Take a Bike: Harbin

Zhao Tianhua / for China Daily

Top: Harbin's first paved street, Central Avenue. Above: Chinese-Baroque Historic Block. Zhou Huiying / China Daily

Night view of Harbin's first paved street, Central Avenue. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn-by Zhao Tianhua]

Harbin's Sun Island Scenic Spot. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn-by Zhao Tianhua]

Harbin

Where East and West meet

Zhou Huiying in Harbin

Some tourists like historical sites, while others prefer metropolitan cities. For the best of both worlds, go to Harbin, which has a delightful mix of historical Chinese and modern foreign cultures - gaining it the title "Oriental Paris" or "Oriental Moscow".

Even more thrilling is, one could go in summer and still enjoy moderately breezy climate. It is also the best time to cycle around the city.

The Chinese-Baroque Historic Block on Daowai Nan Street is a must, where cyclists will feel as if they are in a museum of Baroque architecture. The weather-beaten appearance will remind visitors of the buildings' glorious past.

Next, cycle across the block to Jiangpan Lu to appreciate the charming beauty of the city's main waterways - the Songhua River.

On Songhua River's northern bank is the Sun Island recreation area. The district has a romantic feel to it and is well-known as one of China's best summer resorts. Scenic spots include a deer park, a squirrel island, a refreshing swan lake and a mini-Russian town. Cycle along the roads on the Sun Island, one can bask in the beauty of nature amid the concrete jungle.

After exploring the Sun Island, head towards the end of Jiangpan Lu to the Harbin Flood Control Monument. It commemorates the valiant struggle against the deadly massive floods in 1957. Built a year after that, the 22.5 meter-high cylindrical tower with an arched corridor has become the city's landmark.

For the next highlight of the city, cyclists will have to get off their bikes. It is Harbin's breathtaking pedestrian-only Central Avenue, which is also known as the city's first paved street. Like an architectural art gallery, both sides of the 1,450 meter cobblestone street are dotted with Russian-style buildings. The street comes alive especially when the sun sets with crowds shopping, feasting and enjoying the night life.

Walking along the street, tourists can taste the traditional Harbin ice cream, in front of Modern Hotel, which is the first hotel in the city. For authentic Russian cuisine, go to Huamei Restaurant.