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Shamian Island
Historical Site

Shamian Island

China
4.5
(5,000 reviews)
66
Tours Available
Free
Adult Entry
3-4 hours
Recommended Duration
October-December
Best Time

Overview

Shamian Island is a historic and picturesque island in Guangzhou, known for its colonial architecture and serene environment. It's a great place to explore the city's past and enjoy a peaceful walk.

Shamian Island is significant for its historical buildings and role in Guangzhou's foreign trade history.

Architectural Landmark Cultural Site

Location

Address

Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province

Neighborhood: Liwan District

Coordinates

23.129000, 113.264400

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
tuesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
wednesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
saturday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
sunday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults
Free
Children
Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

October-December

Best Time of Day

Morning

Pleasant weather and fewer tourists

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
1 hour
Recommended
3-4 hours
Full Experience
Full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to warm

  • • Blossoming trees
  • • Historic building tours

summer

Hot and humid

  • • Extended daylight
  • • Cultural performances

autumn

Cool and comfortable

  • • Autumn foliage
  • • Harvest markets

winter

Cool to cold

  • • Festive lights
  • • Holiday markets

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Carry water
  • Check weather forecasts

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Water bottle Sunscreen

recommended

Camera Hat Sun glasses

seasonal

Umbrella Light jacket

not allowed

Drones Large bags

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low to moderate

  • • Stay hydrated
  • • Sun protection

Medical facilities: Nearby hospitals and clinics

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Typical Costs

entry Free
parking ¥5-¥10
food ¥50-¥150
souvenirs ¥20-¥200

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable clothing and shoes, Walking shoes, Inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

  • • 1-2 weeks
  • • Online travel agencies
  • • 24 hours
  • • Available

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Guangzhou Travel

Size: 30 MB

Features: Maps, Attraction information, Ticket booking

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafes

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Distance: 35 km

Travel Time: 40 minutes

Taxi
¥150-¥200 40 min
Public Transport
¥30-¥50 1 hour

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

Metro
¥2 15 min
Bus
¥2 20 min
Taxi
¥20-¥30 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historical significance, peaceful environment

Historical Significance: Former foreign concession, colonial history

Insider Tips

  • Best photo spots are less crowded in the morning
  • Local cafes offer great Cantonese pastries
  • Evening walks by the river are magical

Local Recommendations

  • • Try local Cantonese cuisine
  • • Visit nearby Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
  • • Explore Liwan Lake

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
thank_you 谢谢 (Xièxiè)
where_is 哪里 (Nǎlǐ)
how_much 多少钱 (Duōshǎo qián)
beautiful 漂亮 (Piàoliang)
ticket 门票 (Méntiào)

Guide Languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Shamian Island Bridge

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Wide-angle shots

Result: Stunning bridge and river views

#ShamianIsland #Guangzhou #HistoricalSite

Colonial Buildings

Best Time: Morning

Tips: Architectural details

Result: Beautiful colonial architecture

#ColonialArchitecture #GuangzhouHistory

River Promenade

Best Time: Sunrise

Tips: Panoramic views

Result: Serene river and island views

#RiverViews #PeacefulSpots

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Public spaces
prohibited areas Private properties
flash photography Allowed in outdoor areas
commercial photography Permit required
drone policy Prohibited without permission
tripod policy Allowed in designated areas
selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Distance: 1.5km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Architectural Landmark

Liwan Lake

Distance: 2km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Park

Canton Tower

Distance: 5km

Walking: 60 min

Type: Observation Deck

Reviews

4.5

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Visit early in the morning"
  • "Bring a camera"
  • "Try local Cantonese pastries"

Contact Information

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Quick Info

Available Tours

66

Rating

4.5 / 5.0

Reviews

5,000

Adult Entry

Free

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