Recently, sponsored by Nankai University Library, “The East Meets the West – Photo Exhibition of Tianjin Historical Architecture”  was held in the lobby on the second floor of the library in Jinnan campus, Nankai University.

As a famous national historical and cultural city, Tianjin possesses profound historical and cultural heritage and unique human landscapes, known as “exotic building clusters”.

The photos displayed in this exhibition were divided into two categories: “traditional architecture” and “modern architecture”. “Traditional architecture” records the urban changes centered on the development of the old town since Tianjin city was founded. “Modern architecture” narrates the ups and downs since the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, which can be divided into office, finance, commerce, institutions, gardens, transportation and residence, etc. in terms of function. Distinctive banks, shops and former residences of celebrities are a historical epitome of Tianjin as a portal and an economic central city of the northwest-north-northeast China. Each building is equipped with old photos shot in the early 20th century and new photos shot around 2014. Through the comparison between “old look” and “new scenes”, visitors can feel the changes of the times and recall the tremendous changes and prosperity of history. 

To enhance the understanding and love of teachers and students from Nankai University for Tianjin, the library organized an activity named “Getting Acquainted with Tianjin” by collecting photos of historical architecture and excellent photographic works of teachers and students were displayed on the spot. What's more, the collection of books related to Tianjin history and culture were also exhibited, so that visitors could get the opportunity to explore the history and culture of Tianjin in an in-depth and systematic way.

(Reported by Wang Yuan and Qiao Renming, edited and translated by Nankai News Team.)