Core Viewpoint - The article explores the historical significance of Harbin's Central Avenue as a financial hub in Northeast Asia, highlighting the evolution of currency and banking institutions over the past century [2][30]. Group 1: Historical Context - Central Avenue in Harbin was once bustling with financial activity, hosting over twenty banks and financial institutions, including Citibank and HSBC, which played a crucial role in capital flow in Northeast Asia [2][9]. - The area transformed from a marshland in the early 1900s to a vibrant financial center, with the first Russian merchants bringing rubles to the region [2][9]. Group 2: Currency Evolution - In 1914, the circulation of rubles in Harbin exceeded one hundred million, surpassing that of some major cities in Russia, indicating the city's economic significance [9]. - The October Revolution in 1917 led to the devaluation of the old ruble, causing significant financial losses for local merchants, exemplified by a case where a merchant's savings turned worthless overnight [9][10]. - By 1924, the Soviet government abolished all Tsarist currency, marking the end of the ruble era in Harbin [10][21]. Group 3: The Role of Autumn Company - The Autumn Company, established in 1900, became a major retail entity in the region, issuing its own vouchers that functioned as a quasi-currency amidst the chaotic monetary environment [17][19]. - The company's ability to adapt to currency fluctuations allowed it to thrive, even during times of hyperinflation and currency devaluation [19][21]. Group 4: Transition to Modern Currency - After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the renminbi became the sole legal tender in Harbin, concluding a long period of currency instability [28][29]. - The introduction of modern banking systems in the late 1990s, such as the Harbin Bank, reflects the evolution of financial services in the region, integrating with global financial networks [29][30]. Group 5: Cultural Significance - The article emphasizes that the physical remnants of Central Avenue, such as its cobblestones and historical buildings, serve as a testament to the financial history and cultural memory of the region [30][34].

经济观察报记者 王雅洁 一千四百五十米长的哈尔滨中央大街上，游人摩肩接踵。 马迭尔冰棍的售卖窗口前排着队，俄式餐厅的面包刚出炉，街头艺人正在演奏着欢快的莫斯科乐曲。很 少有人注意到，那些磨得发亮的面包石下面，埋藏着一条流动的金融血脉。 一九〇〇年前后，当第一批俄商带着卢布来到松花江畔时，他们脚下的这片土地还是一片沼泽。此后的 几十年间，这条街上相继开出了二十多家银行和金融机构。 花旗银行、汇丰银行、日本正金银行、犹太国民银行，这些今天听起来遥远的名称，在那个年代，曾决 定着东北亚地区的资本流向。面包石上的马车声、算盘声、各国语言的讨价还价声，曾在这里从清晨响 到夜晚。 一百二十年后，昔日的金融机构所在建筑大多已改作他用——花旗银行旧址变成了服装店，犹太国民银 行旧址开起了咖啡馆，日本正金银行旧址里卖起了红肠。只有那些斑驳的墙体、残存的铁艺、褪色的浮 雕，还在无声地诉说着这条街的另一种身份：它是中国近代金融史的一个切片，是资本东渐的见证者， 更是一个民族的货币记忆。 石头上的卢布 中央大街73号，一座黄白相间的二层小楼，如今挂上了"金安国际"大楼的门牌。门口的招牌上还挂着书 店、咖啡店的LOGO，橱窗里灯火通明 ...