Strolling Central Avenue, Encountering Century-Old Architectural Splendor
Setting foot on Harbin's soil, I was filled with anticipation for the unique charm of this city of ice and snow, and Central Avenue was undoubtedly the centerpiece of my exploration. As I stood at the intersection of this century-old street, gazing up at the quaint wrought iron street sign, an indescribable excitement washed over me, and I couldn't wait to begin this wondrous encounter with history and art.
As soon as I stepped onto Central Avenue, the breadstones beneath my feet caught my eye. Time-honored, each one is round and richly textured. Their close arrangement seems to silently tell a story of the past. Legend has it that these breadstones were laid in 1924, designed and supervised by the Russian engineer Komtrashok. Each one is 18 cm long and 10 cm wide. At the time, a single square stone cost a silver dollar, making it truly a "golden pavement." Walking along it, my steps unconsciously become light and slow, afraid to miss a single detail.
Walking along the street, the first thing that catches your eye is the Chow Tai Seng flagship store. Formerly the "Golobus" Jewish Cinema, it was built in 1919 and is a prominent Renaissance-style building on Central Avenue. This two-story brick-concrete structure features walls constructed of simulated stone. The horizontal lines defined by the grooves give the building's base an exceptionally stable appearance, like an old man, weathered yet unfailingly calm, firmly rooted in the earth. The intricate floral patterns beneath the eaves resemble artistic treasures gifted by time, each carving imbued with the ingenuity and meticulous care of the artisans. At the corner, the main entrance's crowning floral ornamentation stands out, offering a warm welcome. The wrought iron balconies atop them are uniquely shaped and exquisitely crafted, their craftsmanship breathtaking. Imagine the days of yore, when, as night fell, balcony concerts would slowly begin, the melodious music blending with the laughter of the crowds, adding an endless romance and warmth to this ancient street. Although the balcony concerts are now a thing of the past, the beautiful scene feels as if it were right before my eyes, captivating me.
Continuing my stroll, the building housing Matsuura 1918 Western Restaurant instantly caught my eye. It's the former site of the Matsuura Trading Company, built in 1918, and the only remaining Baroque-style building on Central Avenue. Its exterior is visually striking, with exaggerated curves and ornate decorations that perfectly capture the unique charm of Baroque style. The two giant statues of Titans, inspired by ancient Greek mythology, tower majestically at the entrance, as if guarding the building and its turbulent history. Stepping inside, the retro decor evokes a sense of time travel back a century. The exquisite furnishings and soft lighting exude a rich historical atmosphere in every detail. Ordering an authentic Russian meal here, savoring the food while immersing yourself in the stories woven into this building and experiencing the fusion of history and modernity is truly a rare treat.
As we walked, we arrived at the International Trading Company. Built in 1922, it was once a fashionable foreign goods store on Central Street.