Douglas Red
303 E. Gurley St PMB#273
Prescott, AZ 86301
United States
ph: (1) 928 776 9086
Douglas
Historical Background
If Shanghai was the Paris of the East, then Tianjin (historic spelling - "Tientsin") was the Shanghai of the North. Following the end of the Second Opium War (1860) the Chinese government under the Qing Emperor was forced to cede part of the 500 year old city to the British and French governments. Citizens of these two countries set up exclusive concession areas in which foreigners could live and work without legal accountability to Chinese laws and authorities. After hostilities ended, the new residents of Tianjin wanted to make money and make converts. During the first 40 years of concession Tianjin disputes arose over cultural misunderstandings and political ambitions.
Charles Gordon - This young British Army Engineering officer arrived in China in 1860. His first assignment was to supervise foreign troops as they looted the Summer Palace in Beijing. Then he travelled to Tianjin to design the new roads for the emerging British Concession. Finally, he was given command of Chinese troops against the Taiping rebel armies in central China. His soldiers were victorious and the British press dubbed him "Chinese Gordon."
Rev. John Innocent - This British missionary was another early arrival in Tianjin. In 1863 he arranged to take a long term lease on river-side property and built a simple hotel, called "The Mud House." Its hospitality business was successful and the building went through several renovations. Soon it was renamed the Astor House Hotel. The Astor Hotel still occupies that same historic location and is the oldest foreign managed hotel in China.
Herbert Hoover - This capable American mining engineer and his bride, Lou Hoover, arrived in Tianjin in 1899. His job was to develop coal mines for the British. In the chaos that was the Boxer Rebellion (1900) Hoover consolidated British coal properties and added large Chinese fields in Tangshan to create the British-owned Kailuan Coal Company. After leaving China he saw continuing success as a mining advisor in many countries. In 1928 he was elected President of the USA.
Walking Tours can refer you to English speaking guides in Tianjin. Historic Tianjin is best embraced on foot.
In order to fully realize the historical impact you need to be able to be ready to start and complete the route without vehicular assistance. This is designed as an adult program.
Copyright 2011 Asia Walking Tours. All rights reserved.
Douglas Red
303 E. Gurley St PMB#273
Prescott, AZ 86301
United States
ph: (1) 928 776 9086
Douglas