Jinnan

Jinnan District combines remnants of modern history with rural scenery and leisure spots suited to photography, making it ideal for a weekend road trip or metro outing. Below is an introduction to its attractions, food, accommodation, and travel tips.

• Xiaozhan Military Training Park: Considered the cradle of China’s modern army, this is where Yuan Shikai trained the “New Army.” The park includes a military academy and a modern military history museum, and visitors can try on military uniforms for photos. Artillery demonstrations are also held on weekends, combining historical displays with interactive experiences.

• Gushui Sunzhuang: This is one of Jinnan’s quieter villages. It is home to the Chibao 56 Cultural Arts Center, known as Tianjin’s version of “Oriental Charm,” whose red-brick domed buildings are distinctive. Nearby are acres of rice paddies and crab-fishing ponds, suitable for photos, walks, and family activities.

• Thousand-Mu Rice Fields: Search for “Xiaozhan Rice Association Planting Core Area” in your navigation app. The site has a giant rice-field painting and a panoramic observation deck. Visitors can ride a small train through the fields and try catching rice-field crabs. Admission and parking are free.

• Haihe Education Park: The new campuses of Nankai University and Tianjin University are located here. The campuses feature spacious, modern architecture, and the central ecological lake is quite large. The park is well suited to cycling, and the glass pyramid exterior of Zhengdong Library is especially distinctive.

• China Stone Park: The park’s main attractions include European-style castles, lake views, white pigeons, and an exhibition hall of unusual stones. It is often called Tianjin’s “Hogwarts.” Admission is 20 yuan, making it a good place for fairy-tale-style photos. A visit usually takes about two hours.

• Times Memory Museum: The museum displays period objects and precious historical photographs. Its overall atmosphere is nostalgic, and it is suitable for bringing children to learn about revolutionary culture. Admission is free for visitors under 18.

Suggested Itineraries

• One-day trip (history, countryside, and photography): Start the morning at Xiaozhan Military Training Park to learn about modern history, then have Xiaozhan stewed fish for lunch. In the afternoon, drive to Gushui Sunzhuang, visit the Chibao 56 red-brick castle, and walk and take photos beside the acres of rice fields. In the evening, return to Xianshuigu Old Street for local snacks, then head to Yueya River Park to enjoy the night view.
• Two-day trip (leisure and family fun):
  • Day 1: Visit China Stone Park in the morning to admire its European-style castle scenery. In the afternoon, cycle around Haihe Education Park and take in the campus surroundings. In the evening, dine at Wuyue Plaza or the university-town night market.
  • Day 2: Visit the thousand-mu rice fields to see the rice-field painting, ride the small train, and try catching rice-field crabs for a taste of rural life. Return in the afternoon.

Must-Try Foods in Jinnan

Choosing Accommodation

• Xianshuigu commercial area: Suitable for travelers who prioritize convenient dining and lower accommodation costs. Xinhua City Plaza and Wuyue Plaza are nearby, and taxis to the attractions are relatively convenient. Consider the Select 8 Inn (University Town) or Hanting Hotel (Wuyue), with prices just over 100 yuan and fairly complete basic facilities.
• Near Haihe Education Park/National Convention and Exhibition Center: This area is relatively quiet and better suited to travelers driving themselves or preferring a slower-paced itinerary. Aeon Mall is nearby, and you can also choose a guesthouse or a light-luxury two-bedroom apartment, suitable for families or groups of friends.

Transportation and Travel Tips

• Transportation: Jinnan’s attractions are spread out. Xiaozhan Military Training Park, the thousand-mu rice fields, and Gushui Sunzhuang are best reached by car, with relatively convenient parking. By metro, take Line 1 to Donggulu Station or Shuangqiaohe Station, then take a taxi to the attractions.
• Tips:
  • When visiting Gushui Sunzhuang, navigate directly to “Chibao 56 Cultural Arts Center.” Searching only for “Gushui Sunzhuang” may leave you with a long walk.
  • Xiaozhan Military Training Park is closed on Mondays; confirm opening hours before setting out.
  • The thousand-mu rice fields are usually harvested at the end of October. In early to mid-October, you may still see golden waves of rice, but it is best to confirm whether the site is open before you go.
  • Xianshuigu Market operates only on the fifth and tenth days of the lunar month, so check the calendar when planning your trip.
  • Some universities in Haihe Education Park require visitors to swipe an ID card to enter, and teaching buildings are not open to the public. It is best to focus your visit and photography on public areas and the lakeside.