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We’re Moving to China — And Everyone Thinks We’re Crazy!
Tianjin Travel: Is This Overlooked Chinese City the Best Place to Live?
Everyone ignores this city in China — but after spending some time here, we’re starting to wonder if it might actually be the best place to live.
While most people only think of Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, we decided to explore somewhere completely different: Tianjin, a massive modern city that...
Everyone ignores this city in China — but after spending some time here, we’re starting to wonder if it might actually be the best place to live.
While most people only think of Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, we decided to explore somewhere completely different: Tianjin, a massive modern city that few foreigners ever talk about.
We’re seriously considering making this our new home in China. Could this be the move that changes everything?
September 2025 | Vlog 550 | Tianjin, China
13/34 Province
When we finally started our adventure
Embark on a journey to Tianjin, a Chinese metropolis often overlooked in favor of Beijing or Shanghai. This video explores the surprising appeal of Tianjin as a potential new home, challenging conventional perceptions of China travel. Discover the allure of this modern city and consider its possibilities for a life-changing move. Join the Dridgers as they uncover hidden gems and unique experiences in this captivating destination.
Everyone ignores this city in China — but after spending some time here, we’re starting to wonder if it might actually be the best place to live.
While most people only think of Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, we decided to explore somewhere completely different: Tianjin, a massive modern city that few foreigners ever talk about.
We’re seriously considering making this our new home in China. Could this be the move that changes everything?
September 2025 | Vlog 550 | Tianjin, China
13/34 Province
When we finally started our adventure
In this episode of On Tour With Dridgers, the travel couple Ben and Rianne explore Tianjin, a city they are seriously considering as a base for their travels in Asia. Having spent about a year and a half in China, they've fallen in love with the country and are looking for a practical and affordable location to establish a home base while continuing to explore the world. Tianjin stands out due to its affordability compared to major cities like Shanghai and Beijing, and its convenient 30-minute proximity to Beijing, offering access to an international airport.
Their first impressions of Tianjin involve navigating the city's metro system, which is a key factor in their decision-making process, as some less-known provinces lack this essential amenity. They demonstrate how to use the metro via Alipay and WeChat, noting the system's efficiency and the relative quietness of the city compared to first-tier metropolises, especially during off-peak hours. The city's flat terrain also makes it conducive to walking and cycling.
A significant portion of their exploration focuses on the local food scene, with a particular highlight being the famous steamed buns of Tianjin. They join a queue of locals, a sure sign of good food, and are delighted to discover a chocolate-filled version of these buns, describing the taste as rich, luxurious, and incredibly satisfying. This culinary experience underscores their belief that great food is a crucial element for choosing a place to live.
The couple also experiences the city's unique blend of old and new architecture, noting colonial-style buildings alongside modern high-rises. They encounter friendly locals, including a heartwarming interaction with a man who had hearing difficulties but was exceptionally welcoming. This personal connection is a recurring theme, as they also get recognized by a fan named Sin from Singapore, highlighting the impact of their online presence.
Their exploration of Tianjin includes a visit to the Bing Jiang walking street, which, despite being mid-afternoon on a Friday, shows signs of becoming lively. They are captivated by the vibrant, over-the-top shop designs and 3D displays common in China. They also visit an Irish pub, noting the Western prices but appreciating the familiar comfort it offers, and even finding a red post box, a small touch of home.
The narrative touches upon the practicalities of living in China, such as the convenience of delivery services via robots and the ease of obtaining a new hotel key card if one is lost, contrasting it with European experiences. They express a desire to find more affordable local bars, as current prices in Western-style establishments are quite high.
As their exploration continues, they reflect on the relaxed and chilled-out atmosphere of Tianjin compared to the hustle and bustle of larger cities. They also plan for future content, including a visit to Beijing to showcase the lives of middle-class families and government assistance programs. The video concludes with them extending their stay in Tianjin due to a delayed online delivery, showcasing the flexibility they have as travelers and their commitment to exploring China province by province.
Join Ben and Rianne of On Tour With Dridgers as they explore Tianjin, a city they're considering making their new home in China. This episode delves into Tianjin's pros and cons, from its efficient metro system and affordability to its delicious local food, especially the famous chocolate-filled steamed buns. Experience their interactions with friendly locals, discover the city's unique blend of colonial and modern architecture, and get a glimpse into their decision-making process for finding the perfect base in China.
Travelers Ben and Rianne explore Tianjin, China, weighing it as a potential home base. They discover delicious food, friendly locals, and a unique city vibe.
Tianjin Travel Guide: Exploring China's Hidden Gem
1:35 To choose a base in China, consider factors like metro access, affordability, proximity to international airports, and local food quality.
2:25 Utilize mobile payment apps like Alipay or WeChat for seamless metro travel in China, allowing easy QR code scanning for entry.
3:48 Tianjin offers convenience with its flat terrain, making it ideal for walking and cycling, complemented by a good bus system.
4:12 Consider Tianjin for its affordability compared to major Chinese cities and its strategic location, just 30 minutes from Beijing's international airport.
6:45 When visiting a new Chinese city, explore the local walking streets like Tianjin's Bing Jiang for an authentic feel and vibrant atmosphere.
9:40 Follow the queues of locals to discover the best and most authentic food experiences, a reliable indicator of popular and delicious local cuisine.
14:09 Tianjin presents a fascinating mix of colonial-era architecture alongside modern structures, offering a unique visual experience.
18:44 Finding affordable local bars can be challenging; seek recommendations for places offering good value compared to Western-priced establishments.
22:28 China offers a high level of safety, making it a comfortable environment for travelers and potential residents alike.
26:48 Embrace the convenience of China's delivery services, including robot deliveries, which streamline daily life and enhance ease of living.
29:04 For accommodation, explore various platforms for both short-term and long-term rentals to find suitable options based on your travel plans.
1:35 To choose a base in China, consider factors like metro access, affordability, proximity to international airports, and local food quality.
2:25 Utilize mobile payment apps like Alipay or WeChat for seamless metro travel in China, allowing easy QR code scanning for entry.
3:48 Tianjin offers convenience with its flat terrain, making it ideal for walking and cycling, complemented by a good bus system.
4:12 Consider Tianjin for its affordability compared to major Chinese cities and its strategic location, just 30 minutes from Beijing's international airport.
6:45 When visiting a new Chinese city, explore the local walking streets like Tianjin's Bing Jiang for an authentic feel and vibrant atmosphere.
9:40 Follow the queues of locals to discover the best and most authentic food experiences, a reliable indicator of popular and delicious local cuisine.
14:09 Tianjin presents a fascinating mix of colonial-era architecture alongside modern structures, offering a unique visual experience.
18:44 Finding affordable local bars can be challenging; seek recommendations for places offering good value compared to Western-priced establishments.
22:28 China offers a high level of safety, making it a comfortable environment for travelers and potential residents alike.
26:48 Embrace the convenience of China's delivery services, including robot deliveries, which streamline daily life and enhance ease of living.
29:04 For accommodation, explore various platforms for both short-term and long-term rentals to find suitable options based on your travel plans.
0:22 Welcome to Tianjin
1:19 Metro exploration
2:25 Using Alipay for metro
4:06 Affordability and location
4:46 Importance of food
6:45 Bing Jiang walking street
9:40 Famous Tianjin food
14:09 Colonial architecture
15:15 Riverside 66 mall
17:22 Irish pub experience
21:27 European feel of the city
23:13 Clock roundabout landmark
24:45 Hotel check-in drama
26:03 Morning coffee run
28:34 Apartment hunting
31:34 Hotel check-out and new plans
32:34 Planning Beijing visit
0:22 Welcome to Tianjin
1:19 Metro exploration
2:25 Using Alipay for metro
4:06 Affordability and location
4:46 Importance of food
6:45 Bing Jiang walking street
9:40 Famous Tianjin food
14:09 Colonial architecture
15:15 Riverside 66 mall
17:22 Irish pub experience
21:27 European feel of the city
23:13 Clock roundabout landmark
24:45 Hotel check-in drama
26:03 Morning coffee run
28:34 Apartment hunting
31:34 Hotel check-out and new plans
32:34 Planning Beijing visit
on tour with dridgers#otwd中國中國旅遊moving to china在中國生活china expat天津tianjin traveltravel in chinaliving in tianjintianjin expatnorthern china中國美食tianjin foodbest thing to do in chinachina tourtop 10 chinachina travel guidetianjin guideben and reanneforeignersforeign外國人的中國見聞first impression of china中国旅游What were the steamed buns like?
They were famous in Tianjin and filled with rich, luxurious chocolate, making them incredibly good and popular with locals.
What was the most surprising thing about Tianjin?
The relaxed atmosphere, the blend of colonial and modern architecture, and the incredible chocolate-filled steamed buns were all delightful surprises.
Is it easy to get around Tianjin?
Yes, Tianjin has a good metro system, and its flat terrain makes walking and cycling convenient. Buses are also available.
How do you use the metro in China?
You can use mobile payment apps like Alipay or WeChat to get a QR code for easy entry onto the metro.
What are the pros of living in Tianjin?
It's more affordable than major cities, close to Beijing for international travel, and has a relaxed vibe with great food.
What are the cons of living in Tianjin?
Finding affordable Western-style bars can be difficult, and while the metro is good, ensuring an apartment is near a station is important.
What was the experience like at the Irish pub?
It was a bit pricey with Western prices, but offered a familiar comfort, and they even found a red post box, a small reminder of home.
How convenient is life in China?
Extremely convenient, with easy metro access, efficient delivery services (even by robots), and helpful locals.
