Zhong Yang Street, Harbin

Zhong Yang Street in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China, is an iconic attraction known as the "No. 1 Street in Northeast China." Its unique European style, century-old buildings, and rich cultural heritage attract countless tourists. Here is a detailed introduction to Zhong Yang Street: --- I. Historical Background 1. Origin and Construction - Built in 1898, it is approximately 1,450 meters long and 14 meters wide. It was originally built during the Tsarist Russia period and called "China Street." - Name Change: Renamed "Zhong Yang Street" in 1925, it was one of the most prosperous commercial streets in the Far East at that time. - Architectural Style: It integrates Russian architectural styles such as Baroque, Renaissance, and Eclecticism. There are more than 200 existing historical buildings, known as an "open-air architectural art museum." 2. Historical Significance - It is an epitome of Harbin's urban development, witnessing major historical events such as the construction of the China Eastern Railway, the Anti-Japanese War, and the War of Liberation. - It used to be a cultural melting pot where Russians, Jews, Chinese, and other ethnic groups lived together. --- II. Main Attractions and Features 1. Saint Sophia Cathedral (the largest Orthodox church in the Far East) - Architectural Features: Onion-shaped domes, red brick walls, and the interior is now the Harbin Architectural Art Exhibition Hall, displaying the city's history and architectural models. - Surroundings: The square has fountains and sculptures. The lights are bright at night in winter, making it a great place for taking pictures. 2. Modern Hotel (a century-old store) - Historical Status: Founded in 1903, it has hosted international dignitaries such as Lenin and Stalin. It is famous for "Madier Popsicle" and "Madier Ice Cream Parlor." - Featured Experience: Staying here allows you to experience Russian aristocratic service. The exterior architecture is a typical Neo-Renaissance style. 3. Zhong Yang Mall and Time-Honored Stores - Qiulin Company: A century-old store known for its Russian-style foods such as red sausage, large leba bread, and kvass. - Huamei Western Restaurant: The first Western restaurant in China, offering Russian-style Western food and afternoon tea in a retro environment. - Education Bookstore: Formerly the China Eastern Railway Workers' Club, it is now a Harbin-style bookstore and cafe. 4. Street Details and Anecdotes - Cobblestone Pavement: Paved in 1924, it is inlaid with granite and pebbles. It is non-slip in winter and cool in summer, and is known as the "Golden Avenue." - Underground Passage: Connects the pedestrian street with the Songhua River. It can be used for summer heat relief, and there are ice and snow art exhibitions in winter. --- III. Must-Try Foods 1. Red Sausage (Qiulin Lidaosi, Shangwei Red Sausage) - Russian-style sausage with a smoked flavor that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It is a representative snack in Harbin. 2. Madier Popsicle - A must-try classic with flavors such as liquid durian and yogurt, offering a unique experience of eating a popsicle at -20°C. 3. Guo Bao Rou (Sweet and Sour Pork) - Harbin-style Guo Bao Rou is sweet and sour, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and served with sweet sauce or ketchup. 4. Kvass Drink - Brewed with fermented bread, it has a slightly alcoholic taste and is full of Russian style. 5. Iron Pot Stew - Authentic Northeastern cuisine with fish, meat, and tofu, steaming hot, and suitable for sharing with multiple people. --- IV. Travel Practical Guide 1. Best Time to Visit - Winter (December-February): Ice and Snow World is open (about 3 km from Zhong Yang Street). The streets are brightly lit at night, the temperature is low, but the atmosphere is warm. - Summer (June-August): Cool and pleasant, it can be used to escape the summer heat. You can stroll along the Songhua River or take a boat trip. 2. Transportation - Subway: Line 1, "Zhong Yang Street Station" directly. - Bus: Many buses are available (such as routes 101, 102, and 103). - Taxi/Self-driving: Convenient transportation in the city center with ample parking lots. 3. Tickets and Opening Hours - The street is open for free, but some attractions require a fee: - Saint Sophia Cathedral: CNY 10 (exhibition hall). - Ice and Snow World: Approximately CNY 300-400 (winter). - Opening Hours: The street is open all day, and indoor venues are adjusted according to the season. 4. Surrounding Joint Tours - Songhua River Ice and Snow World (winter): The world's top ice and snow theme park. - Sun Island Scenic Area (summer): A summer resort where you can visit the Russian-style town. - Laodaowai Chinese Baroque Block: Experience Harbin's urban culture and the integration of Chinese and Western architecture. --- V. Precautions - Keep Warm in Winter: The temperature is extremely low (up to -30°C or below), so you need to wear a thick down jacket, gloves, and snow boots. - Sun Protection and Snow Blindness Prevention: The ultraviolet rays are strong in winter, and the snow has a high reflectivity, so it is recommended to wear sunglasses. - Language Communication: Most scenic spot signs are in both Chinese and English, with a few Russian signs. Translation tools are basically not needed. - Shopping Tips: Red sausage and specialties can be tasted on site, but it is recommended to compare prices for bulk purchases. --- VI. Cultural Trivia - The "One Telephone Line" on Zhong Yang Street: There used to be a hidden telephone line directly connected to the Tsarist Russia Governor's Office, which was an important communication facility in history. - The Origin of "Madier": The name of the hotel comes from the name of the founder, the Jewish businessman Joseph Madier, whose descendants are still involved in the hotel's management. - The Secret of the Underground Passage: It was once used as an air-raid shelter during World War II and has now been transformed into a multi-functional space with ice and snow mural exhibitions in winter. --- Zhong Yang Street in Harbin is not only a paradise for food and shopping, but also a living history book of modern times. Whether you are strolling among century-old buildings or tasting a cold Madier Popsicle, you can feel the city's unique exotic charm and Northeast customs. The winter ice and snow spectacle and the cool summer days make it a year-round tourist destination.