This week’s field trip was more than just an all-inclusive trip to Tianjin, but a rare opportunity to experience the city through a historical and cultural lens. Very rarely am I so prepared and equipped with a whole lecture worth of knowledge when traveling to a new city. However, through the assigned readings, I was able to apply what we have learned in class directly to our field trip.
From Tianjin’s unique colonial architecture and historical significance, I could tell that Tianjin is very different from any other city in China. Prior to this class, I was not aware of how much western influence was in Tianjin. When we walked through the foreign concessions, I truly felt like I was walking through Europe. However, in some other parts of the city, I felt like the European style statues and architecture clashed with the modern style of Chinese buildings. As Professor Xu explained, there has been much criticism from Tianjin locals about some colonial influences such as the provocative European statues. While many of the colonial structures are now preserved as historical sites, their presence can feel like a lingering imprint of unequal power dynamics. Although I can appreciate the attempt to blend the East and the West, some parts of the city still feel incohesive even though there is the push to rebrand Tianjin as a “global city.” It still feels as if the city of Tianjin is still struggling to find its identity by reconciling its historical wounds with modern influence.
The first day on this field trip I felt very much like a tourist, walking through the concessions, marveling at the diverse architecture, and sampling traditional Tianjin cuisine. One highlight of the trip was definitely all the delicious food we had. As a food enthusiast, I very much appreciated the presentation and creativity of all the dishes. I certainly did not expect that we would be eating this well on the trip. The most memorable dish was the pan-fried sesame pancake– so crispy, so fragrant– it awoke all my five senses.
I very much enjoyed the walk through 古文化街 where I got to see Tianjin’s traditional arts, crafts, and folk culture, a striking change after walking through the Italian concession. Located along the 海河, I could see the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty in 古文化街, with its ornate archways, classic gray brick buildings, and traditional red lanterns hanging above the bustling walkways. We browsed through shops filled with local handicrafts and Tianjin’s specialty items such as new year paintings (杨柳青年画) and clay figurines (泥人张). The shop owners are also very friendly, although sometimes too friendly, and are very proud of their craft and heritage. One shop owner demonstrated his knife skills by slicing a traditional Tianjin dessert with his eyes closed– very impressive! 古文化街 created a blend history, tradition, and modern-day tourism. While it is very clear that it is catered toward tourists, it still serves as a reminder of Tianjin’s deeply rooted Chinese heritage despite its colonial influence.
That night, after dinner, we were able to explore the city by ourselves and it was the first time I was able to see 相声, a performance art that originated in Tianjin. Although I only understood 60% of what the performers were saying, it still made for a very memorable experience. The performers’ energy, the clever use of wordplay, and the way they connected with the audience provided a window into a part of Tianjin’s cultural identity. I was so impressed by how they are able to stay so composed on stage without stumbling over a single word and staying in rhythm. There are certain nuances and patterns I noticed in between the banter of the two performers. One always starts by introducing themselves and then makes fun of the other performer through a witty pun of their name or pretends to forget to introduce them entirely. And then it goes back and forth like a ping-pong match. It felt like more than just a performance and I felt like I was more than just a member of the audience; it was a living piece of history and I had the chance to witness it firsthand.
The second day was the most interesting and immersive of the two days. We were introduced to four college students of Tianjin who were the same age as us. They were a very lively bunch of students. Although the first time meeting them was a bit 尴尬, after we paired up, it felt more natural and we were able to freely converse.
My partner, 田可一, was born and raised in Tianjin. She shared many aspects of their way of life and the typical weekend of a Tianjin student with me. One piece of their life that really stood out to me was the difference in education each of them experienced in China. 田可一 had a very different high school experience than the student from Nanjing. He explained to us that they would wake up before the sun even came up to get to the school grounds by 5am to start studying. By the time they get home, it is usually already night time and many of the students spend so much time in school that they don’t see the sun for many days.
This made me reflect on my high school experience and how I would complain about waking up at 6:45am, but for the Nanjing student, he was already immersed in a stack of textbooks. At 3pm, I had the privilege to get back home in time for extracurricular activities but he was only halfway through his typical day at school.
The stark contrast between the American and Chinese education systems highlights fundamental differences in their educational philosophies. The American education system focuses more on a well-rounded student, allowing the student to choose between a blend of academics, artistry, athleticism, and community service. It allows students to find their niche and fosters personal growth and development. In contrast, the Chinese education system is very much the opposite, prioritizing academic achievement above all else. Although some who are excellent test takers and naturally gifted learners may thrive in this environment, it can be detrimental to those who struggle in traditional learning environments, leaving them with limited opportunities to succeed and only one measure to determine their academic worth. Additionally, 田可一 also mentioned how the Chinese education system does not encourage participation in class. Many teachers will misinterpret questions from students as a sign of inattentiveness rather than active engagement. This dynamic not only stifles curiosity but also creates a cycle in which students become increasingly reluctant to participate, further reinforcing passive learning.
As I conversed with 田可一, I noticed that even though we had very different upbringings, 田可一 and I still had many similar interests. Even though we grew up on opposite sides of the world, shaped by distinct cultures, educational systems, and daily routines, we consumed a lot of the same popular media, tv shows, music, and similar ideals.
Despite these similarities, our conversation also revealed some unique cultural differences, particularly in education and career expectations. 田可一 described how language learning is often tied to international business opportunities in China. However, she was also curious about Europe and the Italian language from the beginning, perhaps influenced by the colonial presence in Tianjin. She hopes to work in the Chinese embassy in Italy with a focus in finance to avoid the competitive work environment in China. I reflected on how foreign language education is approached in my own academic experience. Language learning in the states is typically overlooked and not taken seriously in schools. It was interesting to compare how we both viewed globalization—not just as an abstract concept, but as something shaping our personal and professional lives.
By the end of our conversation, I walked away with a new perspective on how interconnected today’s world is. While cultural differences will always exist, the shared experiences of the younger generation—whether through media, education, or personal ambitions—create common ground that bridges geographic divides.
Beyond these cultural and historical insights, the trip made me realize the importance of experiential learning. Friday’s class was meant to set a foundational understanding of Tianjin’s rich history and cultural influence. However, it was incredibly rewarding to apply that knowledge in a real-world setting. Learning can be much more meaningful and effective when you can step into the places you’ve read about and the pictures you’ve seen and witness how history still shapes the present.
Overall, the trip to Tianjin widened my perspective on how the uniqueness of “global cities” like Tianjin, balances tradition and modernity. I can see how the history is preserved and also reinterpreted, how many cultural elements like humor and cuisine are deeply intertwined with the identity of the city and its people. Tianjin serves as a reminder that traveling is not just about seeing a new place, tasting its food, and wandering through historical streets. It is about challenging preconceived ideas, noticing little details that might otherwise be overlooked, and leaving the place with a deeper understanding of the world.