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CHINA | Guangzhou, China Travel Guide
Sunday, May 12, 2024
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Shamian Island
Colonial buildings on Shamian Island, China
Shamian Island
Shamian, a quaint green island, ceded to the British under the 1842 Treaty of Nanjing, is an architectural testament to bygone days. When the British and French set up here they built grand villas, churches and embassies, planting trees that have now become giant banyans overhanging the streets. There were gates barring entry to Chinese just as foreigners had been denied access to Guangzhou. Discontent with foreign influence led to a protest demanding the return of Shamian, which resulted in 50 people being shot by colonial troops on June 23, 1925, giving Liuersan (6/2/3) Lu its name. Although Shamian lies just a few yards of muddy water from the flyovers of Liuersan Lu, it manages to completely separate itself from the dynamism of downtown, and everything moves a little slower.
Shamian Island is only half a mile long and half as wide. Traffic is restricted and the main thoroughfare, Shamian Dajie, is pedestrianized, which makes Shamian a great place to explore on foot. Five numbered smaller streets run south from Shamian Bei Jie, bisecting Shamian Dajie and continuing to Shamian Nan Jie, where you’ll find the dominating White Swan Hotel. If you’re staying on the island chances are you’ll come across most of its sights. However, there are a few targets you could try and aim for, foremost of which are the Anglican and Catholic churches, set at opposite ends of the island. Both can be visited during services.
Strolling around Shamian you’ll be confronted by two recent phenomena – the sight of American moms and dads with their newly adopted Chinese babies and an abundance of bronze statues commemorating Shamian’s colonial past as well as its cosmopolitan present. Although there are so many statues that you struggle not to trip over them, some give particular insight into China’s changing social world. Opposite Shamian Park you’ll see a statue that traces the development of women in China – from the traditionally dressed, shorter and repressed woman of yesteryear, to the scantily clad, taller and confident Chinese woman of today.
Last updated December 4, 2010
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