The Italian Concession on the north bank of the Hai River is the best-preserved of Tianjin's foreign concession areas, and arguably the most atmospheric. Wander the quiet streets and you find Venetian-style colonnaded arcades, Florentine-influenced villas, and small piazzas complete with fountains — all built between 1902 and the 1940s and now beautifully restored.
The central axis is Marco Polo Square (now called Mǎkě Bōluó Guǎngchǎng), with a small piazza and cafes that take the Italian theme seriously. In summer, tables spill outside and the concession becomes one of the nicest places in Tianjin for an evening drink or a slow walk. The neighbourhood also contains a handful of interesting small museums in the old concession buildings, including one in the former home of Chinese political figure Cao Kun.