Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie)

中央大街

Asia's longest stone-paved pedestrian street, a 1.4-kilometer stretch lined with Russian, Baroque, and Art Nouveau buildings, and the place to try Modern Hotel ice cream and Russian-style Western food.

Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie) was built in 1898. It runs from Jingwei Street to the Flood Control Monument on the bank of the Songhua River, a total length of 1,450 meters. The road is paved with square stones, and more than 70 historic buildings line both sides, in Renaissance, Baroque, eclectic, and Art Nouveau styles. It is the strip that best captures Harbin's 'Moscow of the East' character. Highlights include the Modern Hotel (built in 1906, where the Modern Hotel ice cream line stretches even in winter), the Education Bookstore (formerly the Matsuura Company building), Hua Mei Western Restaurant, Russian-style street sculptures, and in winter, ice sculptures placed in the middle of the street. At night, the outlines of the buildings are lit up, creating a classic night view.

How to enjoy it: Start at the Jingwei Street metro station at the south end and walk north, eating Modern Hotel ice cream, red sausage, kvass, and Russian bread along the way. At the Flood Control Monument at the north end, head down to the Songhua River. In winter, you can walk right onto the frozen river for ice activities. The side streets off Central Street are also worth exploring. Admission is free.

Getting there: Take Metro Line 2 to Central Street station, or take several bus routes to the Central Street stop.

Note: In winter, the road surface can be icy, so wear non-slip shoes. On holiday evenings, crowds are very large. Be sure to shop wisely at the Russian goods stores along the street, as the quality of the merchandise varies.

Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie)

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