Things to Do at Porcelain House

Complete Guide to Porcelain House in Tianjin

About Porcelain House

The Porcelain House (瓷房子) in Tianjin is one of China's most extraordinary and eccentric architectural marvels, created by collector Zhang Lianzhi who transformed a century-old French-style villa into a stunning mosaic masterpiece. Over the course of five years, Zhang covered every surface of the building with over 700 million pieces of ancient porcelain, crystals, and ceramic fragments, creating what many consider the world's most expensive decorated house with materials valued at over 200 million yuan. This unique attraction showcases thousands of years of Chinese ceramic artistry, with pieces dating from the Tang Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty embedded into walls, pillars, and decorative elements. The building itself tells the story of Chinese porcelain culture while serving as a testament to one man's passionate dedication to preserving and displaying ceramic heritage in the most unconventional way possible.

What to See & Do

Porcelain-Encrusted Exterior

Marvel at the building's completely covered facade featuring millions of ceramic pieces, creating intricate patterns and designs that shimmer in different lighting

Ancient Vase Collection

View hundreds of complete antique vases and pottery pieces integrated into the architecture, representing various Chinese dynasties and ceramic traditions

Crystal and Jade Decorations

Discover precious stones, crystals, and jade pieces embedded throughout the structure, adding sparkle and value to the artistic display

Rooftop Ceramic Garden

Explore the upper levels where porcelain sculptures and installations create a unique ceramic landscape against the Tianjin skyline

Interior Porcelain Galleries

Walk through rooms where walls, ceilings, and floors are adorned with carefully arranged ceramic pieces, each telling part of China's cultural story

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)

Tickets & Pricing

Adult tickets: 50 RMB; Students/Seniors: 25 RMB; Children under 1.2m: Free. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through Chinese ticketing platforms

Best Time to Visit

Morning hours (9:00-11:00 AM) for better lighting and fewer crowds, or late afternoon for golden hour photography

Suggested Duration

1-2 hours for a thorough visit and photo opportunities

Getting There

The Porcelain House is located in Heping District at the intersection of Chifeng Road and Machang Road. Take Tianjin Metro Line 1 to Xiaobailou Station (Exit C) and walk 10 minutes, or take buses 1, 4, 5, or 50 to Machang Road stop. Taxis and ride-sharing services can easily locate the distinctive building. If driving, limited parking is available on surrounding streets, though public transportation is recommended due to the busy urban location.

Things to Do Nearby

Five Great Avenues (Wudadao)
Historic area featuring well-preserved European colonial architecture from the early 20th century, perfect for walking tours
Tianjin Museum
Modern museum showcasing Tianjin's history and culture with impressive collections of artifacts and interactive exhibits
Italian Style Street
Charming pedestrian area with authentic Italian architecture, cafes, restaurants, and boutique shopping
Ancient Culture Street
Traditional Chinese shopping street featuring folk crafts, local snacks, and cultural performances in Ming-Qing style buildings
Haihe River Cruise
Scenic boat tours along Tianjin's mother river offering views of the city's modern skyline and historic waterfront

Tips & Advice

Bring a camera with good zoom capabilities to capture intricate porcelain details without getting too close to fragile surfaces
Visit during weekdays if possible to avoid large tour groups and have better photo opportunities
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs covered in ceramic pieces
Consider hiring a local guide or using an audio guide to fully appreciate the historical significance of the ceramic pieces and their origins

Tours & Activities at Porcelain House