Harbin Baroque Square
The Chinese Baroque Historical and Cultural Protection District is one of the ten major historical and cultural protection districts in Harbin. It is the area with the longest history in Harbin's modern development and the birthplace of Harbin's national industry and commerce. The Chinese Baroque architectural complex in the district is the largest and best-preserved Chinese Baroque architectural complex in China. The district also has many characteristic courtyards, alleys and other material cultural resources, as well as intangible cultural resources such as commercial culture, catering culture and folk culture with traditional atmosphere.
Baroque architecture is an architectural style that emerged during the Italian Renaissance in the 17th century. It is one of the greatest architectural styles in Europe. "Chinese Baroque" is simply a Chinese version of Baroque architecture. Its main features are: the side facade of the building facing the street is in Baroque style, while the local decorative patterns are taken from traditional Chinese cultural elements of blessing. For example, pomegranates and grapes symbolize fertility, while bats, peonies, ruyi, copper coins, and curling grass express the meaning of blessing, wealth, longevity, and auspiciousness. The space behind the facade is a typical Chinese courtyard house, with a traditional ethnic layout and functions. This "shop in front and house in the back", courtyard-style residential and commercial building is called "Chinese Baroque", which is a combination of Chinese and Western architectural styles.