Country | China |
Population | 13866009 |
Area | 11,946 km2 (4,612 sq mi) |
Time Zone | None |
Coordinates | 39.14222, 117.17667 |
Highest elevation | 5 m (16 ft) |
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City Description
Tianjin, a municipality in Northern China, is one of the country’s nine national central cities, boasting a population of 13,866,009 as of the 2020 census. This metropolis, located on the shore of the Bohai Sea, is not part of a province but is directly administered by the State Council of China. Tianjin’s metropolitan area, comprising 12 central districts, is home to over 11.16 million people, making it the world’s 29th-largest agglomeration and the 11th-most populous city proper.
Historically, the walled city of Tianjin was established in 1404, and it became a significant seaport and gateway to Beijing as a treaty port from 1860. During the Boxer Rebellion, it served as the seat of the Tianjin Provisional Government. Under both the Qing dynasty and the Republic of China, Tianjin emerged as a major city in the region, with European-style buildings and mansions constructed in various concessions, many of which remain today.
Modern Tianjin is characterized by its dual-core structure, with the main urban area along the Hai River and the newer Binhai area on the Bohai coast. The Hai River connects to both the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers via the Grand Canal, underscoring Tianjin’s historical significance as a transportation hub. As of 2010, approximately 285 Fortune 500 companies have operations in the Binhai New Area, earning it the nickname “China’s Manhattan.” The city has been recognized in the Global Financial Centres Index and is ranked as a Beta city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network.
Economically, Tianjin is a vital port city, classified as a Large-Port Megacity due to its substantial urban population and high port traffic volumes. The Yujiapu Financial District in Tianjin is a major financial center, contributing to the city’s status as one of the top 100 cities globally.
Tianjin is also a significant center for education and research in Northern China. It is home to prominent institutions such as Tianjin University, Nankai University, and Tianjin Medical University. The city ranks among the top 20 globally for scientific research output, as tracked by the Nature Index.
Culturally, Tianjin is known for its blend of modern and historical architecture, its role in Chinese history, and its progressive administrative policies that attract foreign direct investment. Despite facing challenges like the 1976 Tangshan earthquake and policy-driven economic depressions, Tianjin has seen considerable recovery and development, particularly since the 1990s.
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