subject: Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie) - Europe in one street [print this page] Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie) - Europe in one street
For new comers to Harbin, the recommended route through the city begins at Central Street. Referred to by locals as the Moscow of the East', its rich European architecture that dresses up the sides of these streets is the pride of the city. Central Street is where one can browse through a bit of history while doing some shopping as well.
Central Street saw its beginnings in the 1800's and during the early days of its construction was referred to as the Chinese Street. Its present title came about only towards the 1920's, and was constructed so that the street could be used as a means to transport goods and essential supplies for the construction of railways via carts.
According to the designs of a Russian engineer the street was covered in cobble stones. Since the introduction of the stones on the street, the rustic image of the streets quickly caught on with entrepreneurs, who opened up hotels, and numerous shops. Today, visitors to Central Street would be able to find anything from Russian leather, French perfume to British woolen cloth.
In 1997 the Harbin government decided to convert the street into a street for pedestrians and in doing so kept the crowds flocking to this location which has now become an inseparable part of the cultural landscape of Harbin.
The European feel of things in Central Street which draws many to this part of the city owes its crisp beautiful look to the European style structures that line the street. Stretching across over a thousand odd yards, the street displays pieces of Renaissance work famed through out the Baroque period as well as pieces of architecture that lean towards the modern school as well.
Central Street is the point at which tourists are placed at the crossroads of modern day Harbin staring down with its charming historical surroundings. The street has stood for perhaps some of the best European architectural development throughout the years.
Seeing the sights of Harbin could not be made easier as the area offers many Harbin hotels for accommodation. A popular choice among business and leisure travelers is the Shangri La Hotel Harbin which offers luxurious accommodation and is one among few much sought after Harbin luxury hotels in the area.
