Nestled along the banks of the Haihe River in Hebei District, Tianjin, lies a block brimming with exotic charm — the Italianstyle Town. Originally established as the Italian Concession in Tianjin in 1902, it boasts the bestpreserved complex of Italianstyle architecture outside Italy across Asia. Over the past century, this place bears the marks of history and is filled with everyday romance.
Enclosed by Wujing Road, Bo'ai Road, Shengli Road and Jianguo Road, the town covers an area of about 28.45 hectares. Its 137 distinctive buildings were all designed by Italian architects. Featuring redtiled roofs, yellow walls and continuous arched corridors, the structures blend Roman, Gothic, Baroque and other architectural styles. Every step reveals a new picturesque scene, as if you have stepped into a small Mediterranean town.
Centennial Stories Recorded in Architecture
The Italian Concession was demarcated in 1902. Italian architects took charge of the overall planning, reclaiming lowlying land along the Haihe River and building drainage systems. A complete set of Westernstyle buildings, including consulates, barracks and churches, were erected, with the Marco Polo Square as the core of the layout.
Standing in the center of the square is the Statue of the Goddess of Peace. Built in 1923 to commemorate the end of World War I, it was initially named the Goddess of Victory. Later renamed, the figure holding an olive branch stands quietly here, witnessing the friendship between China and Italy and the aspiration for peace.
Traces of Celebrities and Enduring Culture
Through the decades, this area was not only a foreign settlement, but also a residence for many renowned figures in modern Chinese history. The Ice-Drinking Studio, former residence of Liang Qichao, is located here. He devoted himself to writing in his later years and finished many masterpieces. Former residences of Cao Yu, Yuan Shikai, Feng Guozhang and other celebrities are scattered across the block. Each building holds a story of the eventful past.
Most of these former residences have been renovated and opened to visitors. The red brick walls, carved windows and vintage colonnades, with a perfect combination of Chinese and Western elements, reflect the life of literati and statesmen of that era.
Vibrant Life and New Romantic Vibe
In 2002, protective renovation was carried out following the principle of "restoring the old to its original look", breathing new life into the age-old buildings. Today, the Italianstyle Town has become a fashionable landmark of Tianjin. In the daytime, vintage street lamps stand beside classic buildings along the cobblestone streets. Cafés, Western restaurants and cultural and creative shops line the roads, filling the air with the aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread.
As night falls, warm lights outline the red roofs and yellow walls. Soft songs float out from bars, and the gentle breeze carries the fresh breath of the Haihe River, creating an utterly romantic atmosphere.
This place is also a popular filming location. A host of films and TV dramas such as The Founding of a Republic, The Message and The Story of a Noble Family were shot here. Its timeless vintage charm has won the hearts of numerous visitors.
The Italianstyle Town of Tianjin is a perfect blend of history and romance. The centuryold buildings tell tales of the concession era and the integration of Chinese and Western cultures, while the bustling streets embrace the leisure and tenderness of the present. Wandering around here, you can not only feel the profound history of Tianjin, known as an "Expo of World Architecture", but also experience authentic Italian romance without going abroad. It is truly a most enchanting scenery along the Haihe River.
