Jews of China special: Tianjin (part two)
Tue Jan 27 2026
In this episode we head to Tianjin in search of the traces left behind by the city’s once-thriving Jewish community in the first half of the 20th Century.
From forgotten addresses to unexpected discoveries, we explore what remains—and what has vanished—of a remarkable chapter of Jewish life in eastern China.
We visit the former synagogue, taking in its blend of traditional and non-traditional Jewish architectural elements, and reflect on what the building reveals about a community shaped by both heritage and place.
Along the way, we speak with Israel’s cultural attaché in China, go mezuzah hunting in a quiet residential neighborhood, and hop on the high-speed train from Beijing to Tianjin.
As always, we bring you practical travel insights, including transport tips, climate, accommodation options, and local food to look out for—plus much more from a city that continues to surprise.
David was the guest of the the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Israel.
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In this episode we head to Tianjin in search of the traces left behind by the city’s once-thriving Jewish community in the first half of the 20th Century. From forgotten addresses to unexpected discoveries, we explore what remains—and what has vanished—of a remarkable chapter of Jewish life in eastern China. We visit the former synagogue, taking in its blend of traditional and non-traditional Jewish architectural elements, and reflect on what the building reveals about a community shaped by both heritage and place. Along the way, we speak with Israel’s cultural attaché in China, go mezuzah hunting in a quiet residential neighborhood, and hop on the high-speed train from Beijing to Tianjin. As always, we bring you practical travel insights, including transport tips, climate, accommodation options, and local food to look out for—plus much more from a city that continues to surprise. David was the guest of the the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Israel.