Home China Guide Guangzhou Attractions Shamian Island

Shamian Island

Summary

Shamian Island, the concession of Britain and France in 19th century with,European style and features, is both a famous sightseeing district for the history of foreign affairs and a historic reservation.

Overview

Shamian Island is a famous tourist spot, scenic zone and a resort in Guangzhou, in which the White Swan Hotel, the first five-star hotel of China, sits. Covering an area of only 0.3 square kilometer, Shamian Island is surrounded by water. Trees line in the island casting shadow on the road. Tourists can enjoy its elegance by listening to the singing birds and smelling the fragrance of the flowers all year round. There are more than 150 buildings in European style on the island. Before the founding of new China, Shamian Island was taken by the British and the French as their Concession. Most of the buildings on the island are built in western style. The famous French Catholic Church, British Christ Church, former Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (Britain), former British Consulate and former French Consulate erect on the island. The unique overall environment of the construction there is kept intact relatively.

Shamian Island is a good place for walking. It is 900 meters long from east to west and 300 meters wide from south to north. Walking on the pavement, tourists can enjoy the view of the exquisite buildings, go shopping in the well decorated boutiques or enjoy coffee in the elegant coffee shop. When they are tired or hungry, they can always enjoy some delicious local food in restaurants. Shamian Island makes people feel totally relaxed. During important festivals, there is always a firework gala in the Bai'e Tan opposite Shamian Island.

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Hi, I'm Lynn Ye
I updated this article on March 18, 2013
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Q: eny Asked on 2013-05-01 Reply

Hello how to get shaman island from shanqian road , yuexiu district. Thankyou

Dear Eny, It is about 6 km, you could take a taxi to get there. It takes about 20 minutes and the cost is about CNY20/US$3. Lussie Lu Replied on 2013-05-02

Q: Rachel Asked on 2012-10-08 Reply

Hello, please advice how to go to the island from Bauhinia hotel? Usually tourist spend how many hours there?

Hi Rachel,I recommend 2 ways for your reference: 1. By bus, you can walk from your Hotel to the bus station named Beijing road, it just 90 meters, then take No236 bus and off at Chinese medicine hospital bus station (15 minutes), the island is only 400 meters away from the station. 2. By taxi, Bauhinia hotel is about 5kms away from the island, you can take a taxi, the price is CNY15-20. Usually, 30 - 60 minutes is enough for sightseeing there. By the way,we can arrange Guangzhou tour for you, feel free to contact me at kevinzhao@chinahighlights.net if you interested in our service. Kind regards, Kevin. kevin Replied on 2012-10-08

Q: vina Asked on 2012-08-27 Reply

which station if take metro?

Hi Vina, where would you wish to go, please?

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-08-28

Hi Vina, You can take Bus No.191/6/110 at Xiaobei Stop, and get off at Jiefangzhonglu Stop. Then walk to Shamian Island which is about 400m away. Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-08-29

Q: vina Asked on 2012-08-27 Reply

how to get there from xiaobei station metro

Hi Vina, There is no metro to Shamian Island, bus is more convenient. You can take Bus No.191/6/110 at Xiaobei Stop, and get off at Jiefangzhonglu Stop. Then walk to Shamian Island which is about 400m away. Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-08-29

Hi Vina, where to go please? Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-08-28

Q: mounika Asked on 2012-07-04 Reply

is there any entry fee for the guangzhou zoo and the opera house?if yes,how much does it cost?