Visit China | How can Tianjin, home of this month's SCO summit, be both ancient and modern?

This August, Tianjin holds a promise in its evening breeze — soon, representatives from Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states will gather here for development dialogues.

Landmarks lining the Haihe River showcase this international metropolis, where history and modernity dance in harmony. Century-old Western-style buildings cast silhouettes alongside futuristic structures, creating a skyline that narrates the city's past and present.

What stories do these photo-worthy spots hold? Let's explore with China Daily's Tianjin correspondents.

Century Clock: Where time speaks

This metallic "time ambassador" embedded with 12 crystals ticks away Tianjin's history and present. Intricate gears and rail motifs adorn its base as a nod to its location at the former Tianjin Railway Station. Once a hub for steam trains, it now echoes with the high-speed rail's rhythm.

Restored for the SCO Summit, its iconic sun-moon dial rotates anew, while intelligent lighting projections animate Tianjin's cultural legacy. Locals whisper that lovers meet "when the clock chimes", and soon, its ticks will resonate with international significance.

Jiefang Bridge: 96-year-old iron masterpiece

Spanning the Haihe River beside the clock stands Jiefang Bridge — originally Wanguo Bridge (Bridge of Nations). Built with the same steel as Paris' Eiffel Tower, this architectural titan is hailed as China's living fossil of bridges.

It is China's only double-leaf bascule bridge. Its mechanical leaves once lifted to let ships pass. At night, neon lights paint its steel frame in kaleidoscopic hues, blending its gravitas with the city's glittering skyline.

Jinwan Plaza: Fusion of East and West

A short stroll across Jiefang Bridge leads to Jinwan Plaza. Baroque grandeur meets classical elegance here, punctuated by traditional glazed tiles and Chinese latticework. Facing the shimmering Haihe with historic and modern bridges as bookends, the plaza's open-air cafes invite visitors to savor local shaved ice while watching boats glide by.

Tianjin Eye: City views from the clouds

For a bird's-eye perspective, the 120-meter-high Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel offers panoramic nighttime vistas during its 30-minute rotation. Its capsules feature interactive ceiling/floor screens projecting starscapes and cherry blossoms, plus charging ports and Bluetooth for personal playlists.

"Over 95 percent of our visitors are tourists," notes Li Mingliang, operator of this iconic landmark. "We're Tianjin's calling card."

Italian Style Town: Little Rome around the corner

Heading north along the river reveals the Italian Style Street. Its 137 Italian-designed buildings — Gothic spires, Baroque reliefs, and Roman columns — form Asia's best-preserved Italian architectural complex. Former residences of scholar Liang Qichao and playwright Cao Yu stand alongside film locations for The Founding of a Republic and The Message. German breweries, goubuli steamed buns, and authentic Venetian restaurants cater to food lovers.

Bei'an Bridge: Summer night melodies

South of the Italian quarter, Bei'an Bridge dazzles with golden statues of China's Four Celestial Guardians (azure dragon, white tiger, vermilion bird, black tortoise) at each corner — symbolizing protection for all directions. European patterns grace its railings, embodying Tianjin's cultural roots and openness.

As night falls, the bridge comes alive. Young bands play pop hits while saxophonists perform nostalgic tunes, and dance groups swirl under the stars — a testament to Tianjin's joyful spirit.

Tianjin's glowing invitation to the world

Where millennia-old traditions meet global vibrancy, Tianjin's unique charm shines brightest along the Haihe's glittering banks. As the city prepares for the SCO Summit, its luminous skyline extends an invitation to the world: Come, listen to our story.

Lu Ruotong contributed to this story.