Tianjin Xingang Port (Tanggu Port), officially integrated into the Port of Tianjin, is the largest port in Northern China and one of the largest man-made ports in the world. Located at the estuary of the Haihe River on the western shore of Bohai Bay, it serves as the main maritime gateway for Beijing, Tianjin City, and the broader North China region.
Covering more than 121 square kilometers of reclaimed land, the port handles massive volumes of cargo and containerized trade. With world-class infrastructure, efficient customs clearance, and strong connectivity to inland cities, Tianjin Xingang plays a central role in global supply chains. It is not only a shipping hub but also a strategic logistics platform supporting China’s trade with over 180 countries worldwide.
Overview & Location
Overview and Location of Tianjin Xingang Port
Tianjin Xingang Port (Tanggu Port), often referred to simply as Xingang, is the core port in Northern China and a critical part of the larger Port of Tianjin system. Strategically positioned in the Binhai New District, the port provides unmatched access to Beijing, Tianjin, and surrounding provinces.
Geographically, the port is situated on the western shore of the Bohai Bay, directly at the estuary of the Haihe River. It lies directly east of Tianjin’s city center, about 60 km away, and only 170 km from Beijing. This advantageous location makes it the closest major international seaport to the capital, offering shippers reduced transportation costs and faster delivery times.
According to the official Tianjin Port planning map, the port area spans over 121 square kilometers, divided into specialized terminals for containers, bulk cargo, Ro-Ro, and passenger services. Its design reflects modern port engineering, with reclaimed land surface and deep-water berths capable of handling ultra-large container vessels.
History & Development
History and Development of Tianjin Xingang Port
The Port of Tianjin, formerly known as the Port of Tanggu, has a long history as the maritime gateway to North China. The name “Tianjin Xingang,” which strictly speaking refers only to the main seaport area, is sometimes used interchangeably with Tianjin Port as a whole. Over the past few decades, the port has evolved from a regional harbor into one of the busiest international shipping hubs in the world.
Expansion and Newly Established Facilities
Since the 1990s, Tianjin Xingang Port has undergone an ambitious development program aimed at expanding berthing capacity, deep-water channels, and terminal facilities. Significant investments have been made in newly established facilities, including automated container terminals, advanced Ro-Ro berths, and modern passenger terminals. These upgrades not only increased efficiency but also allowed the port to handle the world’s largest vessels.
Port Aims and Strategic Goals
The port aims to consolidate its position as the primary logistics hub for Northern China while continuing to serve as a key link between China and global trade partners. Future plans include green port initiatives, digitalization, and integration with regional primary logistics corridors, further reinforcing its role in global supply chains.
Port Capacity & Facilities
Port Capacity and Infrastructure
The Port of Tianjin is among the busiest maritime hubs in Asia, handling enormous volumes of cargo each year. In 2023, its container throughput exceeded 18 million TEUs, while total throughput tonnage surpassed 450 million tons, ranking it as one of the largest ports in the world. This capacity supports trade flows between China and more than 180 countries, making Tianjin Xingang indispensable to global commerce.
Storage and Processing Facilities
The port operates extensive storage yards and storage and processing facilities that cater to different types of cargo. These facilities provide bonded warehousing, container stuffing and stripping, labeling, packaging, and other value-added services. Specialized processing facilities ensure compliance with international standards, allowing exporters and importers to manage cargo efficiently before shipment.
Tank Farms and Quay Shoreline
Several tank farms operated by the port store petroleum, chemicals, and other liquid bulk cargo. The infrastructure is supported by strict safety systems and real-time monitoring. With over 30 km of quay shoreline, the port provides 150+ production berths, enabling simultaneous handling of multiple ultra-large container vessels and bulk carriers. This level of infrastructure efficiency ensures rapid turnaround times and reliable service for global shippers.
Strategic Importance
Gateway to Northern China
As the largest port in Northern China, Tianjin Xingang Port (Tanggu Port) serves as the primary maritime and transportation hub for Beijing, Tianjin, and neighboring provinces such as Hebei, Shanxi, and Inner Mongolia. Its proximity to the capital reduces inland logistics costs and makes it the first choice for exporters and importers operating in the region.
Dry Port Network and Intermodal Routes
The Port of Tianjin is supported by an extensive dry port network, which extends bonded warehousing and customs services deep into inland provinces. Cargo moves seamlessly via scheduled intermodal routes, linking the seaport with manufacturing centers across North and Central China. Key hubs such as Tanggu Railway Station integrate with national rail corridors, enabling efficient transfers of both bulk cargo and containerized shipments.
Air and Road Connectivity
For high-value or time-sensitive shipments, the port works closely with Tianjin Binhai International Airport and even Beijing Airport, offering sea-air multimodal solutions. Modern expressways and long-haul trucking corridors complement these air and rail links, ensuring reliable inland transportation between factories, distribution zones, and the port. This multi-modal integration makes Tianjin Xingang one of the most versatile logistics hubs in Asia.
Logistics Management & Port Group
Governance and Port Management
The Port of Tianjin is managed by Tianjin Port Holdings Company, which oversees daily operations, development projects, and strategic planning. This structure ensures that the port maintains efficiency while continuing to expand capacity and improve service quality for international shipping.
Chief Logistics Unit
The chief logistics unit of the port is Tianjin Logistics Development Co., established to consolidate warehousing, trucking, and distribution services under one management system. The company plays a leading role in building and operating the dry port network and setting up intermodal routes that connect inland regions directly to the seaport.
Group Logistics Assets
To support its ambitious growth, the port leverages extensive group logistics assets, including bonded warehouses, container yards, trucking fleets, and customs-bonded zones. These resources are further enhanced by other group logistics assets owned by affiliated companies, creating an integrated logistics platform. Collectively, these operating logistics outfits ensure reliable, cost-effective solutions for global shippers, from inland pickup to international delivery.
Cruise & Passenger Services
Tianjin Cruise Port and Passenger Access
In addition to its cargo operations, Tianjin Xingang Port (Tanggu Port) is home to the modern Tianjin Cruise Port, a dedicated passenger terminal that serves international cruise ships and ferry lines. Often called the Tianjin Cruise terminal, it enhances the port’s versatility as both a logistics hub and a tourism gateway.
Convenient Access to Tianjin City Center
The cruise terminal is located approximately 60 km from the city center of Tianjin and about 170 km from Beijing. Passengers can reach the city quickly through multiple transport options, including private transfer services, taxis, and scheduled long distance bus routes. This accessibility makes Tianjin Cruise Port a popular entry point for international travelers visiting Northern China.
Passenger Facilities and Processing
The passenger terminal includes modern check-in counters, baggage handling, and customs processing areas designed to provide a smooth travel experience. Security and safety measures are integrated with international standards, ensuring efficient flows for both passengers and luggage. These facilities demonstrate Tianjin Xingang Port’s ability to combine cargo and passenger operations within a single world-class maritime hub.
Major Shipping Routes & Transit Times
Global Shipping Connectivity
Tianjin Xingang Port (Tanggu Port) maintains direct services to more than 600 ports in over 180 countries, making it one of the most connected hubs in Asia. The port authority publishes daily scheduled arrivals and departures for major shipping lines, giving importers and exporters real-time visibility of ships and vessels calling at the port.
Reliable Cargo Movement
Each year, thousands of container ships, Ro-Ro carriers, and bulk vessels facilitate massive cargo movement through Tianjin Xingang. This reliability supports manufacturers, traders, and logistics providers across Northern China, ensuring efficient supply chains and reduced transit times.
Transit Times from Tianjin Xingang Port
The table below outlines average ocean transit times from Tianjin Xingang Port to leading international destinations:
International Destination | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|
15–22 days | |
Vancouver, Canada | 18–25 days |
Hamburg, Germany | 30–38 days |
Rotterdam, Netherlands | 30–38 days |
Dubai, UAE | 18–25 days |
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | 20–28 days |
8–12 days | |
Yokohama, Japan | 3–7 days |
Busan, South Korea | 2–5 days |
Mumbai, India | 15–22 days |
Santos, Brazil | 35–45 days |
Durban, South Africa | 30–40 days |
Melbourne, Australia | 20–28 days |
Auckland, New Zealand | 25–32 days |
London, UK | 32–40 days |
Barcelona, Spain | 32–40 days |
Trucking Costs from Major Chinese Cities
Inland Transportation to Tianjin Xingang Port
Thanks to its strategic location in the Binhai New District, Tianjin Xingang Port is well connected to Beijing and other major cities through modern highways and expressways. The distance from Beijing is about 170 km, which can be covered by truck in 2–4 hours. Shijiazhuang, Taiyuan, and other industrial centers in Hebei and Shanxi are typically within a day’s trucking range, while long-haul transportation links extend to provinces such as Henan, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia.
This seamless inland network ensures that factories across North and Central China can move containers quickly to the port for export. By combining road, rail, and dry port connections, Tianjin Xingang offers efficient multimodal logistics without adding significant domestic costs.
Learn more:
- Shanghai Port: China’s Gateway to Global Shipping
- The Port of Hong Kong: Gateway to Global Trade
- Yantian Port in Shenzhen, China: A Key Global Shipping Hub
- Qingdao Port: A Key Maritime Gateway in China
- Ningbo Zhoushan Port: A Key Trade and Shipping Hub
- Guangzhou’s Huangpu and Nansha Ports: Key Trade Gateways in South China
Customs Clearance & Free Trade Zone
Efficient Customs Clearance at Tianjin Xingang Port
One of the biggest advantages of shipping through Tianjin Xingang Port (Tanggu Port) is its streamlined customs clearance process. Situated in the Tianjin Binhai New Area, within the Binhai New District, the port operates under policies that simplify import and export procedures while reducing costs.
Cargo Processing Efficiency
Through electronic declarations and advanced inspection systems, most shipments complete customs processing within 1–3 days. This quick turnaround minimizes port congestion and accelerates supply chain operations for both exporters and importers.
Free Trade Zone Benefits
The port’s integration into the Tianjin Free Trade Zone provides businesses with preferential policies such as reduced tariffs, deferred taxation, bonded warehousing, and simplified cross-border transactions. These benefits have attracted global manufacturers and logistics providers to establish operations near the port.
Security and Compliance
Tianjin Xingang Port implements international best practices for cargo security, supported by digital customs platforms, AI-powered monitoring, and blockchain applications. These systems ensure transparency, reduce risks of delays, and maintain compliance with international shipping standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Tianjin Xingang Port the same as the Port of Tanggu?
Yes. The Port of Tanggu is the historical name for what is today known as Tianjin Xingang Port, officially part of the Port of Tianjin.
What does “Xingang” strictly speaking refer to?
The name “Xingang” strictly speaking refers to the main seaport area of Tianjin Port. However, in practice it is often used to describe the entire port complex.
Where is Tianjin Xingang Port located?
The port is located in the Binhai New District, on the western shore of Bohai Bay, about 170 km southeast of Beijing and 60 km east of Tianjin city center.
What is the UN/LOCODE or port code for Tianjin Xingang?
The official UN/LOCODE (port code) for Tianjin Xingang Port is CNTXG.
What is the throughput tonnage of Tianjin Port?
Annual throughput tonnage exceeds 450 million tons, while container throughput is above 18 million TEUs, ranking it among the busiest ports in the world.
Does the port provide storage and processing facilities?
Yes. Tianjin operates large storage yards and modern storage and processing facilities, including bonded warehouses, packaging centers, and processing facilities for specialized cargo.
Does Tianjin Xingang Port have tank farms?
Yes. Several tank farms operated by logistics subsidiaries store petroleum and chemical cargoes under strict security measures.
What is the Tianjin Port planning map?
The Tianjin Port planning map shows the layout of container berths, bulk terminals, Ro-Ro facilities, and the Tianjin Cruise Port, highlighting how the port connects to road, rail, and air corridors.
Does Tianjin have a cruise terminal?
Yes. The Tianjin Cruise Port serves international cruise lines and is connected to the city center by private transfer, taxi, and long distance bus services.
Who manages Tianjin Port?
The port is managed by Tianjin Port Holdings Company, with Tianjin Logistics Development as the chief logistics unit, responsible for inland trucking, dry port operations, and intermodal routes.
What are group logistics assets at Tianjin Port?
The port leverages extensive group logistics assets, such as warehouses, container depots, trucking fleets, and bonded areas. These operating logistics outfits ensure reliable supply chains for global traders.
Does Tianjin Xingang Port operate a dry port network?
Yes. Tianjin maintains a strong dry port network connected by scheduled intermodal routes, allowing factories in inland provinces to access the seaport efficiently.
Conclusion & CTA
Conclusion: Why Choose Tianjin Xingang Port for Your Shipments
As the largest port in Northern China, Tianjin Xingang Port (Tanggu Port) plays a pivotal role in connecting Beijing, Tianjin, and inland provinces with global trade routes. With massive throughput tonnage, modern storage and processing facilities, integrated dry port networks, and world-class passenger terminals, the Port of Tianjin offers unmatched efficiency and reliability for international commerce. Its favorable location on the western shore of Bohai Bay, combined with strong connections to rail, road, and air, makes it the most strategic logistics hub in North China.
Tonlexing: Your Reliable Freight Forwarder at Tianjin Xingang Port
At Tonlexing, we specialize in comprehensive logistics services through Tianjin Xingang Port. As an experienced freight forwarder, we provide:
Sea Freight & Air Freight Solutions – competitive rates, global coverage.
Door-to-Door Shipping – from factory pickup in China to final delivery overseas.
Customs Clearance & Compliance – ensuring smooth processing in both China and destination countries.
Warehousing & Storage Services – bonded storage yards and consolidation options near Tianjin Port.
Personalized Logistics Planning – tailored strategies for importers, exporters, and e-commerce sellers.
Whether you’re shipping containers, bulk cargo, or time-sensitive goods, Tonlexing ensures fast, secure, and cost-effective solutions.
Contact us today for a free quotation and learn how we can make your shipments from Tianjin Xingang Port more efficient and affordable.