Tianjin: One of China's municipalities

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October first marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. News Hour brings you a series of reports on each of the country's provinces, municipalities and special administrative regions. Today's focus is on Tianjin.

Tianjin is one of China's municipalities. Tianjin borders Hebei province to the north, south and west. The Chinese capital Beijing is just half an hour away by high-speed train.

Tianjin has an area of nearly 12,000 square kilometers and a population of just over 11 million.

The Haihe river flows through its center, adding variety to the city's well-planned transport system and enhancing its beauty. Thousands of western-style villas left by imperialist countries in the late Qing Dynasty line the river and are dotted about other parts of the city.

Farmland takes up about two fifths of the municipality with wheat, rice and maize the most important crops. The manufacturing sector is the largest and fastest-growing sector of Tianjin's economy. Other major industries include petrochemicals, textiles and automobiles and off-shore oil drilling.

Tianjin is famous for its snacks. Nanshi Food Street is popular with visitors wanting to taste the best Tianjin cuisine.