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Shamian Island

Shamian Island Tourism

Shamian Island Tourism

Type of destination: Historical Island
Ideal visit duration: Half a day to 1 day
Shamian Island is a scenic historical area located in the Liwan District of Guangzhou, China. Spannning approximately 300 meters from east to west and 900 meters from north to south, the island covers a small area of 0.3 square kilometers. Known for its European-style architecture, it reflects the colonial history during the 19th and early 20th centuries when it was divided into concessions allocated to the British and French under the Treaty of Whampoa. A haven for photographers and tourists, Shamian Island boasts tree-lined streets, exquisite buildings in various classical styles, and serene parks. Historically, the island served as an important port for foreign trade during the Qing dynasty. Today, it is a pedestrian-friendly area with numerous historical buildings converted into public spaces, including hotels, restaurants, cafes, and museums. The well-preserved architecture and the tranquil atmosphere of the island provide a stark contrast to the bustling city of Guangzhou, making it a popular spot for relaxation and cultural exploration. Notable buildings include the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, the British and French consulates, and various former trading houses and banks that reflect the island's multi-layered past.
Top 5 Reviews on Shamian Island
teresacQ2137RK
Wrote on 18th Jul, 2024
A find!
A great space for the people to get together, dance, play music, meet and enjoy family and friend times. In addition, there is an interesting history of trade on this island. Love the historical tea r..
Your_Travel_Buddy_SG
Wrote on 23rd Apr, 2024
Interesting Architectures
Old historical buildings scattered around the park. There are still people living here which makes the experience an interesting one. Walk further down and we can see pearl river again. There was a lo..
The-Mong
Wrote on 15th Apr, 2024
You must visit this place for a three or four hour morning or afternoon
This place is absolutely beautiful, hardly any crowds, gorgeous to walk around, just a relaxing chill for three or four hours, lots of knickknacks to buy, coffee to have, lunch to have and photos to t..
steelriver2014
Wrote on 16th Mar, 2024
Historical and unique
We just followed the good recommendations and were totally impressed by this historical area with many stories behind different buildings. No crowd with groups of visitors…
KodoDrummer
Wrote on 2nd Mar, 2024
Lovely bronze statues
Shamian is a good place for a relaxing, unrushed walk. The island greenery is well maintained. There are many very nice European architecture buildings. During my visit, I stopped for a break at a caf..
Beaches (1)
Religious Places (2)
Historical Places (10)
Museums (2)
Villages (1)
Mountains (2)
Island (1)
Gardens (1)

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