The Central Street is a pedestrian street made by cobblestones at about one miles length. Old architecture dating from the Russian era, shopping malls, stores and restaurant has enabled both sides of the street to be marvelous and attractive. Actually, the Central Street was a part of the original town built by the Russians about 110 years ago. During that time, it was named as Chinese Street and well known as a destination that flooded with numerous foreign shops, hotels and bars. Russian leather, British woolen cloth, French perfume, German medicine and plenty more can be found in this fashionable street. In 1997, Harbin government appointed the street as a pedestrian street, which added greater charm to this enchanting location.
The Central Street nowadays is occupied by a variety of European style architecture including the Renaissance, Baroque, as well as Modern School buildings can all be seen here. The entire building for present Jiaoyu Bookstore is the largest Baroque architecture in Harbin. At the same time, this building also stands as the landmark of Central Street. The Art of Nouveau architecture can be found on both Mod-Er Hotel (formerly Modern Hotel) and Daoliqiulin Shop whereas the former Xiehe Bank building reflects the typical Renaissance architecture on the other hand. For those who are interested in the study of architecture of different kinds, then a visit to the Central Street is as must as there are too much exotic and appealing architecture to be discovered here.