Five Great Avenues, Tianjin – Highlights, Ticket, Opening Hours, and Location

The Davison Building is one of the earliest constructed buildings on the Five Great Avenues, built in 1905, making it the first villa in this area and over a century old. Originally named Qingmingtai, this location is a historical landmark. Following the Boxer Rebellion, the area became part of the expanded German concession, and the building initially served as the residence for a German military officer and his family. It is said that the German officer had visited Spain in his youth and admired Spanish architecture, prompting him to commission an architect to design his home in a Spanish style. The house was surrounded by a European-style garden, planted with fruit trees and lawns, offering a picturesque setting for enjoying flowers in spring and fruit in autumn. The southern side of the house featured a small tennis court, while the sides and northern parts had flower beds, greenery, and various trees, including crabapple and wisteria. After World War I, the German officer and his family returned to Germany, and the building was later occupied by British expatriate Davison.

Located at 255 Xinhua Road, Xu Shichang’s residence is the largest property he owned in Tianjin. In 1927, Xu Shichang purchased a plot of land at Oxford Road in the British concession (now at the intersection of Nanshan Road and Munan Road in Heping District). He subsequently built nine independent houses, totaling 181 rooms, with a combined construction area of 1,085 square meters. The primary residence is a three-story Western-style building with a mixed structure and red brick-tile roof. The entrance features a flight of four steps leading to a platform, with a facade made of red terracotta bricks. The first floor includes a living room, lounge, dressing room, dining room, and bathroom. The second floor contains bedrooms, a study, an office, and an inner living room. The third floor has attic rooms. Although Xu Shichang did not reside here for long, the house mainly served as the residence for his relatives. The Xinhua Road residence holds significant meaning in Xu Shichang’s life. Although he passed away in his residence on Taian Road, his coffin was temporarily kept in the Xinhua Road house until his burial, marking it as his final resting place in Tianjin.

Cao Kun’s former residence, located at No. 2 Nanhai Road in Heping District, Tianjin, was constructed in 1927. Cao Kun, whose courtesy name was Zhongshan (1862-1938), hailed from Dagukou, Tianjin. He graduated from Tianjin Military Academy and later joined Yuan Shikai’s camp, earning significant favor and titles such as Tiger General and First-Class Earl. He served as both the military governor and civil governor of Zhili Province. In 1919, he was chosen as the leader of the Zhili clique. In 1922, he defeated Zhang Zuolin in the First Zhili-Fengtian War, and the following year, he forced President Li Yuanhong to resign and became the President of the Republic of China through a bribed election. However, in 1924, he was ousted by Feng Yuxiang during the Second Zhili-Fengtian War and returned to Tianjin in 1927 to live in seclusion. Despite attempts by Japanese puppet authorities to entice him with high-ranking positions during the occupation of North China, Cao remained unmoved and maintained his integrity. He passed away in May 1938 at this residence.

The residence is situated at the intersection of Nanhai Road, Chongqing Road, Hebei Road, and Luoyang Road. It covers an area of 900 square meters with a building area of 1,244 square meters. This three-story brick-and-mortar Western-style villa includes a basement. The main façade features a central protruding section supported by columns above and below the waistline, with a four-slope eaves design on the top floor, giving the building a stable and imposing appearance.

Prince Qing’s Mansion, located at No. 55 Chongqing Road in Heping District, Tianjin, was built in 1922. This mansion was once hailed as the crown jewel of Chinese residences in the former British concession. In 1925, Aisin Gioro Zaizhen, the last “hereditary and unchangeable” prince of the Qing dynasty, moved his family to Tianjin and purchased this mansion with a substantial sum of money, living there for 22 years. The mansion became known as Prince Qing’s Mansion. The building showcases intricate craftsmanship and luxurious materials, reflecting the noble status of the prince.

After its renovation in 2011, the mansion was transformed into a comprehensive cultural tourism, dining, and lodging destination. Over nearly a century, Prince Qing’s Mansion has embodied the architectural charm and legendary history, narrating the cultural legacy and transformation of Tianjin. The exquisite details and opulent materials used in the mansion highlight its royal pedigree, making it a significant historical and cultural landmark in Tianjin.

The Beijiang Museum, located at No. 117 Machang Road within the campus of Tianjin Foreign Studies University in Hexi District, is one of modern China’s richest natural history museums. It was founded in 1914 by the French natural scientist, naturalist, and priest, Émile Licent. The museum houses over 200,000 specimens of paleontology, paleoanthropology, and flora and fauna collected from northern Chinese provinces and eastern Tibet. Many of these specimens are unique to the world.

The museum’s exhibition hall was pioneering in its architectural design, featuring central crutch columns with aesthetic appeal. This design is both visually pleasing and functional, meeting the specific requirements of museum architecture. As a result, the Beijiang Museum was hailed as a first-class museum globally during its time. After a period of closure, the Beijiang Museum was reopened to the public in 2016, continuing its legacy as a significant repository of natural history and a model of early modern museum architecture.

Located at No. 288 Hebei Road in Heping District, Xian Nong Courtyard was established in 1925. It was designed by British engineer R. H. Reid for the Xian Nong Real Estate Company. The courtyard comprises two rows of terraced houses and two separate apartment-style buildings. Each residence features a private front garden and a rear yard, with functional and rational layouts typical of middle-class housing of the period. Named after the employees of the Xian Nong Company who resided there, Xian Nong Courtyard is a prime example of the residential architecture tailored to the needs of the burgeoning middle class.

The restored Xian Nong Courtyard has become a vibrant space, hosting international top-tier home goods stores, well-known cultural enterprises, and the flagship store of Starbucks in North China, among other brands. It also serves as a public art plaza on the Five Great Avenues, fostering a bridge between artists and the public. The courtyard regularly hosts exhibitions and cultural events such as sculpture, installation art, photography, painting, and calligraphy shows, as well as cultural salons. These activities contribute to its role as a dynamic cultural hub, enriching the historical and cultural tapestry of Tianjin.

Ma Zhanshan’s former residence is located at No. 11 Hunan Road in Heping District. This two-story brick-and-wood structure, with parts extending to three stories, was built in the 1930s and showcases modern architectural features. Between 1933 and 1937, it was home to the renowned anti-Japanese patriot and general, Ma Zhanshan.

The residence has been meticulously restored and now functions as the Five Great Avenues’ first memorial dedicated to the War of Resistance Against Japan, offering free public access. The memorial houses permanent exhibitions such as the “General Ma Zhanshan Historical Exhibition” and “Stories of Xian Nong Courtyard in the Five Great Avenues.” Through extensive displays of texts, photographs, videos, and artifacts, the museum vividly recounts General Ma’s unwavering commitment to the resistance movement and his storied military career.

The former office site of the Eighth Office of the Tianjin Communist Party Committee is situated at No. 17 Qiuzhi Lane on Changsha Road. In April 1927, the Committee’s office relocated to this site within the British Concession. The office served as the workplace and residence of Li Jida, the committee secretary.

On August 9, 1927, due to betrayal, Li Jida and his wife were arrested at Nankai Sports Club Dianhua School. Subsequently, on November 8, Li Jida and others were executed at the Nanshi execution ground. This building thus became the last operational site for the Tianjin Communist Party Committee.

Constructed in 1926, the building features a two-story design with a partial basement, covering an area of approximately 203.4 square meters. The site stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by early Communist Party members in Tianjin, reflecting a crucial period in the city’s revolutionary history.

Ji Hongchang’s former residence is located at No. 3 Qingyun Lane, Xinhua Road, within the Five Great Avenues area of Tianjin. Ji Hongchang (1895–1934), originally named Hengli and also known by his alias Shiwu, was a notable figure in Chinese military and political history. Born in Fugou, Henan Province, Ji started his career as an apprentice in a jewelry shop in 1910. In August 1913, he joined Feng Yuxiang’s forces and steadily climbed the military ranks over the years. By June 1926, Ji was appointed regimental commander, and in April 1927, he became the commander of the 19th Division. His rise continued as he was promoted to the commander of the 10th Army in May 1929 and concurrently served as the Chairman of Ningxia Province.

In September 1930, Ji was appointed the General Commander of the 22nd Route Army, doubling as the commander of the 30th Army. After a brief period of traveling abroad in September 1931, he returned to China in early 1932 and moved to Tianjin, where he established contact with the North China Political Security Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party. Later that year, he joined the Communist Party of China. In May 1933, he took command of the Second Army of the Chahar People’s Anti-Japanese Allied Army. Following the failure of the Allied Army, Ji returned to Tianjin and continued his anti-Japanese activities, which drew the ire of the Nationalist government. In October 1934, for security reasons, he moved his residence from the French Concession’s Xiafei Road to No. 3 Oxford Villas in the British Concession, now No. 3 Qingyun Lane, Xinhua Road.

Qingyun Lane was constructed in 1932, covering an area of approximately 3,500 square meters with a building area of about 6,300 square meters. The residence comprises two two-story brick-and-wood row houses. The exterior of the ground floor features a cement block plastered facade, while the second floor is characterized by clean, sulfur-fired brick walls. Decorative elements include “shuai geda” plasterwork on the parapet walls and ornate lines where the parapet meets the brick facade. The balconies are designed in both recessed and protruding styles, adding architectural interest.

The roof is designed with large tube tiles and adorned with intricately carved dormer windows. Each house includes front and back yards, as well as a basement. The residences are spacious, with rational interior layouts and comprehensive facilities, making them high-end apartment-style homes of the era, showcasing eclectic architectural characteristics.

Yang Shisan’s former residence is located at No. 4 Pengchengli, Chengdu Road, within the Five Great Avenues area of Tianjin. Yang Shisan (1889–1939), whose given name was Yanlun and courtesy name was Canru, was also known as Yang Yumin. He hailed from Qian’an in Zhili Province (now Hebei Province) and was the 13th of his brothers, which is why he was commonly known as Yang Shisan. He was an expert in papermaking and served as a professor at Hebei Institute of Technology.

In 1906, Yang enrolled in the Tianjin Craft School. In 1920, he went to the United States for further studies and earned a doctorate degree. Upon returning to China, he moved to London Road in the British Concession (now Chengdu Road) in early 1930. Utilizing his professional identity and social standing, Yang provided cover for underground Communist Party members to carry out their activities in Tianjin. His residence became an important contact point for the party until the early years of the Anti-Japanese War.

During the initial stages of the war, Yang Shisan remained in Tianjin and maintained contact with Yao Yilin, the secretary of the Tianjin Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China. In the spring of 1938, he organized and participated in the anti-Japanese armed uprising in eastern Hebei. Later that year, in November, he went to work at the headquarters of the Eighth Route Army. Yang Shisan passed away in July 1939 while relocating. In September, the Eighth Route Army held a memorial service in his honor.

Yang Shisan’s former residence was built during the Republic of China period and is a two-story house with a basement. This structure played a significant role in the underground resistance efforts against Japanese occupation.

Richard Frey’s former residence is situated at No. 48 Yunnan Road. Richard Frey (1920–2004), originally named Richard Stein, was an Austrian who joined the Austrian Communist Party in 1937. In January 1939, he arrived in Shanghai, China, where he worked in a refugee temporary infectious disease hospital. By March of the same year, he moved to Tianjin and worked in the radiology and laboratory departments at the German-American Hospital and Dr. Ma’s Hospital.

In 1940, Frey established contact with the underground Communist Party in Beiping (now Beijing) and undertook the responsibility of transporting medical supplies and other materials to the anti-Japanese base areas. His involvement was critical in supporting the resistance movement during a time of great need.

Frey’s former residence, built during the Republic of China era, is a two-story brick and wood structure with a semi-basement. The southwest portion of the second floor was where Frey lived. The building’s historical significance is underscored by Frey’s contributions to the anti-Japanese effort and his role in the medical and logistical support network that was vital to the resistance.

Machang Avenue, also known as Italian Street, is a captivating avenue that showcases beautiful Italian Renaissance-style mansions. These impressive buildings were once the residences of foreign diplomats and wealthy Chinese merchants. As you walk along Machang Avenue, you’ll be mesmerized by the elegance of the mansions, characterized by their intricate designs, grand facades, and spacious courtyards. The avenue exudes an air of opulence and provides a glimpse into Tianjin’s colonial past.

Munan Avenue is famous for its charming French-style villas and mansions. As you stroll along this enchanting avenue, you’ll be transported to a world of elegance and grace. The architecture reflects a harmonious blend of French and Chinese influences, with delicate balconies, decorative detailing, and well-manicured gardens. The French villas along Munan Avenue are a testament to Tianjin’s historical connection with France and offer a delightful aesthetic experience.

Dali Road is a street that presents a diverse range of architectural styles, making it a fascinating destination for architecture enthusiasts. British, German, and Spanish influences are prominent along this road, showcasing Tianjin’s history of international exchanges. As you explore Dali Road, you’ll be captivated by the brick facades, pitched roofs, and ornate decorations that bring a touch of European charm to the avenue. The buildings on Dali Road stand as a testament to Tianjin’s cultural diversity and its openness to embracing different architectural aesthetics.

Chongqing Road is known for its remarkable Russian-style buildings, a reflection of Tianjin’s historical ties with Russia. This avenue provides a unique architectural experience with its onion-shaped domes, vibrant facades, and intricate ironwork. As you walk along Chongqing Road, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a different era, surrounded by the distinct charm of Russian-inspired architecture. The buildings along this road serve as a testament to the historical connections between Tianjin and Russia, adding a unique flavor to the architectural landscape of the Five Great Avenues.

Chengdu Road is a street that offers a captivating blend of Chinese, Western, and Japanese architectural influences. As you venture along this avenue, you’ll encounter traditional Chinese courtyard houses, Western-style villas, and Japanese-inspired mansions. Chengdu Road presents a fascinating journey through different cultural aesthetics, allowing visitors to appreciate the unique architectural elements of each style. The variety found on Chengdu Road is a testament to Tianjin’s history as a melting pot of different cultures and architectural traditions.

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