https://ae.trip.com/moments/detail/guangzhou-152-131206833?locale=en-AE
Croffle009Malaysia
levelIconSenior Travel Master

A Breezy Escape to Shamian Island, Guangzhou

#guangzhoutrip My visit to Shamian Island in Guangzhou felt like stepping into a different world—calm, graceful, and steeped in colonial charm. The tree-lined avenues, dotted with European-style buildings, gave the island a romantic, old-world feel that was completely different from the modern energy of the surrounding city. As I strolled along its quiet boulevards, I noticed how well-preserved the 19th-century architecture was. Cream-colored facades, wrought-iron balconies, and arched doorways whispered stories of a time when the island served as a foreign concession. Each building seemed to carry its own distinct character, blending British and French architectural styles with subtle Chinese influences. The shaded streets, flanked by banyan trees and soft jazz melodies from nearby cafés, created a relaxing atmosphere. The statues scattered around the island brought playful personality to the space—children playing, women with parasols, and historical figures frozen in time. I stopped by the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, its elegant Gothic revival design adding a serene touch to the island’s cultural mix. Locals and visitors alike wandered slowly, many sitting on benches or sipping coffee at stylish cafés. The blend of old-world architecture and peaceful surroundings made Shamian Island feel like a gentle pause in the heart of the city. By the end of the visit, I was taken not only by the island’s aesthetic beauty but also by the way it preserved Guangzhou’s layered history in such a serene, walkable space. Shamian Island was more than just scenic—it was soulful, quietly inviting you to slow down and appreciate the charm of the past amidst the present.
Posted: Apr 16, 2025
Submit
0
Mentioned in This Moment
Attraction

Sha Mian

4.7/57114 reviews | Historic buildings
Guangzhou
No.9 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Pearl River Delta Area
View
Show More
Related Moments
Sha Mian

🇨🇳 3-Days Kid-Free Guangzhou Escape – Food & City Strolls 🏙️🍜✨

fnyc
Sha Mian

Shamian Island (沙面岛)🥰 Guangzhou

NOHA Abdelhadey
Sha Mian

Leisurely strolling through the exotic Shamian Island

潔美愛旅行
Sha Mian

Wife Screaming! Designer Steals Mandarin Oriental Decor Secrets to Build Palace at Home!

evelynvolcano
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Summer Travel Recommendation: 5-Day Exploration Tour of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai

CalebTurner
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

【48-Hour Guangzhou Adventure Guide】

Collins Michael Mike
Sha Mian

Guangzhou's Shamian Island hides a photogenic spot unknown to 99% of Europeans

PetFriendly&
Sha Mian

Guangzhou is incredibly beautiful, but I honestly don’t recommend visiting in June because...

EmmaWilson
Sha Mian

Female college students' weekend trip to Guangzhou, the ultimate guide is here!

Hayes_Dorothy_78
Sha Mian

Guangzhou City Walk: Shamian is So Chill!

Traveling Foodies
Sha Mian

Guangzhou is the Best Place to City Walk!!

WhitneyYee
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Thoughts on visiting Guangzhou's famous historical and cultural street - Yongqingfang

LunaEclipse17