Marco Polo Square

Updated April 5, 2026

Marco Polo Square is a well-regarded tourist attraction located in Tianjin, China. With a rating of 4.2 out of 5, it stands out as one of the top-rated tourist attractions in the area.

Location

You can find Marco Polo Square at China, Tianjin, Hebei District, Minzu Rd, 光复路 邮政编码: 300010.

Visiting Marco Polo Square

Located in Tianjin, China, Marco Polo Square is a tourist attraction that visitors to the area may find worth exploring.

Planning Your Visit

The tourist attraction is located at China, Tianjin, Hebei District, Minzu Rd, 光复路 邮政编码: 300010. GPS coordinates: 39.134494, 117.198672. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

Location

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Walking into Marco Polo Square is like stumbling onto a movie set from early 20th-century Italy—except, of course, you’re smack in the heart of Tianjin’s Hebei District.

It’s wild to think this is the only Italian concession ever established in China, now home to one of Asia’s largest collections of Italian-style architecture.

The square marks the center of what was once a sprawling 771-acre Italian settlement, dating back to 1902.

Nowadays, it’s a magnet for sightseers, selfie-takers, and anyone craving a taste of European charm without ever leaving China.

Right in the middle, you can’t miss the 13.6-meter Peace Goddess statue, designed by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Boni.

She’s holding an olive branch high above the swirl of cafes and boutiques—an odd but beautiful sight in Tianjin.

If you’re a history buff, guided tours are on offer, but honestly, just wandering the streets lined with colorful villas is half the fun.

The light show kicks off at 7 PM and runs until 10 PM, and after dark, the square turns into something almost surreal.

Key Takeaways

• Marco Polo Square sits in Tianjin’s former Italian concession, surrounded by early 1900s Italian architecture.
• Free to visit 24/7, with shops, restaurants, and a nightly light show.
• Easiest access: metro Line 2 (Jianguo Road station) or a bunch of city buses.

About Marco Polo Square

Marco Polo Square puts you right in the middle of Tianjin’s Hebei District, where Italian architecture from the early 1900s brings a Mediterranean vibe to the Haihe River.

It covers about 2,200 square meters and still anchors China’s only Italian concession area.

History and Significance

Italy set up its concession in Tianjin on June 7, 1902, carving out a 771-acre enclave that’s still unlike anywhere else in China.

You’ll find Marco Polo Square at the crossroads of Marco Polo Road and Dante Road, tucked between the Haihe River and the Jingshan Railway.

The square itself was built from 1908 to 1916, following Italian urban planning—straight lines, symmetry, all that.

Smack in the center is the Peace Goddess statue, crafted by Giuseppe Boni to mark the end of World War I.

The statue stands 13.6 meters tall, shipped all the way from Italy via Shanghai.

It features a bronze goddess with an olive branch, perched atop a Roman column, ringed by four European-style sculptures and a fountain pool at her feet.

The whole area still shows off those early 20th-century Italian details—garden villas, bold colors, and buildings that have weathered a century of change.

What Makes It Special

Visiting here, you’re stepping into the only Italian settlement outside Europe that ever really took root.

The square’s open 24 hours, always free, but the magic really starts when the lights flicker on between 7:00 and 10:00 PM.

The buildings aren’t just pretty facades—they’re alive with working cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, all blending Chinese life with Italian design.

Look close and you’ll spot some quirky details: Mediterranean arches meet Chinese tiles, and pastel colors glow in the evening light.

Cultural events pop up year-round, from Chinese performances to art shows by Tianjin’s own creatives.

It’s a quick walk from Tianjin Railway Station, and you can hop off at Jianguo Road station (Line 2, Exit B, then about 500 meters south) or catch a bus to the Italian-Style Area stop.

What to See and Do

Marco Polo Square squeezes a lot of history and Mediterranean flair into its 2,200 square meters.

There’s Italian-inspired architecture, cultural performances, and some of the best people-watching you’ll find in this corner of Tianjin.

Main Attractions and Highlights

The Peace Goddess statue looms over the square, impossible to miss at 13.6 meters.

Giuseppe Boni sculpted this granite monument to mark the end of World War I, and the goddess’s olive branch is a hopeful touch.

She stands atop a Roman column, surrounded by four European-style sculptures and a fountain that’s usually buzzing with kids and tourists.

Around the square, the buildings have stories to tell—remnants from when this was China’s only Italian concession.

The garden villas show off their Mediterranean colors and ornate trim, but these days you’ll find espresso bars and quirky boutiques behind the doors.

Don’t miss the nightly light show from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM—it’s a real spectacle, especially if you catch a street performer or stumble onto a festival.

The square’s always open, and there’s no ticket needed, so you can swing by whenever you want.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and early fall are perfect—mild weather, less humidity, and just enough sunshine.

Summer can get steamy, but the evening light shows are honestly worth sweating through.

If you’re after peace and quiet, weekday mornings are best.

On weekends and holidays, it’s a different vibe: packed with locals and tourists, lively but tougher for clean photos.

It takes maybe half an hour to wander the whole square, but you’ll probably linger longer at a café or if you catch a performance.

Visitor Information

Marco Polo Square is at No. 84 Minzu Road, right in Tianjin’s Hebei District.

It’s open all day, every day, and there’s no entry fee.

That nightly light show from 7 PM to 10 PM? It’s the best excuse to stick around after sunset.

Location and How to Get There

You’ll find the square smack in the old Italian concession, just a stone’s throw from Tianjin Station.

The closest metro is Jianguo Road Station on Line 2—Exit B, then a 500-meter stroll south.

Not up for the metro? Plenty of buses will get you there: routes 5, 8, 27, 156, 176, 324, 461, 634, 635, 638, 639, 645, 663, 676, 802, 806, 832, 836, 905, and Tourist Line 3 all stop at the Italian-Style Area.

From there, it’s just 200 meters southeast and you’re in the square.

The area hugs the Haihe River on the south side and stretches up to the Jingshan Railway.

You’re also within walking distance of Ancient Culture Street across the river, and Tianjin Financial Road if you’re up for more exploring.

Tips for Visitors

Plan for about 30 minutes to soak up Marco Polo Square itself. Honestly, you could wind up spending a few hours just getting lost in the Italian-style streets nearby.

The square really comes alive on weekends and during the evening light show. If you’re hoping for peace and clear shots, weekday mornings are your best bet.

Everything’s nice and level in the main square, so wheelchairs and strollers are fine. Just watch out—some of those gorgeous old buildings around the edges have steps or uneven floors, a reminder they’ve been standing since the early 1900s.

Don’t forget your camera. The 13.6-meter Peace Goddess statue in the center is all granite, with a bronze goddess perched on top.

The fountain and those four European sculptures at the base? They look especially magical when the lights flip on after dark.

Hungry? You’re in luck. Cafes and restaurants line the square, serving up real Italian coffee and quirky Chinese-Italian fusion dishes—honestly, you won’t find flavors like these anywhere else in Asia.