Things to Do at Five Great Avenues (Wudadao)

Five Great Avenues (Wudadao) is actually one of Tianjin's most charming neighborhoods, though the name might throw you off at first - it refers to five major streets lined with over 2,000 European-style buildings from the early 20th century. You'll find yourself wandering through what feels like a European city that somehow landed in northern China, with British Tudor mansions sitting next to French châteaux and German villas. The whole area developed during the foreign concession period, and interestingly, many of these buildings housed prominent Chinese figures and foreign diplomats. What makes this place special isn't just the architecture - though that's genuinely impressive - but the way it's evolved into a living neighborhood. You might stumble across boutique cafes in former colonial mansions, or find yourself photographing the same building that once housed a warlord's family. The tree-lined streets are perfect for wandering, and honestly, it's one of those places where getting a bit lost actually enhances the experience.

Take Metro Line 1 to Xiaobailou Station. From there, the heart of the area is a 10-minute walk through tree-lined streets that give you a preview of what's coming. Taxis work just as well-tell any driver "Wudadao" and they'll know the spot. Tianjin Station to Wudadao runs about 15 minutes by taxi. Traffic can add time during rush hours, but drivers know the back routes. The area is walkable once you arrive-grab a map from the information boards since these streets twist like a proper maze.