Tianjin, a city with a population of several million and the gateway to Peking, has been an important trading town by the great canal since the 13th century. In 1860, Tianjin was opened to foreigners and overseas trade. After Shanghai it is the most important coastal city in the Middle Kingdom, with a population of 9.5 million. "Food street" has a huge variety of regional dishes e.g. sweet meat, Zhang-style peanuts, filled and non-filled baked goods, deep fried food and much much more besides. In the "street of the old culture" you can find hand-made items and pretty souvenirs. Other sights include the Dabei Monastery, the fort at Dagukou and the large mosque.
