Laodaowai, a 50-hectare area located in the center of Harbin, Heilongjiang province, is the largest and best-preserved complex of Baroque Chinese architecture.

Laodaowai district is known to contain some of the earliest signs of foreign involvement in China.

In 2007, the Chinese government put "protection of Baroque Chinese history and culture" on its list of key projects. The stone-paved central avenue adds beautiful color to the city's rich scenery.

Video: Huan CAO

Producer: Flora Yue