Tianjin Treasure: July 2008

Tianjin is not exactly the picture of China that I have imagined visiting...instead of a remote mountain village, I'm headed to a bright and shiny bustling city of over 11 million. Yes, that's the population of DFW and Houston combined - all living in a space roughly half the size of the DFW metroplex. Cozy!

It's clear that as the largest port city in North China, the city - along with most of the rest of China - is prospering. It definitely does not appear that we will be roughing it on our visit.

I have done several searches at different times, trying to find what Tianjin is most known for. Apparently it's their goubuli baozi ... steamed buns stuffed with pork and spices. It never fails to be the first item that turns up on the search!

Yummmmm. More and more I believe this was a match made in heaven!! :) Unfortunately while I plan to eat LOTS of them while I'm there, it's not really something I can bring home to share with Baby J as a souvenir of his birthplace as he gets older.

Tianjin is also supposedly known for a certain kind of clay figurine based on the style and techniques of Master Zhang. There are 2 schools of clay figurine sculpting - the Wuxi style (over a thousand years of history) and the Zhang style (late 1800's). The Zhang style seems to be known for being more lifelike with vivid facial expressions compared to the colorful figures of the Wuxi style. Famous people, laughing buddhas and warriors are the main figurine themes. I'll be looking for these when we get to "Ancient Culture Street."

One gift I'm definitely going to look for is one of Tiajin's famous kites. The technique developed by Master Wei involves "vivid designs, elegant colors and exquisite handicraft" that make them unique among the six schools of kitemaking. What I don't know yet is if it will break the bank to buy one to display at home!

For a little more about Tianjin and the Children's Welfare Institute where Baby J has lived his early life, check out Half the Sky. I can't say enough about the great work they do and am SO thankful that my little guy will have reaped the benefits of their love and care during his time there.