Imagine a river with water so still that it reflects the city next to it in its perfection. Golden lights of a building reflect in lines of luminescent radiance, the blue-tinged skyscraper and the bridge next to it, both creating lines of colour in the water. You just imagined the Chinese city of Tianjin reflected on the Hai River and what a sight it is to behold in reality.
The Hai River is also known as the White River and is, in actuality, the convergence of five different waterways, namely the Southern Canal, the Yongding River, the Northern Canal, Ziya River and the Daging River. This convergence which forms the Hai River flows through the Chinese cities of Beijing and Tianjin and greets the Yellow Sea. The Hai River is impressively long, an estimated one thousand three hundred kilometres, which is believed to be one of the longer tributaries in the region.
The River, unfortunately, is not naturally pristine for a great degree of powder like soil flows with the water. This has lead to impure water and also, at times, flooding. The Chinese government has taken action in order to minimise flooding and its potential risks by building reservoirs and also digging artificial paths for the water to flow. However, this, along with development in the region, has caused several tributaries to dry up severely at different times of the year, making water flow scarce and contributing to the pollution of water resources. Thus, the Chinese Government commissioned the South North Water Transfer Project, an endeavour that is hoped to address water scarcity.
When residing in serviced apartments Tianjin, tourists will often glimpse the Hai River for the water flows through the city. Known as the ‘Mother River’ of China, the Hai River is best enjoyed from varied attractions in Tianjin including the Haihe Park, the Haihe Cultural Square and the Haihe Fountain Amusement Park. In terms of quality accommodation in Tianjin overlooking the picturesque waterway, the best option is the Somerset International Building Tianjin. Equipped with all the modern amenities necessary, the luxurious elegance of this hotel combined with its amazing view of the River will jump-start your day.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
