Impressions of Shamian: The European Charm of Guangzhou

Shamian Island, also known as Shamian or Shicui Zhou, is located on the north bank of the Pearl River's White Swan Pond in Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, separated from Liuersan Road by the Sha Mian Channel. It has a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by long, hot, and humid summers with abundant rainfall and sufficient sunshine, and warm, brief winters. The island is approximately 862 meters in length from east to west, about 287 meters in width from north to south, and covers an area of about 330 acres. It is a cultural landscape area dominated by historical and cultural buildings. Shamian was an international trade port and a tourist destination in ancient China. It was an important commercial port in Guangzhou and later became a British and French concession. From 1859, it was occupied by colonialists for a long period until it was returned to China after liberation. Key attractions on Shamian Island include the Customs House, Guangdong Foreign Affairs Museum, British Ice Factory, Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, British Consulate, HSBC Bank, Shamian Church, Soviet Consulate, etc. The area retains the European architectural style of the 19th-century British and French concessions and is characterized by its architectural art and historical and cultural heritage. The Shamian architectural complex was listed as a national key cultural relics protection unit in 1996. In June 2013, the Shamian historical and cultural district was selected as the fifth batch of China's historical and cultural famous streets. In January 2022, the Shamian·Xidi tourist area was rated as a national AAA-level tourist attraction. - Transportation: - Take bus routes 1/57/64/75/106/181/217, etc., to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Station, and walk about 233 meters to reach the destination. - Take a taxi from Guangzhou Station, and travel about 5.9 kilometers to arrive. - Take the Metro Line 1 or Line 6 to Huangsha Station, exit from E or F; or take Metro Line 8 to Cultural Park Station, exit from A, and walk a short distance to reach the destination.