Tianjin is a city of fascinating layers. Visitors often arrive for its famed Haihe River vistas, the colonial-era architecture of the Five Great Avenues, and the tantalizing street food. Yet, woven into the very fabric of its boulevards, parks, and squares is a silent, stoic history told through bronze and granite. Tianjin’s statues and monuments are not mere decorations; they are waypoints in the city’s narrative, reflecting its tumultuous past, cosmopolitan flair, and forward-looking spirit. For the discerning traveler, seeking out these landmarks offers a profound and alternative journey through the city’s soul.
Before diving into the grand, modern monuments, one must wander the quieter, tree-lined streets of the Wudadao (Five Great Avenues) area. Here, the statues are less about commemoration and more about atmosphere, seamlessly blending into the European-style villas.
Stroll along Machang Dao or Munan Dao, and you might encounter life-sized bronze figures frozen in early 20th-century daily life. A rickshaw puller pauses for breath, his vehicle empty beside him. A scholar, dressed in traditional long gown, seems to be in deep contemplation. These aren’t monuments to specific heroes but to the era itself. They evoke the Tianjin of the 1920s and 30s—a bustling treaty port where East and West collided. Photographing these figures against the backdrop of a Spanish villa or an English garden mansion is a quintessential Tianjin experience, a perfect fusion of sculpture and architectural tourism.
Adding a touch of whimsy, you’ll find statues celebrating the arts that flourished here. A bronze gentleman plays the violin on a corner, while a couple is captured mid-dance. These installations highlight the cultural life that thrived in these international concessions. They are incredibly popular photo ops, encouraging visitors not just to observe, but to interact—to pretend to play the violin or join the dance. This interactivity makes them perennial social media hotspots.
The banks of the Haihe River serve as Tianjin’s primary stage for large-scale monumental art. Here, the scale shifts from the intimate to the majestic, telling stories of foundation, liberation, and resilience.
Near the Tianjin Railway Station, in the heart of the Haihe Riverside Park, stands one of the city’s most beautiful and symbolic monuments: the Haihe Goddess. This elegant, towering white sculpture depicts a goddess holding a heavenly pearl aloft, with flowing robes that seem to ripple like water. She symbolizes the life-giving and nurturing spirit of the Haihe River, the "Mother River" of Tianjin. For locals, she is a beloved emblem of the city’s identity. For tourists, she offers a stunning focal point for sunrise or night photography, especially when illuminated against the modern skyline. The plaza around her is always lively, a hub for evening strolls, kite flying, and river cruises, making it a central tourism nexus.
Further along the river, near Jiefang Bridge, stands the solemn and imposing Monument to the People’s Heroes. A towering obelisk of granite, it commemorates those who sacrificed their lives in revolutionary struggles, particularly for the liberation of Tianjin. Its severe, dignified form, often seen with wreaths at its base, presents a stark contrast to the flowing Goddess. It’s a site of historical reverence and a reminder of the transformative wars of the 20th century. Visitors often pause here to appreciate its solemnity and the sweeping views of the Haihe it commands.
Beyond history, Tianjin’s monuments also celebrate its cultural character, humor, and contemporary achievements.
No discussion of Tianjin’s statues is complete without mentioning its most deliciously famous one: the Goubuli steamed bun eaters. Outside the original Goubuli restaurant on Shandong Road, a bronze scene depicts a family—a grandfather, grandmother, and child—enthusiastically devouring the famed baozi. This statue is a masterpiece of tourism-centric art. It directly ties the monument to a tangible, experiential hotspot: trying the legendary buns yourself. It’s playful, it’s authentic, and it celebrates a core aspect of Tianjin’s identity: its culinary prowess. Tourists queue to take pictures sitting beside the bronze family, making it one of the most "tasted" monuments in the city.
In the bustling shopping district of Heping Road, a more recent addition captures the hearts of locals. The statue of Ma Sanli, the beloved master of Xiangsheng (crosstalk), shows him in a classic performing pose, his face etched with a kind and witty smile. Ma Sanli spent much of his life in Tianjin, and the art form is deeply associated with the city’s teahouse culture. This statue isn’t just a tribute to a man; it’s a monument to Tianjin’s sense of humor, its love for language, and its vibrant performing arts scene. It’s a must-see for cultural tourists wanting to connect with the local spirit.
Tianjin’s monumentality isn’t confined to statues. Entire structures serve as monumental landmarks, with their own iconic "statues" integrated into their design.
While not a statue, the Tianjin Eye ferris wheel, straddling the Yongle Bridge, is arguably the city’s most dominant modern monument. Its colossal, ring-shaped form is a sculpture of steel and light against the sky. By night, it becomes a dazzling, rotating crown for the Haihe River. Riding the Eye is a top tourist activity, offering panoramic views that encompass many of the stone and bronze monuments below. It represents Tianjin’s 21st-century ambition and its status as a major tourism and engineering marvel.
Similarly, the famed Porcelain House (China House) on Chifeng Road is a monument to eccentric artistry. While the building itself is the attraction, it is adorned with countless porcelain figurines, vases, and plate fragments that create a stunning, statue-like facade. The figures of dragons, lions, and mythical beasts crafted from ceramic pieces make the entire structure a sprawling, inhabitable monument to Chinese ceramic art and one man’s visionary passion. It’s a hotspot for Instagrammers and art lovers alike.
Each statue, from the humble peddler in Wudadao to the majestic Haihe Goddess, forms a chapter. They invite travelers to move beyond guidebooks, to touch the cool bronze of a rickshaw puller, to sit with a laughing family about to enjoy a famous snack, or to gaze up at a revolutionary obelisk. They provide context, create memorable photographs, and anchor the tourist experience in the deep, layered story of this dynamic riverfront metropolis. In Tianjin, history isn’t just in museums—it’s on the streets, waiting to be met face-to-face.
Copyright Statement:
Author: Tianjin Travel
Link: https://tianjintravel.github.io/travel-blog/tianjins-most-famous-statues-and-monuments.htm
Source: Tianjin Travel
The copyright of this article belongs to the author. Reproduction is not allowed without permission.