A tour of the Haihe River unveils the charm of Tianjin as a modern metropolis. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"In 2012, I was a minor dancer who had just learnt whatever the teacher taught us and tried to do the movements well up on stage. But in 2014, I was in the opening dance as a creative dancer who could express the character's personality and mind."

At this year's Tianjin Night gala, guests will be able to enjoy the performances, which will again feature a blend of classical and folk music, fashion elements, superb acrobatics and martial arts as well as Tianjin's folk opera－all of them will display an internationalized and yet authentic Tianjin.