Central Avenue is a historic part of Harbin with buildings and monuments displaying the 100 year development of the city.
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Our exploration of one of the great pedestrian streets in China, starts at JingWei Street.
We entered ZhongYang Lu (aka in English as Central Avenue) late in the afternoon.
Today the Architectual Arts Museum attempts to preserve the many historic buildings along this walking street.
Donald Duck and Minnie… demonstrating an interest in contemporary International connections.
View of one of the side streets.
One of many European-styled buildings from the early 1920s.
A typical marker explaining the historical significance of buildings along the Avenue.
A music school is providing on-street entertainment today.
Harbin boasts a great music tradition and is credited with producing many first-rate Chinese musicians.
Many buildings are European design from the early 20s when many Russian Jews sought refuge in Harbin.
The marker on the corner building.
Street decorations in 2011 are in preparation for a major politcal anniversary.
Xinhua Bookstore now occupies one of the most famous buildings along the street.
More celebration of Western musical traditions in Harbin.
Depiction of transportation methods in Harbin 100 years ago.
This year is the 90th anniversary of the founding of Party.
Russian dolls celebrate the Russian connections in the history of Harbin.
While I find him cute, he is likewise fascinated with this strange-looking foreigner.
Now at the top of Central Avenue, we get our first good glimpse of the Flood Memorial.
An under-steet pedestrian walkway.
The plaza of the Flood Control Monument.
Two major floods were recorded along with valiant attempts to control flooding.
This plaza is the central feature of Stalin Park which hugs the riverbanks for some distance both ways.
A popular meeting place at the top of ZhongYang Street.
Ferry boats, here, will provide tourists with a short trip along the SongHua River, or may carry them to Sun Island on the other side.
A favorite place for young people to socialize in the late evening.
