Tianjin Tune is one of the most representative folk art genres in Tianjin. Sung in local Tianjin dialect, the tune is pellucid and sonorous with strong rustic charm. It is often in the form of a solo or duet show, in which the performers sing ballads to the accompaniment of hand-held bamboo clappers, with the large sanxian and sihu players providing additional accompaniment.    
The tune is a combination of various local ditties in Tianjian and folk songs from other places spread to the area. In the late Qing dynasty and early Republic of China, Tianjin Tune was popular in four areas of Tianjin with the emergence of lots of folk artists specialized in the genre.

In the early 20th century, folk arts gained huge popularity in tea gardens and houses, there appeared some professional or semi-professional female artists dedicated to Tianjin Tune, such as Zhao Baocui (also known as Da Baocui), Gao Wugu, and Qin Cuihong with the nickname of "Cornmeal" etc.

Tianjin Tune is characterized by its bold, unconstrained and passionate singing style, which is ideal for Tianjin people to express their characters and feelings.