Is Harbin worth visiting?

There are two things I can't resist: a carved porch and the smell of butter. On my first day strolling along Zhong Yang Street in Harbin, I knew I had come to the right place. This street is an open-air architectural museum and a giant canteen with the aroma of carbs wafting through the air 24/7. Zhong Yang Street is located in Daowai District, Harbin, and is one of the oldest commercial streets in the city. The street is over 300 meters long and is like a small time capsule that preserves the ups and downs of Harbin over the past century. Its buildings are the best witnesses, with old buildings in the Chinese Baroque style that combine the symmetry of Chinese architecture with the carving art of European architecture. Despite the peeling walls and old windows, you can still feel the elegance of the past. Every brick, door frame, and even signboard on Zhong Yang Street seems to be whispering about the past. This "authentic oldness" is my first impression of this street. It is not the "fake antique" that has been over-commercialized, but a real relic of the past that has come out of history with a touch of life. Walking here, you can feel the weight of time on your shoulders, but it is not heavy, and it makes you feel a sense of reverence. Don't squeeze in with the tourists. Go around to the red brick wall on the northwest corner of the church. The light at 3:30 pm will cast shadows diagonally on the brick seams, and your phone will capture a scene straight out of The Grand Budapest Hotel. Most important tips: Dress warmly: Harbin is really cold in winter, so make sure to wear warm clothes, especially non-slip shoes, for your city walk. Zhong Yang Street may look flat, but it can be slippery after walking on the snow for a while. Be sure to wear warm clothes, or you will feel cold. Remember to wear gloves, earmuffs, and a hat when taking photos, or you will freeze. Most importantly, throw away your phone map and follow the curves of the cast iron balconies and the aroma of grilled cold noodles. The magic of this beautiful city is never in the guidebooks. The snow falls silently, the buildings are weathered, and you just need to walk quietly, and time will tell you everything.