Must-visit spots in Harbin - Central Street area
Harbin, the northernmost city in China and a paradise for ice and snow activities, is it a place you've been longing to visit? As a native Harbin resident, today I'll share some must-see spots in Harbin, Heilongjiang! The attractions below are divided into areas to help you plan your trip!
Central Street (Central Street → Flood Control Monument → St. Sophia Cathedral): The entire area is about 2 kilometers long and is all within walking distance!
Central Street stretches from the Flood Control Monument on the banks of the Songhua River in the north to Jingwei Street in the south. This pedestrian street, paved with square stones, is lined with numerous European-style buildings in various styles, including Renaissance and Baroque, creating a romantic atmosphere. Every December, interesting ice and snow sculptures adorn Central Street, inviting visitors to take photos. Strolling along Central Street, one encounters over 70 European and European-style buildings, mostly built in the early 20th century. These buildings embody the essence of various Western architectural movements, such as the Daoli Qiulin Store (Art Nouveau architecture), the Education Bookstore (Harbin's largest Baroque building), the Women and Children's Store (Renaissance architecture), and the Harbin Municipal Education Commission (Neoclassical architecture), among others. There are also some well-known buildings. The Madier Hotel, built in 1906, is an Art Nouveau building, characterized by its simple, expansive, and free-flowing design. The Huamei Western Restaurant, originally named Mars Western Restaurant and Tea Shop, was established in 1925. The first floor features a modern European garden-style bar, the second floor is in the style of the former Soviet Moscow Kremlin, and the third floor is in a Russian modernist style.
At the end of Central Street is the Flood Control Monument. Every December, ice attractions are built on the ice surface of the Flood Control Monument, including ice slides, snow tubing, ice motorcycling, and more! It's especially suitable for couples or families with children, and you're sure to have a great time.
The Daoli Market and St. Sophia Cathedral, near Central Street, are also must-visit spots! You can find almost any snack you'd like to try in Harbin at the Daoli Market, including Russian smoked sausages, liqueur-filled candies, rye bread, smoked salmon, Northeastern black fungus, Northeastern hazelnuts, and more. The Daoli Market is located on the first floor of Harbin Department Store. Outside the market, you'll find a charming Madier (a popular Chinese ice cream brand) store. It's spacious, and sitting inside with an ice cream and bread while enjoying the view is a pleasant experience! If you encounter long queues for Madier on Central Street, head over to this store – it's directly operated by Madier!
Just past the Daoli Market, you'll see St. Sophia Cathedral. Its beauty is multifaceted: vibrant in spring, refreshing and tranquil after a summer rain, with white doves occasionally flying by—a scene beloved by Harbin residents. Winter is even more stunning, a silver-clad wonderland, shimmering with light!
Harbin is a fast-paced city, a feeling especially evident in its old town and the heart of the city, Central Street! Buses move slowly, pedestrians stroll leisurely, and the area's biggest highlight is its centuries-old architecture, which exudes an exotic charm and a sense of history. Honestly, I recommend that all Chinese people travel across China's magnificent landscapes and see its ice and snow. Only then can you truly appreciate the vastness of your motherland and the grandeur of its snow-covered landscapes! Okay, that's all for this episode. Next time, we'll talk about must-do activities around Harbin's number one must-visit spot, the Ice and Snow World. See you next time!
