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Nico Ranng's avatar

One thing that stands out to me from your travelogues is just how immaculately clean these Culture Streets are.

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Paul Dotta's avatar

See, now this one was special because of Xi’s visit in 2024! Before that, I always noticed how grimy the street was. There was trash piled right next to the temple. I remember that trash more than the temple. 😂 Really glad this street got a makeover.

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Debbie Liu's avatar

My abiding memory of Tianjin is grey. Everything was always grey, except during the Golden Weeks, when red flags were everywhere. and except at the local opera. where for 5 kuai i had endless refills for my cup of tea and wiled away Saturdays watching the opera. So colourful, so wonderful! the opera troupes in Tianjin were insane! and the locals always so happy to describe the particular traits of each troupe!

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Paul Dotta's avatar

The North will always have its heaviness, but thank goodness the air quality is the best I can remember it. Opera is in my future, we’ve yet to do a proper experience in Tianjin. In Shenzhen, yes, but Tianjin is the Premier League. ☺️🙏

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Debbie Liu's avatar

😀😆😊

Tianjin is premier league opera indeed!!! Long may it reign!!

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Breanna Mariposa's avatar

I appreciate how many photos you include with your articles, it feels very immersive. It always makes me smile to see the awesome art work and architecture:) Hope you have a great weekend Paul!

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Paul Dotta's avatar

Thank you Breanna, somehow I'm always missing a picture I should have taken. 😂Have a great weekend!

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Janaka Stagnaro's avatar

While the artwork are pleasing to look at, I can't help but wonder if artists who want freedom of expression would be welcome in a town holding strongly to tradition. Did you see any non-traditional art?

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Paul Dotta's avatar

Interesting question, Janaka, this shop has a singular purpose. There must be evolution and new artists making a name. In future visits I will do a wider survey of the artists in Guwenhua. 🙏

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Debbie Liu's avatar

Ah, Tianjin.😊

Thank you for this lovely tribute to a city, that as you say, seems to fly under the radar.

Those woodblock printings! Brought back memories!

I have quite a few of those beautiful clay statues so unique to Tianjin lying around my house, so I'm looking forward to the next post!!

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Paul Dotta's avatar

Thanks Debbie, I’ve been attracted to the sculptures since I first saw them. Next week is for us! 🙏

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Debbie Liu's avatar

I bought so many in Tianjin and brought many back here. They are so gorgeous, very different from other types of statues you get elsewhere. I have so much stuff that a couple of years ago I even thought of getting rid of some of the clay sculptures, but couldn't quite bring myself to! Now I've just moved two of them to stand near my laptop, with their smiles looking over. Tianjin is so underrated!!

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