The Haihe (Sea River) connects the Grand Canal close to the Old City of Tianjin. Until the advent of modern transport it was busy with boats and barges transferring goods and people between Tanggu Port close to the Bohai Gulf and the Canal. Today the boat traffic has gone; the older riverside industries and quays have closed. Today the entire area has been cleared up with landscaped walkways along the riverbanks. Modern apartments and an international hotel; Shangri-La have risen on the east side; while historic buildings such as the historic Astor Hotel have been renovated on the western side - which includes the former French and British concession areas. In the distance rise the commercial and residential towers overlooking the river.