Famous Tianjin inventions and firsts

Tianjin has witnessed the birth of many inventions and people that contributed to China modern development. Check out these awesome inventions and people that have their roots in Tianjin.

Tianjin University is the oldest institution of higher education in the modern history of China. Founded in 1895 as Peiyang University, Tianjin University's 123-year history is the epitome of the progress of modern Chinese higher education.

Nankai University was conceived in 1904 and founded during the May Fourth Movement in 1919 by the patriotic educators Zhang Boling (1860-1951) and Yan Fansun (1876-1951) with the goal of rebuilding the country through education. 

Founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, Tianjin Academy High School was the only middle school attending the May Fourth Movement.

Beiyang Women's Normal School, the precedent of Tianjin Fine Arts Institute, was a pioneer in cultivating women teachers in China. 

Founded in 1906,  Beiyang School of Political Science and Law was the first law school in China. It trained a large number of talents in legal, political and economic business.

Tianjin was the first city in China to have public transportation. In 1904, the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) government and the Belgian government co-developed the first tram in Tianjin.

The first domestic bicycle in China was a Fei Ge bicycle made by Tianjin Bicycle Factory in 1950. It was a proud-worthy thing for Chinese people to have a Fei Ge bicycle.

The first black-and-white TV set was developed by Tianjin Radio Company.

Li Shutong (1880-1942), most commonly known as Buddhist Master Hong Yi, was a Chinese poet, artist and art teacher. He was born in Tianjin to a banking family. He was a master painter, musician, dramatist, calligrapher, seal cutter, and poet.