Summer Davos founder and WEF chief sings Tianjin's praises as summit location

City ready to exert its charms as it hosts world business leaders, Yang Cheng reports.

In the wake of the original proposal by World Economic Forum Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab, the Annual Meeting of the New Champions, widely known as the Summer Davos, has successfully been held in Tianjin every two years since 2008.

Schwab said Davos' cooperation with Tianjin had been pleasant and he looked forward to this year's event, being held from Tuesday through Thursday.

He also expressed his strong confidence in its future, during the Tianjin Night event held in January in Switzerland, the home turf of Davos, adding that he was a true and old friend "witnessing the yesterday and tomorrow of the dynamic city".

The gala night on Jan 24 began with a beautiful violin performance, heard by thousands of visitors, who joined in the fun after having earlier listened to addresses given by keynote speakers.

A dynamic video, showcasing the city's commitment to high-quality development at the Tianjin Night, proved to be a highlight of the Winter Davos.

During the gala night, Schwab noted that Tianjin was a highly vibrant and innovative city and this summer would see numerous global leaders gathering in the city to share their insights on "shaping innovative societies in the fourth industrial revolution".

In some previous interviews with Chinese media, he observed that Tianjin, as an open and inclusive city, consistently gives people who go there wonderful experiences.

He added that the Annual Meeting of the New Champions provided a platform for international exchanges among decision makers from different industries, and their discussions on innovation would help their companies to become more competitive.

On June 29, Tianjin Mayor Zhang Guoqing met with Borge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum.

Brende said the WEF's cooperation with Tianjin had established a sound foundation. Brende added that the WEF was confident about the momentum for Tianjin's future growth and believed that through its cooperation, the forum would achieve still greater success with Tianjin in the future.

Culture

Many observers say its profound culture is another facet that keeps shining the spotlight on Tianjin, compared with other Chinese cities.

Schwab once noted that the design of the Tianjin Culture Center is "distinctive". The library, theater and museums in the city are "amazing", he added.

The beautiful city has also drawn other notable people, including modern cultural icons interested in moving their business operations there.

One of them is a mover and shaker in the world of movies. Internationally renowned director James Cameron is the new kid on the block in Tianjin Binhai New Area, an emerging coastal area in the city, which boasts leading industries and an alluring cultural environment.

Cameron Pace Group China, led by James Cameron and cinematographer Vince Pace, has moved into 6,000 square meters of space, designed for post-production, exhibitions, research and development, and with room to spare for a private cinema.

As the only branch the group has established in Asia, CPG China has become involved in 3D feature films, sports broadcasts, television events, and 3D training and promotion films in the region.

According to Cameron, CPG China will continue to use Hollywood's advanced film technologies to tell China's traditional stories to a global audience, furthering the integration of Chinese and international cultures.

In another development, Tianjin Binhai New Area has already seen its Sino-Singapore Eco-City become one of Asia's largest cartoon and creative cultural centers with numerous leading films being made there.

Architecture

Tianjin's magnificent architecture is yet another lure for global visitors.

US photographer Trey Ratcliff, known internationally for his images and stories-which capture the new, unexpected and beautiful in a destination - was entranced with the place during a walk in June, when he took in its historical and modern charms.

His stay in Tianjin came in the wake of his"80 stays around the world" tour of Southeast Asia and China.

"Compared with other destinations, I was fascinated with the architecture and the relaxed and easy-going Tianjin people," he said.

The city, famed for its foreign-style buildings constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by businesspeople trading with Tianjin, has inherited a "kaleidoscope" of hundreds of examples of Western architecture, Ratcliff said. History has left the city with around 2,000 buildings designed by foreigners, in the Gothic, Renaissance, and other rich styles.

Food

Food is another compelling reason that foreign leaders, investors and visitors love to come to Tianjin.

During Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to China in June, he chose Tianjin as a stop.

He made his own Chinese baozi, or steamed stuffed bun, and jianbingguozi - the popular snack in northern China that consists of deep fried dough sticks rolled in a thin pancake - at renowned Tianjin baozi restaurant Go Believe on June 8.

Putin reportedly appreciated the flavors so much he asked a senior Chinese official to especially remember that the jianbingguozi was "made by him" and to share it with him.

Overall, Tianjin has become a mecca for global gourmets thanks to its numerous fine restaurants.

One example is Kiessling, established in 1906 and the oldest Western restaurant in the city.

Environment

The transformation of Tianjin's residential environment has also attracted the keen interest of foreign officials and investors over the past two decades.

Steve Moody, the director of the International School of Tianjin, has been living in the coastal city for 22 years.

A witness to the changes and prosperous development there, Moody said that years ago "there were so many bicycles but no paths or taxis on the road, and very few people owned cars". At that time the roads were not in good condition and few trees were being planted, he added.

Nowadays, however, that's all changed - nearly every Tianjin resident owns a car, and the transport infrastructure, including roads and highways, is "incredible".

Tianjin has already turned into a green city, he said.

"Tianjin, which is gradually connected with the world, has provided a lot of convenience for people in their living environment," Moody said, indicating that products that were once hard to buy in Tianjin are now available through a variety of channels.

In addition, Moody said he regarded Tianjin as one of the most habitable cities, not only because of its pleasant living atmosphere, but also the enthusiastic and talkative character that the Tianjin people possess. 

Tianjin in northern China is hosting the Annual Meeting of the New Champions, widely known as the Summer Davos, which will last through Thursday. Provided to China Daily

The Haihe River running through Tianjin has long been at the heart of the city's identity and growth. Provided to China Daily

Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City has grown into a center of creative businesses in the city. Provided to China Daily