HeritagePhoto Wikimedia CommonsShamian Island
Guangdong · China
Located on the north bank of the Pearl River’s White Goose Pool, Shamian Island is an oval islet, covering a tiny area of 0.3 square meters. Thanks to the many buildings of Western classicism on the island, it has recently been designated as a key protected relic of the state, and is called “Ninth Sight of Guangzhou”.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Shamian Island
Welcome to Shamian Island, a place that feels less like a part of a bustling Chinese metropolis and more like a quiet pocket of nineteenth-century Europe. Shamian, which translates to 'sandbank' in Cantonese, is an artificial…
Listen in the app2The Main Square and Banyan Trees
We begin our walk in the main square of Shamian Island. This area feels more like a city park than a residential street, dominated by the massive banyan trees that have become synonymous with the island’s charm. …
Listen in the app3Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel
Continuing west, we arrive at the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel. This small, elegant church is a relic of the French concession. …
Listen in the app4The British Concession and Banks
As we move into the eastern half of the island, we enter what was once the British concession. This area is characterized by more imposing stone buildings, many of which served as the headquarters for major international banks…
Listen in the app5The Pearl River Waterfront and Customs House
Walking south, we reach the edge of the island that borders the Pearl River. The views here are spectacular, offering a panoramic look at the modern skyline of Guangzhou, including a distant view of the Canton Tower. …
Listen in the app6The White Swan Hotel and Koi Ponds
Nestled on the western end of the island is a more modern landmark: the White Swan Hotel. While it is a twentieth-century addition, it is highly significant in the history of modern China. …
Listen in the app7The Northern Canal and Bridge
Finally, we walk toward the northern edge of the island, where the artificial canal separates Shamian from the rest of the Liwan District. This canal was dug in 1859 by the British and French to ensure the security of their…
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our journey through Shamian Island, take one last look at the wide, shaded avenues. Shamian is more than just a collection of old buildings; it is a lesson in the resilience and transformation of a city. …
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What is Shamian Island?
Shamian Island is a place in Guangdong · China with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Guangdong · China |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 23.1072, 113.2437 |
| Last updated |
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