In Guangzhou, there’s an area called Shamian Island. It’s a small area located next to the Pearl River. It used to be the colony of British and French. The colonial heritage is still obvious today when you see all the old European style buildings, gardens and boulevards around the area.

Nowadays, part of Shamian is pedestrianized and there are a lot of bronze statues scattered throughout the island depicting life of the Shamian inhabitants in the past. It is a perfect place for anyone who wants to spend a quiet afternoon, strolling around and then have a cup of coffee in one of the restaurants or cafes facing the Pearl River.

Having spent my whole day in the hustle and bustle of commercial Guangzhou, I found Shamian very different and enchanting when I stopped there in the afternoon.

I started my journey from White Swan Hotel, which was supposed to be the favourite hotel of American couples who came to China to adopt Chinese babies. I liked all those old buildings in Shamian although, unfortunately, some were abandoned and dilapidated. When I stopped at one of the souvenir shops, I was surprised to find that the owner could speak a bit of my native language.

Although less crowded than the other part of Guangzhou, Shamian was teemed with interesting happenings. I saw a young artist sitting down under the shade of trees to make a sketch of an old building, a couple in their wedding outfits were having their photographs shot, a group of young Chinese soldiers were marching, some elderly people were exercising in the park while an old man meditated in a gazebo without being disturbed by his surroundings.

I wandered around, looked at the lovely buildings, visited Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in the middle of the island and admired the many bronze statues. Dusk came when I was sitting down with a cup of tea at the end of my stroll and I felt serenely happy for the rest of the evening. So I highly recommend Shamian Island for the potential travelers who come to Guangzhou.

Client's information:

Ms.Sandra Lilyana , United States , 2008-4-7 09:24

If your time and the weather permits, walking is perhaps the best way to see the city as the back alleys that are littered with antiquities are not accessible by motorized vehicles. Most trades and goods categories are concentrated in a specific area or along one main street. Hereunder are some street markets in Guangzhou:

Xiguan Antique Street near Liwan Park
Flower Street on Baohua Road
Jade Street on Changshou Road and Wenchang Road
Cultural Street on Wende Road, a good place to look for antiques and traditional Chinese artistic goods.
Qingping Market on Qingping Road. Cantonese are known to eat almost any animals and this market is world famous for its wild animal trade.

Also a must do in Guangzhou is taking the night Pearl River cruise. A one to two hours cruise in the evening is a great way to see the Guangzhou skyline along the Pearl River.

Client's information:

Ms.Brenda , China , 2008-4-3 17:23

I had heard about the Qingping Market from a couple of other travelers. They told me not miss it if I made it to Guangzhou as it was huge and held all sorts of interesting items. They were right! For me it was very interesting as I could see so many exotic animals and a different way of life that I had never experienced before. I was totally appealed and intrigued at the same time with finding dogs being butchered. Like most westerners I don't have any problem with seeing butchered cattle, but I don't know why seeing the dogs being butchered upset me at first. There are different sections in this huge market. You can find endless rows of seafood, fish, snakes and all parts of animals are on display for your shopping...gosh you name it and you can find it here. It is the place that I would need 3 rolls of film for it if I ever had time to return.

Client's information:

Ms.Herzog , Austria , 2008-4-3 17:10