Shamian Island
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Shamian Island (Chinese: 沙面岛, pinyin: Shamian dao) is an island in Guangzhou city, Guangdong province, China. It was orignally a concession given to European and American traders operating in the Guangzhou area by the Qing Dynasty government in the 18th century. The island's name literally means "sandy face" in Chinese.
It covers an area of 24,000 sq meters and today is a gazetted historical area that offers a touch of European culture and calm, in the contrast to the of hectic conglomeration of Guangzhou's new construction and fast pace. Avenues flanked by trees, lined by historical mansions makes it a among the most romantic and popular places to visit. There are prominent hotels, a youth hostel, restaurants and shops selling curios and souvenirs.
Also of interest are the bronze statues scattered around the island depicting life of previous occupants of the island. One, surprisingly titled, "A gentleman, a lady and a darn woman" shows a Western couple and a Chinese lady darning cloth. Others depict modern day phenomena, including a series of statues depicting Chinese women throughout history. The statue of a modern day Chinese girl is one in shorts talking on her mobile phone.
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Current day
Since the 2000s, Shamian Island has become famous for the proliferation of Westerners coming to adopt Chinese babies, most of them female. The White Swan Hotel is famous for its elegance, but also for being the waystation for babies being adopted and taken to the United States and Europe. One reason for the popularity is that the American consulate is on Shamian, making it convenient to file paperwork and handle bureacratic matters.
Transportation
A metro station (Huangsha) is located within five minutes walking distance from the island.
See also
External links
- China Daily on Shamian (http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-01/17/content_299805.htm)
- Map of Shamian (http://members.fortunecity.com/shamian/)zh:沙面岛