A group of 50 journalists and influencers toured Tianjin Binhai New Area on Sept 25, exploring key attractions which gave them an insight into the area's coastal charm and the accelerating impact of technological innovation on daily life.

Tianjin Binhai Library [Photo provided by Tianjin Binhai New Area]

The tour began at the renowned Tianjin Binhai Library, popular on social media for its distinctive "mountain of books" design, with 34 undulating layers of white steps offering a striking visual appeal. The library attempts to cater for all audiences, with dedicated reading areas for seniors and the visually impaired.

The Binhai Cultural Center, home to venues that include an art museum, a science museum, a performance center and a library, has been a cultural landmark since its opening on Oct 1, 2017. It has become a cultural hub of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region that delivers a range of services, including educational programs, science outreach and event management.

A guochao (national tide or China chic) dance performance is seen in the Beitang Ancient Town in Tianjin, North China. [Photo provided by Tianjin Binhai New Area]

The next destination was Beitang Ancient Town, a site steeped in maritime history and local culture. This year, the town introduced boat tours, giving visitors the opportunity to glide along its canals while admiring historical architecture, bridges and fortifications. The town's unique blend of cultural heritage, coastal atmosphere and relaxed city life offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

As part of the upcoming National Day festivities, the ancient town will present guochao (national tide or China chic) dance performances, merging traditional Chinese dance with modern rhythms – a vibrant display of cultural creativity set against the backdrop of the ancient town.

Drone fireworks light up the sky over the Tianjin TEDA Aircraft Carrier Theme Park. [Photo provided by Tianjin Binhai New Area]

In the afternoon, the group visited the Tianjin TEDA Aircraft Carrier Theme Park. Known for its grand-scale performances, including the naval battle spectacle and the high-octane show, the park has become a must-see attraction. From Oct 2 to 6, the park will host a special evening event featuring a drone fireworks display, inviting tourists to witness an awe-inspiring visual extravaganza.

The urban infrastructure platform of Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Smart Center provides a live snapshot of the city's daily operations. [Photo provided by Tianjin Binhai New Area]

The final stop on the tour was the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Smart Center, where participants were introduced to the "city of the future". A massive digital screen displayed real-time data on traffic, environmental conditions, public services and urban management.

The Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City, a joint venture between China and Singapore, is the world's first intergovernmental eco-city project. As one of China's pilot smart cities, it aims to serve as a model for intelligent management, economic vitality and sustainable urban development.