Exploring Tianjin’s Five Great Avenues: Transportation Options

Visiting Tianjin without experiencing its tour buses is like missing out on a significant part of the city’s charm! The city is rich in cultural and historical attractions, and touring by bus not only makes the journey easier but also provides informative commentary from knowledgeable guides. In Tianjin, there are two main types of sightseeing buses that loop through the major attractions: the Antique-Style Dangdang Tram and the Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus. Many visitors find it hard to choose between them. Here’s a helpful tip:

Transportation Options

Reference: Tianjin Wudadao: A Cultural and Historical Tourism Area

When to Choose Each Bus:

  • Cold/Hot Weather: Opt for the Dangdang Tram.
  • Good Weather: Go for the Double-Decker Bus.
  • Fitness Level: Choose either based on your preference. 
  • Flexible Touring: If you prefer to hop on and off to explore various attractions, pick the Dangdang Tram.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: For the best photo opportunities, the Double-Decker Bus is ideal. 

 Antique-Style Dangdang Tram

The Dangdang Tram offers two routes: the Heping Line and the Hebei Line. These lines intersect at the Jinwan Plaza Station, where you can switch routes. The Heping Line passes through the Five Great Avenues, while the Hebei Line goes through the Italian Style Town. Tickets for a single line cost 20 RMB, and a combined ticket for both lines is 30 RMB, valid for the entire day. You can get on and off at any stop to visit nearby attractions. The tram staff, including guides and ticket sellers, are known for their friendliness and helpfulness. 

Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus

There are two versions of the Double-Decker Bus (see image 6). The difference is minimal, with one version having a slightly extended canopy. Most passengers prefer sitting on the open-air top deck for better views. Tickets cost 30 RMB per person, and the bus does not allow passengers to get off mid-journey. During warm weather, riding the Double-Decker Bus for nighttime sightseeing is a fantastic experience!

First-Time Rider Tips

  • Dangdang Tram: You can board the tram at Jinwan Plaza (image 3), Dante Square in the Italian Style Town (image 2), or Minyuan Square in the Five Great Avenues (image 1). These stops are prominent, with ticket booths at Dante Square and Minyuan Square. For other stops, search "Sightseeing Line 5" on Gaode Map.
  • Double-Decker Bus: You can board at Dante Square in the Italian Style Town, where the ticket booth is easy to spot.

Horse-Drawn Carriage

The horse-drawn carriage is a unique experience where the horse leads the way, but the carriage also has electric power. The entire ride takes about 30 minutes, with a guide providing commentary. Tickets are 80 RMB per person, with children over 1.2 meters tall requiring a full ticket. The front two rows have higher seats, offering better views.

Electric and Rickshaw Tours

Rickshaws are plentiful in the Five Great Avenues, with guides providing informative tours. For families or groups of friends, rickshaws are a good choice. However, it's recommended to choose either the horse-drawn carriage or the rickshaw, not both. Near the Dangdang Tram ticket booth, you can rent white two-person electric scooters for 60 RMB per hour with a 500 RMB deposit, which is perfect for a leisurely ride after a guided tour.

Seagull Watching

Currently, many seagulls from Siberia can be seen around the Dabie Temple Pier to Jingang Bridge (image 4). Feeding them depends on your luck, as the seagulls are well-fed and may not be interested in your offerings. 

Additional Tips

  • Weekend Travel: Bus schedules may not be accurate due to traffic jams on weekends. 
  • Crowds: Recently, Tianjin has seen a surge in tourists, especially on Saturdays. Finding a bus stop is easy; just follow the crowds. However, be prepared for long lines and the possibility of no available seats. 
  • Flower Viewing: The crabapple blossoms have not bloomed yet, with few flowers currently except for Forsythia and Magnolia. Street snacks in the Italian Style Town tend to be more expensive than those in the Five Great Avenues, though the reason is unclear. 

Q&A

Q1: Can I get off the Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus to explore attractions and then get back on?

A1: No, the Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus does not allow passengers to get off mid-journey. It's designed for continuous sightseeing from start to finish. If you want the flexibility to hop on and off, the Dangdang Tram is a better choice.

Q2: Where can I rent electric scooters for a self-guided tour of the Five Great Avenues?

A2: You can rent white two-person electric scooters near the Dangdang Tram ticket booth. The rental cost is 60 RMB per hour with a 500 RMB deposit. This option is great for families and provides a leisurely way to explore after a guided tour.


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