Shamian Island

Shamian Island is a sandbank island in the Liwan District of Guangzhou city. It was divided into two concessions given to France and the United Kingdom by the Qing Dynasty government in the 19th century.

Shamian Island is a reminder of Guangzhou colonial history and covers an area of 24,000 sq meters at the side of the Pearl River. It is not a true island, the name Shamian means sandbank, and it is now connected to the rest of the city by a series of bridges. From the mid 18th to the mid 19th century, Shamian was the only place where foreign merchants were allowed to live in Guangzhou. The large villas and shady tree lined avenues that were constructed then have a faded charm and create a contrasting atmosphere to much of the city. While most of Guangzhou is battling along at breakneck pace Shamian is merely ambling. Along the river, the park area is a great place for people watching and tea drinking. Or walk along the wide sidewalks and dine in the open-air under the old trees.

There is a lot of cool architecture with a kind of ’new Orleans’ feel to it.

Cobble street roads.
A really rustic looking Starbucks with a nice outdoor patio. Or grab a coffee to go while you walk around this nice scenic area.
A Deli shop where you can get some good baked items and ice cream.
Lots of art galleries.

A nice moderately priced western restaurant inside an old train trolly from Shanghai.