Five Great Avenues Historic District

Background

The Five Great Avenues lie along the southern edge of the former British concession, roughly bounded by Chengdu Road to the south, Machang Road to the north, Xikang Road to the east and the junction of Machang Road and Nanjing Road to the west; the district is made up of many streets. According to sources, the site was once low-lying ponds and pits, filled in and laid with roads between 1919 and 1926 using silt dredged from the Hai River, and the district gradually took shape; in the 1920s and 1930s it became an upscale residential area for prominent politicians and businesspeople, with architecture showing British, French, Italian, German, Spanish and other influences, in Renaissance, Greek, Gothic, Romantic and eclectic styles. Sights include Minyuan Square (around the former Minyuan Stadium), Prince Qing's Mansion, the former Hoangho-Paiho Museum and the former residences of notable figures; the district is still lived in, and many buildings are private homes or have been converted to commercial or cultural use, so not all are open to visitors. For the historical figures associated with each former residence, refer to that residence's official information.

Local customs

• Walk or cycle along tree-lined roads such as Machang Road, Munan Road, Dali Road, Chongqing Road and Changde Road, looking up at villa gables, doors and windows, walls and street trees
• linger around Minyuan Square for coffee and photos
• former residences and museums open to the public can be visited under their own rules.

Travel tips

• The Five Great Avenues form an open neighbourhood, but each former residence and museum has its own opening and booking rules, so check each site's official announcements before you go. Take the metro or a bus to a stop near the district and walk in
• getting around inside is mainly on foot, and if you drive, check parking nearby. Wear comfortable flat shoes and allow plenty of time for walking.
• Late spring, early summer and autumn are best for walking. Summers are hot and rainy, so protect yourself from the sun and drink water
• winters are cold and dry, so dress warmly and adjust your clothing to the day's weather.