In Harbin's Daoli District, Central Street, steeped in centuries of history and culture, evokes a unique charm. Like a dazzling pearl necklace, it straddles the northern edge of the city, reaching north to the south bank of the Songhua River.
Central Street is a veritable outdoor architectural art museum.
Constructed in 1898, Central Street stretches 1,450 meters, lined with over 70 European-style and European-inspired buildings. The authentic Baroque style of the Matsuura Trading Company, with its exquisite reliefs on the window lintels and marble statues above the gate, embodies the essence of 17th-century European Baroque art. Then there's the International Trading Company, whose eclectic blend of features, unique courtyard layout, and intricate wrought iron railings, speaks of a bygone era of prosperity. These diverse yet harmoniously integrated buildings form an "outdoor architectural art museum," a stroll through which feels like transporting you to the streets of Europe.
Central Street offers visitors a feast for the senses.
Central Street is a culinary paradise. The famous Madiel popsicles, made with pure milk and boasting a rich, creamy flavor, are a popular sight in both winter and summer, as tourists stroll the streets clutching popsicles. Entering a Russian restaurant, you'll find mouth-watering exotic delicacies like black bread, kvass, and borscht. Tender, succulent black pepper steak and hearty Russian-style grilled sausages evoke the passion of the fighting nation. Of course, authentic Northeastern cuisine is also not to be missed. Each bite of the golden, crispy sweet and sour pork exudes the hearty, hearty spirit of the Northeastern people.
This area boasts not only architecture and cuisine, but also a wealth of cultural activities. The annual "Old Street Music Festival" from May 15th to October 8th, and the European-style "Old Street Honor Guard and Four Seasons Princess" parade on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday evenings in the summer, allow you to immerse yourself in music and romance. Furthermore, special exhibition halls such as the Harbin Party History Memorial Hall, Building 10, and the Harbin Institute of Technology Center add to the rich cultural heritage of this old street. As night falls and the lights come on, Central Avenue seems to don a golden attire. The golden lights lining the street evoke a poetic scene, complementing the century-old buildings with a breathtaking beauty. In this dreamy atmosphere, you can find a café, sit by the window, admire the streetscape, and feel the warmth of the city. Central Avenue is not only a calling card of Harbin, but also a place where one will linger, waiting for every visitor to arrive and continue writing its own story.