline to the capital city of Bejing.  Located on the Hai River, it was an important 19^th century port that acquired British, French and Japanese flavor.  Since Tianjin is the largest coastal opening in northern China, it quickly became a modernized port and important economic center.  There are approximately 9 million people that live in Tianjin.  Their products, such as textiles, chemicals, rubber and metallurgical items, have become highly competitive in the domestic and world markets. In recent years, they created the Tianjin Economic Development Area where many international companies have invested and established company sites within the city.  Tianjin is home to China's first university and since its pairing with Philadelphia in 1980, many educational, trade, cultural and professional exchanges have taken place.  The famous Gate in Philadelphia's Chinatown was a gift from Tianjin and is currently being restored.  We are looking forward to hosting a delegation from Tianjin in April, 2006 who will determine the detail work that remains to be done. 

On November 19, 2008,  Mayor Michael A. Nutter joined the delegation from Philadelphia’s Chinese Sister City, Tianjin, at a rededication and lighting ceremony of the Friendship Gate in Chinatown. Read more. View the gallery. Read an article.

To learn more about Tianjin, visit:

http://www.teda.gov.cn/ 

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/tianjin/

http://www.tianjin.gov.cn/