The historical mission of Tianjin – the country’s marine gateway – was to defend Beijing and its environs. Thanks to a 600-year accumulation of marine transport and trade development, over the past decade Tianjin Binhai New Area has become a flourishing business and tourism destination.

Prehistoric Saline Marsh

Archaeological research shows that 6,000 years ago Binhai New Area was a vast expanse of water. Shortly after, the influence of glaciers caused a gradual recession of these waters that permanently exposed the land, forming an embankment. Two thousand years later, the Yellow River that had flooded the North China Plain for millennia changed its route, so forming a vast territory. This evolutionary process came to an end during the Song Dynasty (960-1276).

The central business district of Tianjin Binhai New Area.

This area of watered land attracted people from the north, who went there to fish and make salt. They built dwellings from reeds and clay and pioneered there a new homeland area.

These early settlers made salt from evaporating boiled sea water, according to historical records during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). The area remained a prominent salt production center throughout history.

A motorcycle stunt performance on the Kiev aircraft carrier.

As Dagukou Port was on the estuary of Haihe River, Tianjin was also a main artery for the water transportation of grain from the South China to the capital. In a sense, therefore, Binhai New Area is inextricable from Tianjin’s ancient culture. After the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) moved its capital from Nanjing to Beijing, Tianjin and its environs became the maritime port from Beijing to southern China.

China (Tianjin) Pilot Free Trade Zone’s booming prosperity now makes it a bridge between there and the rest of the world.