Flood Control Memorial Tower

Built in 1958 (commemorating the victory over the 1957 flood), Roman-style colonnade + reliefs; a landmark on the banks of the Songhua River and the starting point for night cruises. Completed in 1958, the Flood Control Memorial Tower commemorates the 1957 victory of Harbin's soldiers and civilians over a catastrophic flood. The towering body is embraced by a Roman-style colonnade, and reliefs at the base re-create the crowds of flood fighters of that year — Harbin's most important spiritual landmark. The flood-hero statue on top faces the Songhua River, and together with the surging water behind it forms the city's narrative of "man conquering nature." The tower sits at the very north end of Central Street, the hinge between the old town and the riverbank; both river night cruises and the Ice and Snow Carnival set off from this area. At night the tower lights up, facing the lights of Sun Island across the river, and in winter, once the river freezes, you can walk straight onto the ice from the square in front.

Getting there: Riverside at the north end of Central Street