Top 10 things to do in Tianjin

From top:  mahua, goubuli steamed buns , erduoyan zhagao [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

2. Taste Tianjin's "signature snack trio" at Ancient Cultural Street

Besides jianbing, Tianjin is famous for three must-try local snacks: mahua (fried dough twists), goubuli steamed buns and erduoyan zhagao (fried rice cakes).

Mahua are twisted fried pastries made from flour with ingredients like walnuts, sesame and peanuts, available in sweet and savory flavors.

Goubuli buns got their name from a seller nicknamed "gouzi" (dog), who was too busy making buns to greet customers — hence "goubuli" (the dog doesn't care).

Zhagao got its name from a narrow alley — Erduoyan — where it was first sold. These rice cakes symbolize promotion and success, making them a festive favorite.

Head to Ancient Cultural Street, one of the city's best-known tourist attractions, and you can try them all in one place.