A personal relationship with Tianjin that continues to grow
Wudadao, the 'Five Great Avenues' is an extensive area I particularly appreciate walking through. Once part of the former British concession its narrow streets centered around the now rebuilt Minyuan Stadium represent much of early 20th century residential dwellings. Mostly low-rise housing, often enclosed within personal gardens, it felt for me like going back to an earlier life in the UK! However, often careful development has seen the opening of sophisticated bars and restaurants within some former residences and compounds enhancing, indeed creating a quite positive feel to the area. Personally, after a day walking around Wudadao I like to relax there in a convivial atmosphere reminding me at times of great Irish or Scottish hospitality! Yes, Tianjin has it all for many of us who appreciate its appealing diversity. It is also a city retaining an outdoor street culture of fast foods cooked up at portable stalls again reminding me of years travelling across China.
