Tianjin is a city of rivers of marshes in northern China. it lies mostly just above sea level and has long been a key trading port close to the Bohai Gulf. The Haihe River literally translates as 鈥楽ea river' - not a river in the true sense but more a waterway that connects a major junction on the Grand Canal with the sea at Tanggu/Binhai. In historic times the river was very busy with boats transferring freight and even people from ocean-going ships to the canal boats gathered near the Old City of Tianjin. The waters were particularly busy during 19th/early 20th century days of foreign concessions. Overthe last ten years the river banks have been renovated from their industrial; harbour-related activities into more a linear riverfront park. The water similarly has been cleaned.Today; the area close to the railway station has become the modern image of Tianjn as well as a major focus for business.