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Dubai is one of the prominent emirates in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai originally based its economy on the oil industry, but now possesses a thriving and resilient economy based on the fields of property, financial Tianjin, one of the major cities of the People’s Republic of China, has experienced an eventful history. The development of the city can be traced to the creation of the Grand Canal of China at the time of the Sui dynasty. This canal made Tianjin a trading post of note. The city received its present name in 1404 from the Yongle Emperor; the name means literally ‘The Heavenly Ford’ to signify that the son of heaven – the Emperor – had forded the river at this location.

In 1858 after the end of the initial part of the Second Opium War, the Treaties of Tianjin were signed, opening the city to foreign trade. The various powerful countries including France, Britain, Germany, Japan and Russia established their own sectors in Tianjin, with their own barracks, hospitals, prisons and schools. Even today the legacy of the colonial powers can be seen in the architectural features created by them. At the end of the 19th century the Boxers captured much of Tianjin, but the foreign powers retaliated regaining control of Tianjin, and for an extended period of time maintained garrisons in the city.

In 1937 the city fell to the Japanese, and Japan controlled the Tianjin area until its defeat in the Second World War. Later the Communist army occupied Tianjin, making it part of the People’s Republic. With the liberalization of the Chinese economy Tianjin has seen rapid progress in recent years.

The Tianjin Old City with its magnificent buildings is one of the prominent attractions in the area. The Guangdong Assembly Hall built during the reign of the Guangxi Emperor stands near the south gate of the Old City. An Islamic mosque constructed in the era of the Kangxi Emperor rests at the northwest corner. The Queen of Heaven Palace and the Jade Emperor Pavilion are two more resplendent buildings. Other attractions include the Lion Forest Bridge and the Laoxi Kai Church, the latter exclusively for Christians.

When selecting a luxury hotel in Tianjin, there is no better choice than the Raffles Tianjin. This classy Tianjin hotel offers elegantly appointed rooms, courteous service and an array of modern amenities.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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