The Shamian Island meaning ‘Sandy Surface’ that was formerly known as Shicuizhou or Zhongliusha is an oval-shaped sandbar located in the district of Liwan, Guangzhou (China). The island just resembles a behemoth ship, berthing along the dock and clearly gives the impression of a planned island.

Moving further you will notice the three avenues (Shamian avenue, Shamian North Avenue and Shamian South Avenue) and 5 distinctive streets, separates the complete area into 12 different portions that house numerous famous buildings such as Shamian hotel, Swan hotel and Poland consulate. In addition to the luxurious hotels there are a lot many appealing temptations that draw the attention of the tourists to take cheap flights to Guangzhou and keenly observe this mind-boggling island.

The island is spreaded over a land of about 0.3 square metres, encircled with the Pearl River and due to the presence of various aesthetic-westernized buildings it is declared as the ‘Ninth Sight of Guangzhou’ and a protected antiquity of the city. It also possesses a great historical significance; between 18^th and 19^th century many foreigners worked here and they used to live in a series of houses called as Thirteen Factories that was a secured ground for many ship-people. Many mercantile agencies of Holland, France, Italy, United States, Japan, Portugal and Britain constructed rocky castles near the waterfronts. The land was separated in 2 distinctive territories by Qing Dynasty that was allocated to United Kingdom and France. The mansions were then converted to apartments and government offices by the end of 1949 but later these buildings were reinstated and you will definitely fantasize the past era while reading the carvings, these are labeled with.

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall Shamian Island Guangzhou

At the French side of the island, Our Lady of Lourdes –the Catholic Church is situated that was built in 1982 and is highly regarded by the people. Besides, the British church known as Christ Church Shamian that was completed in 1865 is also located here. The most appealing attractions here are the bronze sculptures which portray the concept of life in early as well as modern times such as there is a statue on which it is engraved that ‘A gentleman, a lady and a darn woman’ displaying a bold Chinese woman whose darning dress is being observed by the natives of west and another one presenting three Chinese women with different clothing. The island has gained much fame from the beginning of 20^th century and is very popular for some westernized couple who are dwelling here while trying to adopt the Chinese infants. Apart from all these allurements this bewitching place is also well-known for the White Swan Hotel which is functional since so many years and is idealized by the tourists because of its luxurious and delightful ambience.

There are many other boulevards, ancient buildings, some 200-years old trees, gleaming souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes. The climate of Guangzhou remains pleasant and comfortable almost throughout the year so you can plan a trip to the wonderful Shamian Island in any month.