Wudadao (Five Great Avenues)
五大道
A former British concession neighborhood centered on Mache Road, Munan Road, and three other avenues. Its more than 2,000 modern buildings, often called the 'International Architecture Expo,' make it a showcase of Western-style townhouses.
Wudadao, in Heping District, refers to Mache Road, Munan Road, Dali Road, Changde Road, Chongqing Road, and more than 20 surrounding streets. The area is home to over 2,000 small Western-style villas from the 1920s and 1930s, drawing on English, French, Italian, and Spanish styles. It was once the residence of late Qing and early Republican-era officials and celebrities, including Prince Qing's Mansion, the Former Residence of Zhang Xueliang, and the Former Residence of Gu Weijun.
The main highlight is Minyuan Plaza, the former Minyuan Stadium, now a lawn plaza with dining options, along with the former homes of notable figures along Chongqing Road and Munan Road. A suggested route: start at Minyuan Plaza, rent a shared bike or take a horse-drawn carriage (about 30 minutes per loop, around 100 yuan) around Wudadao, then walk to Prince Qing's Mansion on Chongqing Road (admission about 30 yuan) and the Gedalou (Knobby House). In the evening, relax at a café in Minyuan Plaza.
The whole district is open for free and can be explored at any time, but most of the historic residences are not open to the public, and some now operate as guesthouses or restaurants. Getting there: a 10 to 15 minute walk from Xiaobailou or Yingkou Dao stations on Metro Line 1. Taking a taxi to 'Minyuan Plaza' is most convenient.
Note: On holidays, horse-drawn carriages and trendy cafés have long queues, so go early in the morning or on a weekday. Most streets in the district are one-way, making driving inconvenient.
Opening hours
Open all day (former residences open to the public, such as Prince Qing's Mansion, approx. 09:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Xikai Cathedral (St. Joseph's Cathedral)
- Porcelain House
- Heping Road & Binjiang Road
- Jingyuan (Quiet Garden)
- Haihe River
- Tianjin Railway Station & Century Clock
- Jiefang North Road & Jinwan Plaza
- Italian Style Town