Tianjin Theaterstage by the Hai He River.

Yang Liu Qing Spring Festival Picture.

The importance of status and the historical environment in Tianjin made it a gathering place for Chinese and foreign civilizations. There appeared libraries, museum, art galleries and cinemas as well as art forms like modern drama, but also theatres and stages where Beijing Opera, Ping Opera and other folk arts were shown. Tianjin always took the lead in the modern drama and folk arts. Moreover, folk artcrafts like Ni Ren Zhang Color Sculpture, Yang Liu Qing Spring Festival Picture and kites made by Fengzheng Wei always enjoyed a nationwide reputation. In the field of media and higher edu-cation, Tianjin also had an extraordinary position. Ta Kung Daily started circulation in Tianjin 1902. In 1895, Peiyang University (Tianjin University), the first modern university in China, was founded in Tianjin. In 1919, Nankai University, the most famous private university in China, was established.

Sun Yet-Sen

Zhou Enlai

Tianjin’s peculiarity also attracted a large number of theorists of political reforms. Yan Fu and Liang Qichao lived in Tianjin, writing books and publishing their political opinions. Sun Yet-Sen also visited Tianjin three times for the purpose of relaying revolutionary thoughts. Many noted China Communist Party members such as Li Dazhao and Zhou Enlai led revolutionary struggles in Tianjin. Finally the people in Tianjin, along with all the Chinese people, changed the face of China and a new Tianjin was born.

Liang Qichao