Exploring Tianjin’s Five Great Avenues by Horse-Drawn Carriage

As a resident of Tianjin's Five Great Avenues, whenever tourists or passersby ask me about the best way to see the charming European-style houses, including my friends, colleagues, and relatives from across the country, I always recommend the horse-drawn carriage tour.

Reference: Tianjin Wudadao: A Cultural and Historical Tourism Area

Why I Recommend the Horse-Drawn Carriage

There are two main reasons why I recommend the horse-drawn carriage tour of the Five Great Avenues:

1. Unique Experience: The horse-drawn carriage tour is one of the most distinctive tourism experiences in China. It's the only place in the country where you can ride a horse-drawn carriage on urban motorways. Especially in the summer, the tree-lined avenues of the Five Great Avenues are cool and serene. Riding in a carriage, admiring the diverse architectural styles of the old houses, and listening to stories of famous residents is an incredibly pleasant experience.
2. Well-Designed Route: The carriage tour route is very well planned, making it especially friendly for first-time visitors. It covers nearly all the important historical residences and significant buildings on the Five Great Avenues. For those keen on seeing old buildings, the carriage tour is perfect. The guide provides continuous commentary about the historical houses and fascinating stories, enriching the experience.

Historical Context and Suitability

Some might wonder if the Five Great Avenues are suitable for horse-drawn carriages. The answer is a resounding yes. Historically, the Five Great Avenues were not built overnight. It started with Racecourse Road, where the British used to gallop on horses down the main road to reach the racetrack at the southern end of Racecourse Road. Riding horses, horse-drawn carriages, tricycles, and rickshaws were the primary modes of transportation for residents in the early days. As road conditions improved, private cars gradually became more common in some households. Therefore, taking a horse-drawn carriage tour of the Five Great Avenues is a wonderfully nostalgic experience.

Cost Considerations

Some might say that 80 RMB per person for a carriage ride is expensive. However, it’s all relative. I’ve taken horse-drawn carriage tours in Hobart, Australia, where a 15-minute ride costs 50 AUD, equivalent to over 200 RMB. There was also a 90-minute experience priced at 150 AUD, around 700 RMB, which I didn’t splurge on. Similarly, during my travels in Russia, similar carriage rides also cost several hundred RMB per person. In comparison, the carriage tours on the Five Great Avenues are indeed reasonably priced.

Concerns About the Horses

In recent years, some animal welfare advocates have expressed concern that it’s cruel for a single horse to pull a large carriage full of people. I appreciate their good intentions, but this conclusion is a bit hasty. Several years ago, the horse-drawn carriages on the Five Great Avenues were converted to electric vehicles. The horses in front are essentially "actors." If they truly had to pull the carriage with sheer muscle power, they wouldn’t even manage to get it moving. I’ve spoken with the "carriage masters" who handle these tours, and they assured me that the horses are well taken care of, with good feed, a comfortable environment, and regular breaks. They even have special areas for the horses to relax and play after their "workday," ensuring their well-being.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

I often take evening strolls in Minyuan Square and frequently encounter tourists asking for directions. Occasionally, I come across "black guides" offering their services for a Five Great Avenues tour. Whenever this happens, I sternly tell them in my strong Tianjin dialect, "Don't fool people, get lost." First-time visitors to the Five Great Avenues should not be misled by these unauthorized guides. Many of them are not locals and the stories they tell about the houses are often inaccurate. This reinforces my recommendation: for an authentic and enriching experience, the horse-drawn carriage tour is the best choice.

In conclusion, exploring Tianjin’s Five Great Avenues by horse-drawn carriage is not only a unique and enjoyable way to see the historical and architectural wonders of this area but also a reasonably priced and well-designed tour option. It offers a glimpse into the past with the comfort and convenience of modern amenities, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Tianjin.

Q1: Why is the horse-drawn carriage tour considered a unique experience in Tianjin’s Five Great Avenues?

A1: The horse-drawn carriage tour is unique because it is one of the few such experiences available in urban China, and it is the only place where carriages operate on city streets. The tour offers a nostalgic journey through tree-lined avenues, providing a serene and picturesque view of the diverse architectural styles of the historical houses. Additionally, the tour includes continuous commentary from guides, enriching visitors' understanding of the area's historical and cultural significance.

Q2: Are the horses used in the carriage tours treated humanely, and how is their welfare ensured?

A2: Yes, the horses used in the carriage tours are treated humanely. The carriages are actually powered by electric vehicles, with the horses serving a mostly decorative role. The horses receive good care, including proper feed and a comfortable environment. They are also given regular breaks and are taken to special areas to relax and play after their workday, ensuring their well-being and emotional health.