Gogol Street (果戈里大街) is a famous commercial street in Harbin, China, stretching 2,642 meters long. Established in 1901, it has over a century of history. The street began to take shape in the early 20th century with the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway and the implementation of a “new urban plan” around St. Nicholas Cathedral Square (commonly known as Lama Square) in Harbin’s city center.
In 1902, the Qiulin Company moved its branch from Xiangfang District to the intersection of Dazhi Street and Gogol Street in Nangang District, building a commercial complex that attracted many Russian businesses and pharmacies, leading to the street’s gradual prosperity.
Gogol Street features numerous Russian-style buildings, including the notable Qiulin Food Company building and St. Alexei Church. Along the road, modern granite paving is adorned with marble plaques inscribed with the names of historical figures, famous songs, and literary works from Heilongjiang’s rich cultural heritage. The vibrant atmosphere and beautiful night scenery make Gogol Street as bustling as any other major street in Harbin, earning it the nickname “Bar Street.”
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Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
Location and Transportation
Gogol Street is located in the Nangang District of Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 7, 8, 18, 18, 62, 63, 87, 109, 121, 202, 267, or 386, get off at Gexin Street Stop (革新街站), and you will be standing at south end of Gogol Street.
Metro: The closest metro station to Gogol Street is the Musum (博物馆) on line 1 and line 2. After getting out of the station from Exit 2, you will be standing at the north end of the street.
Highlights of Gogol Street
St. Alexei Church
St. Alexei Church, located on Shike Street in Nangang District, Harbin, is an Eastern Orthodox church covering an area of 1,005 square meters. Built in 1931, its grand scale and exquisite design exude a warm religious atmosphere, making it a significant religious structure and an essential representation of Byzantine art in the city. After restoration in 1980, it was converted into a Catholic church and now serves as the site for the Heilongjiang Provincial Patriotic Catholic Association, the Harbin City Patriotic Catholic Association, and the Heilongjiang Provincial Catholic Affairs Committee.
Russian River Park
Russian River Park is one of the top ten attractions along Gogol Street in Harbin’s Nangang District. Situated along the banks of the Majiagou River, it stretches 108 meters and features 6,000 square meters of leisure and shopping space. Leading up to National Day, the riverside will come alive with pavilions, water features, light displays, and fountains, enhancing the area with a vibrant and exotic atmosphere.
Dongqing Railway Central Hospital
Currently known as the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, this facility covers over 80,000 square meters, surrounded by lush greenery and numerous Russian-style buildings. The complex includes the main office building, outpatient department, ancillary facilities, and the former central telephone bureau, all showcasing typical Russian architectural styles that create a pastoral scene reminiscent of the Far East. The hospital’s office building, originally the central telephone bureau built in 1907, features a medieval fortress-like design with pointed arches, reflecting a Romantic architectural style.
“Aoliante” Cinema (Now Heping Cinema)
This building, known for its Romantic architecture with Renaissance and Gothic elements, is one of the earliest cinemas in China. Opposite it stands the “Jigante” Cinema (now Yaxiya Cinema), built in 1925, which features Greek Corinthian columns and decorative pediments, exemplifying typical Renaissance architecture.
Qiulin Company
Established in 1908 by Russian entrepreneurs, Qiulin Company is a multinational enterprise that reflects the new movement of its time. Renowned both domestically and internationally, this long-standing establishment was founded in 1867 by I. Yaqiulin in Irkutsk, Russia. In 1900, it opened a branch in Harbin named “Qiulin Commercial Firm,” coinciding with the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway. After the October Revolution, the headquarters moved to Harbin. At Qiulin, you can purchase famous Harbin delicacies such as red sausage, rye bread, and various snacks including mooncakes and fruit wines. Nearby, you can also visit three notable churches on Dong Dazhi Street: the Cathedral of the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God, the Sacred Heart Cathedral, and the Nielayi Church, each showcasing unique architectural styles and exotic charm.
Huayuan Primary School
Originally the residence of the Japanese Consulate in Harbin, this building is now home to the Provincial Foreign Affairs Office. Across the street is the consulate’s official residence. The architecture is an eclectic blend of styles, featuring a dignified exterior and elegant, lavish interior decor that exemplifies classic Baroque architecture.
