The late 1800’s was a time of great change for the city of Tianjin. The signing of the Tianjin Treatise allowing foreigners to enter and conduct business in the city saw many nations flock to this emerging commercial port to stake their claim on the growing opportunities there.

Britain and France were first to establish themselves in Tianjin, but they were soon joined by Germany, Russia, Austria, Hungary, Japan, Italy and Belgium; each of the nine counties bringing with them a part of their heritage. Each nation set up its own schools, offices, houses, villas and even their own prisons to ensure each was a self-governed concession in China.

When they departed decades later, returning the area to Chinese rule, the European’s left behind a veritable museum of period architectural examples of their individual national styles that visitors today can discover and marvel at. The Five Avenues area in Tianjin’s historic old town evokes a feeling akin to strolling down the central high streets of London, Paris, Berlin and Moscow, one after the other, down the same avenue! This area has been painstakingly preserved over the decades encompassing over 230 historic buildings built in a variety of European styles, and a few that are a unique amalgamations of both the European as well as the Chinese styles.

The Five Avenues area (or Wudadao District as it is known locally) is situated in the heart of the old district of Tianjin and was historically a residential area for the most affluent citizens of the city, including top level European’s posted to their concessions in Tianjin as well as wealthy merchants of both Chinese and foreign origin who run their trades from there. Presidents, Premiers and Prime Ministers of China have all called this district home at one time or the other between the 1920’s and 30’s, not to mention leading industrialists, educators and other prestigious Chinese personalities.

As with most metropolitan cities in the world, Tianjin offers visitors a plethora of activities to choose from, but the main attraction here has to be the Five Avenues district. Here travelers can take in the heritage buildings and admire the architecture of this European-built Chinese district. A novel way to get around and explore the district is to take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the area. This is a staple attraction for visitors and should not be missed as the experience coupled with the architecture really transports the visitors back to that time.

When exploration and discovery give way to a rumbling tummy, visitors have a range of excellent restaurants to choose from. One of the most well-known dining experiences can be found at the Yue Wei Xian restaurant, which some locals say serves the best Cantonese cuisine in town. Its great food is only half the charm as the Yue Wei Xian is also known as ‘the museum you can dine in’, serving guests inside a beautifully preserved, Italian-designed heritage building built in the early 30’s. 
If visitors have a taste for something a little more international, then they can head to the Chateau 35 Wine Bar & Bistro which is known for its more multi-cultural patrons and serves a variety of food and drinks in a charming and relaxed atmosphere.
Visitors to this amazing city can find accommodation to suit their needs quite easily. The Somerset Olympic Tower Tianjin is situated in the heart of the central business district and is only a 15 minute stroll away from the Five Avenues area with all its European charm. It is an ideal place to stay for those who would rather have a serviced residence in Tianjin than a traditional hotel room. This serviced apartment Tianjin offers guests a range of business and leisure amenities that make their stay a most comfortable one that will leave guests with fond memories, and maybe even the urge to return.