Tianjin -- 30 minutes from Beijing by high-speed train -- is clearly tired of being overshadowed by its showy neighbor to the northeast. The port town is doing everything it can to attract curious visitors and has numerous beautification and urban renewal programs currently underway. The world is starting to take note: Orchestras, gallery exhibits and sports teams have made the city as a stop on world tours, European players are investing in the International Polo Club, and U.S. movie producers are sniffing around the brand new $1.27 billion film and media hub dubbed “Chinawood.” At one point this city was shared by nine countries Italy, Germany, France, Russia, Great Britain, Austria, Japan, and Belgium -- and occasional glimpses of their influence can still be found.