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What did Dutch visitors observe about Tianjin in the 17th century?
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Tianjin
Night skyline of Tianjin, China.
During the mid-17th century, members of the first Dutch diplomatic mission to China visited Tianjin and provided favorable observations regarding the city's infrastructure and activity. They specifically noted the following features:
- Defensive Walls: The visitors commented on the well-constructed wall surrounding the city, which stood 25 feet (7.6 meters) high.1
- Cultural and Commercial Sites: They observed the presence of many temples and noted the existence of a large area dedicated to commerce and marketing.1
At that time, Tianjin was emerging as a leading economic center in North China, bolstered by its strategic position at the northern terminus of the Grand Canal.1