Tianjin life simulator

Tianjin is a northern port city on the Haihe River, just southeast of Beijing. Daily life here is unhurried and known for local humor, European-style architecture, and traditional xiangsheng comedy. Residents start their days at morning breakfast carts and take evening walks along the river bridges.

China uses the yuan as its local currency. In Tianjin, people pay for almost everything with mobile QR payments through Alipay and WeChat Pay. Street carts selling jianbing guozi, metro gates, taxis, and cafes all scan these apps. Shops and markets also accept cash, while large hotels and malls take bank cards.

Housing costs depend on the neighborhood. Central Heping District has historic villas and modern towers, making it the most expensive area. Nankai District and Hexi District offer mid-range apartments near universities, parks, and offices. Further from the center, Hebei District, Hedong District, and the coastal Binhai New Area provide cheaper housing.

LifeSim does not charge rent or pay a regular salary. You do not pay utility bills or housing costs. Instead, your cash changes directly through the activities you do and the chats you have.

Lin, 27, moves to Tianjin to work as a mechanical engineer in the Binhai New Area. Lin sets two life goals: make close friends outside of work and explore the historic center. In the first week, Lin searches the map for the Tianjin Binhai Library and meets a local reader outside.

They exchange numbers, and the new friend texts Lin on Saturday to plan an outing. They pick the Italian Style Town in Hebei District, walk there together, and talk as a group. Later in the month, a birthday drinks happening appears on the map near the Haihe River. Lin goes, and the people there keep a journal memory of the night.

Tianjin sits on flat terrain where the Haihe River meets the Bohai Sea, southeast of Beijing. In real life, people walk along the river promenades or ride shared bicycles and electric scooters in bike lanes. The Tianjin Metro runs across the city, and Line 9 connects downtown to the Binhai New Area.

LifeSim does not have trains you ride or cars you drive. Instead, you move around on a real 3D map of Earth. You can search for Tianjin West Railway Station, Nankai University, or a neighborhood park and go there.

You start your morning as a 30-year-old teacher living in Nankai District. You check your daily to-do list and search the map for a breakfast spot near the Old Drum Tower. You chat with a vendor in your own words, without any dialogue menus. In the afternoon, you walk through the Five Great Avenues in Heping District and see the Porcelain House.

In the evening, a coworker texts you an invitation to a karaoke happening near Binjiang Dao. You join the group, sing, and talk about your long-term plans. The day ends with a recap of your moments, and your friends remember what you said.