The Red Line: Muravyov-Amursky Street in Khabarovsk

Lenin Square

This is the main square in Khabarovsk and one of the largest in the country. In terms of size, it is second only to Red Square in Moscow. Before Khabarovsk was settled, this site was dense, untouched taiga. Today, the square features a large central fountain and eight smaller ones, surrounded by tree-lined alleys and, in summer, flower beds. It hosts Victory Day military parades, May Day celebrations, City Day, and Krai Day festivities. In winter, an ice town is built on the square and the region's largest New Year tree is erected here.

Address: Lenin Square, Khabarovsk

Arsenyev's Ash Tree

A 120-year-old tree planted by the writer and Far East explorer. The Manchurian ash grows at the corner of Sheronova Street and Muravyov-Amursky Street. Writer, traveler, scientist, and explorer Vladimir Arsenyev planted the eight-year-old sapling near his home in 1911 to mark the visit of his brother Alexander. Many times the tree faced the threat of destruction, but it survived. Students come to hug the ash tree on the eve of exams — they believe it brings good luck.

Address: Coordinates: 48.478904, 135.06901

Central Department Store

Until the early 20th century, this was one of the most beautiful buildings in Khabarovsk. Before the revolution, it housed the merchant Arkhipov's tenement building. In 1920, however, the structure was struck by several artillery shells during a bombardment from the Japanese side. During reconstruction, decorative elements were removed from the façade, window openings were enlarged, and the interiors were redesigned in the style of Soviet neoclassicism. Long-time residents remember this place as the "happiness store": thanks to direct foreign imports, its range of goods was considered one of the best in the city. It is now a shopping center.

Address: 23 Muravyov-Amursky Street, Khabarovsk

Opening hours: Friday–Sunday 10:00 am-8:00 pm

Sovkino Cinema

This was the site of the oldest cinema in the Far East. The venue was called "Grand Illusion" and was very popular — silent films were shown here. In 1925, it was renamed "Sovkino." In the pre-revolutionary period, the building housed a tenement owned by Viktor Zandau, a well-known Khabarovsk pharmacist and entrepreneur. The building is distinguished by the expressive silhouette of its main facade, with its varied floor levels. A triangular bay window is crowned by a dome with ornamental fresco paintings.

Address: 34 Muravyov-Amursky Street, Khabarovsk

Central Gastronom

This was the first department store in Khabarovsk. The building was constructed in the early 20th century as a branch of the firm Kunst & Albers, a department store owned by German merchants Gustav Kunst and Gustav Albers. The two-storey structure is built in the German Baroque style with eclectic elements. Above the main entrance stands a figure of Mercury — the god of trade. Here you could buy almost anything: food, haberdashery, cigarettes, children's toys, and a great variety of other goods.

Address: 9 Muravyov-Amursky Street, Khabarovsk

Far Eastern State Scientific Library

At the time of its construction in 1902, this was the largest three-storey building in the city. It was intended for a public bank, which occupied the second floor. The building was owned by the merchant Plyusnin. This three-storey brick building is designed in the Russian Revival style. The building's appearance is defined by a combination of grey and red brick typical of Khabarovsk. Red brick was purchased from the Khabarovsk merchant Tifontai, while grey, unbaked brick was delivered from China. The ground floor housed shops, pharmacies, and workshops. The third floor was used as residential accommodation for tenants. Since 1944, the building has been home to a library.

Address: 1 Muravyov-Amursky Street, Khabarovsk