Mailbox of Old Tianjin

Author: Qiu Runxi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: The book Old Tianjin in the Mailbox is divided into four themes: Shanghai Concession in Shadows, Glow of the Jade Belt, Remnants of the Ancient City, and Municipal Customs. The postcards featured span from the late 19th century to the early 1940s (printed and issued), with most being real-used postcards. While affixed with either Chinese or foreign "guest post" stamps, they are also stamped with cancellations indicating the destination, transit points, and arrival locations related to "Tianjin," as well as train schedules and shipping schedules. These postcards hold significant value for researching the social development history of Tianjin, postal history, and even modern Chinese history.
The postcards in this book were initially taken and produced by Westerners, later gradually shifting to the Chinese postal department. The perspectives and stances of the early and later periods differ significantly. In the early stages, Westerners were filled with curiosity about Tianjin's local scenes; in the later stages, locals also developed the same curiosity about the scenery of the concession. A considerable number of postcards were published in Old Tianjin, with some iconic landmarks, such as Gordon Hall, the International Bridge, the Jinhua Bridge, the Drum Tower, and the Governor's Office, frequently appearing as subjects.
The most important information provided by the postcards is time and location (postal cancellation). The date and location are clearly recorded, giving each photo a definitive historical and geographical certainty. By observing the changes in landscapes shown in postcards from different eras, one can see the urban transformation and shifting trends of Old Tianjin.