Shamian Island

Natural landmark
★ 4.7 (6K+ reviews) • 46K+ booked
Discover the enchanting charm of Shamian Island, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Guangzhou's Liwan District. This captivating sandbank, whose name translates to 'sandy surface,' offers a unique blend of colonial architecture and lush tropical landscapes. Once a bustling port and foreign enclave, Shamian Island now provides a serene escape with its tree-lined avenues and historic buildings. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful stroll, this picturesque island invites travelers to step back in time and experience a different side of China. With its rich history and tranquil beauty, Shamian Island is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Guangzhou.
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Shamiandao Island, 沙面 Liwan District, Guangzhou, China, 510130

The best of Shamian Island

Bucket-list experiences

Canton Tower
Spring sale
Observation decks • Guangzhou

Canton Tower

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (218) • 30K+ booked
From € 38.45
€ 48.15
20 off
Guangzhou Architecture and Culture Exploration Day Tour
Tours • Guangzhou

Guangzhou Architecture and Culture Exploration Day Tour

English guide
Private tour
Private group
Book now for tomorrow
New Activity
From € 146.29
Buy 2 get 5 off
Sale
Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise (Canton Tower Fortune Wharf)
Tours • Guangzhou

Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise (Canton Tower Fortune Wharf)

Evening departure
Free cancellation
Book now for today
50+ booked
From € 14.19
Private one-day tour of Yingxi Peak Forest Corridor and Wonderland from Guangzhou
Tours • Guangzhou

Private one-day tour of Yingxi Peak Forest Corridor and Wonderland from Guangzhou

English guide
Private tour
Private group
Free cancellation
Book now for today
From € 73.10
€ 73.15
Private 1-day tour from Guangzhou to Foshan Ancestral Temple, Huang Feihong Memorial Hall, Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, and Nanyue King Museum
Tours • Guangzhou

Private 1-day tour from Guangzhou to Foshan Ancestral Temple, Huang Feihong Memorial Hall, Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, and Nanyue King Museum

English guide
Private tour
Private group
Free cancellation
Book now for today
From € 64.65
Sen · Natural Healing Space SPA | Dongshankou Branch
Massages • Guangzhou

Sen · Natural Healing Space SPA | Dongshankou Branch

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From € 31.75
€ 38.09
Sen · Natural Healing Space SPA | Zhujiang New Town Store
Massages • Guangzhou

Sen · Natural Healing Space SPA | Zhujiang New Town Store

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From € 31.75
€ 38.09
Guangzhou Chen Clan Academy, Yuexiu Park, Canton Tower, Museum of the Nanyue King, Shamian Private Guided Day Tour
Tours • Guangzhou

Guangzhou Chen Clan Academy, Yuexiu Park, Canton Tower, Museum of the Nanyue King, Shamian Private Guided Day Tour

English guide
Private tour
Private group
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
From € 50.99
Guangzhou Private Day Tour
Tours • Guangzhou

Guangzhou Private Day Tour

English guide
Private tour
Private group
Book now for tomorrow
From € 94.95
Kaiping Diaolou and Chikan Overseas Chinese Town Private Day Tour from Guangzhou
Tours • Guangzhou

Kaiping Diaolou and Chikan Overseas Chinese Town Private Day Tour from Guangzhou

English guide
Private tour
Private group
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
From € 96.49

Make it a getaway

Mercure Hotel Guangzhou Beijing Road Pedestrian Street Accommodation Package
Staycations • Guangzhou

Mercure Hotel Guangzhou Beijing Road Pedestrian Street Accommodation Package

Book now for today
★ 4.7 (15) • 400+ booked
From € 84.00
€ 113.15
Guangzhou Shifu voco hotel  | IHG Group
Staycations • Guangzhou

Guangzhou Shifu voco hotel | IHG Group

Book now for tomorrow
★ 2.8 (4)
€ 103.35
€ 164.09
【Rosewood Group】Guangzhou New World Hotel Accommodation Package
Staycations • Guangzhou

【Rosewood Group】Guangzhou New World Hotel Accommodation Package

Book now for today
★ 4.5 (10) • 100+ booked
From € 113.29
€ 176.85
Lingnan Garden Hotel Guangzhou
Staycations • Guangzhou

Lingnan Garden Hotel Guangzhou

Book now for today
★ 4.7 (319) • 8K+ booked
From € 85.40
€ 113.15
【Lingnan Culture】Guangzhou Yongqingfang Zhanyun Select Hotel Accommodation Package
Staycations • Guangzhou

【Lingnan Culture】Guangzhou Yongqingfang Zhanyun Select Hotel Accommodation Package

Book now for today
★ 4.5 (33) • 200+ booked
From € 46.20
€ 62.19
White Swan Hotel
Hotels • Guangzhou

White Swan Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (896)
From € 162.21
€ 190.83
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Guangzhou
Hotels • Guangzhou

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Guangzhou

Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (735)
From € 81.22
The Garden Hotel Guangzhou
Hotels • Guangzhou

The Garden Hotel Guangzhou

Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (964)
From € 110.02
New World Hotel
Hotels • Guangzhou

New World Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 3.3 (82)
From € 30.37
Hotel Landmark Canton
Hotels • Guangzhou

Hotel Landmark Canton

Instant confirmation
★ 3.8 (1,002)
From € 73.02
Paco Hotel Shuiyin Road Guangzhou-Free bus Canton Fair
Hotels • Guangzhou

Paco Hotel Shuiyin Road Guangzhou-Free bus Canton Fair

Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (2)
From € 40.72
Pengman Beijing Rd. A-mall Apartment
Hotels • Guangzhou

Pengman Beijing Rd. A-mall Apartment

Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (30)
From € 60.30

Trouble-free transport

Private car charter - Guangzhou city 5 hours/8 hours private car charter
Car charters • Guangzhou

Private car charter - Guangzhou city 5 hours/8 hours private car charter

Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.4 (22) • 100+ booked
From € 68.25
€ 140.15
Guangzhou Downtown Private Car Charter
Car charters • Guangzhou

Guangzhou Downtown Private Car Charter

Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.4 (53) • 400+ booked
From € 57.59
Private City Transfers between Guangzhou and Hong Kong
Car charters • Guangzhou

Private City Transfers between Guangzhou and Hong Kong

City transfers
Free cancellation
Book now for today
★ 4.2 (19) • 300+ booked
From € 277.75
Hong Kong to Guangzhou direct bus [provided by CTS Bus]
Buses • Guangzhou (From Hong Kong)

Hong Kong to Guangzhou direct bus [provided by CTS Bus]

★ 4.6 (5) • 100+ booked
€ 15.49
Guangzhou Historical Sites Private Car Charter
Car charters • Guangzhou

Guangzhou Historical Sites Private Car Charter

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.5 (13) • 200+ booked
€ 97.25
Guangzhou Modern Sites Private Car Charter
Car charters • Guangzhou

Guangzhou Modern Sites Private Car Charter

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 3.8 (5) • 900+ booked
€ 56.89
€ 57.49
Xiguan Qilou & Litchi Bay & Shamian & Dashatou Wharf One-Day Tour
Car charters • Guangzhou

Xiguan Qilou & Litchi Bay & Shamian & Dashatou Wharf One-Day Tour

Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
€ 98.59
Guangzhou Zoo & Zhujiang New Town Day Tour
Car charters • Guangzhou

Guangzhou Zoo & Zhujiang New Town Day Tour

Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
€ 98.59
€ 152.89
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street & Litchi Bay Chartered Tour
Car charters • Guangzhou

Beijing Road Pedestrian Street & Litchi Bay Chartered Tour

Free cancellation
€ 98.59
€ 127.40
One-day tour to Dongshankou, Nongjiang Institute and Zhengjia Plaza
Car charters • Guangzhou

One-day tour to Dongshankou, Nongjiang Institute and Zhengjia Plaza

Free cancellation
€ 98.59

More to explore

Four Seasons Guangzhou
Hotels • Guangzhou

Four Seasons Guangzhou

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (452)
From € 253.02
voco Guangzhou Shifu by IHG
Hotels • Guangzhou

voco Guangzhou Shifu by IHG

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (98)
From € 98.97
James Joyce Coffetel Hotel (Guangzhou Beijing Road Metro Station Pedestrian Street)
€ 95.19
€ 100.20
Somerset Haizhu Centre Guangzhou
Hotels • Guangzhou

Somerset Haizhu Centre Guangzhou

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (84)
From € 48.31
Fuhao Hotel
Hotels • Guangzhou

Fuhao Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 3.2 (34)
From € 38.84
Guangzhou Beijing Road Tianzi Wharf Atour S Hotel Package
Staycations • Guangzhou

Guangzhou Beijing Road Tianzi Wharf Atour S Hotel Package

Book now for today
€ 113.55
€ 176.85
Atour Hotel Guangzhou Avenue Tianhe Sports Center
Hotels • Guangzhou

Atour Hotel Guangzhou Avenue Tianhe Sports Center

Instant confirmation
From € 82.24
Guang Dong Hotel
Hotels • Guangzhou

Guang Dong Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 3.4 (39)
From € 19.71
INSAIL HOTEL Guangzhou Beijing Road Pedestrian Street
Hotels • Guangzhou

INSAIL HOTEL Guangzhou Beijing Road Pedestrian Street

Instant confirmation
From € 72.64
H'Elite Hotel
Hotels • Guangzhou

H'Elite Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (230)
From € 72.07
Rosewood Guangzhou
Hotels • Guangzhou

Rosewood Guangzhou

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (83)
From € 250.62

Why people love Shamian Island

4.7 /5
6K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Loy *********
4 days ago
Another great deal from Klook. We had a fun and enjoyable time at the top of the tower. It was breath taking view from all angles.
Loy *********
4 days ago
We had a great and fun time cruising along the river with beautiful views of the city at night time. Very worth the deal.
Yuxian ***
23 Mar
very crowded in the evening, probably better to go early morning for less crowded and better experience
Kristin ****
23 Mar
It was easy to change the tickets at the West ticket office but remember to bring passport along to exchange the tickets.
郭 **
22 Mar
It is recommended to enter at 18:00 in summer so that you can see the sunset and the night view, killing two birds with one stone. Then, I recommend riding the Ferris wheel, but forget about the wrathful one, it only takes a dozen seconds and it's not worth it.
Soo *******
20 Mar
Very easy to purchase on klook and managed to redeem the tickets at the location itself via the self kiosk.
Prapaphan *******
20 Mar
The price is very good. I am very impressed with the view. This is an interesting and fun sightseeing activity for anyone who wants to see the view of Guangzhou.
1+
Klook User
19 Mar
Spectacular cruise at the upper deck. Captured lots of beautiful photos of Guangzhou river. Very enjoyable ride!!!

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FAQs about Shamian Island

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What to know before visiting Shamian Island

Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Historical Buildings

Step back in time as you wander through the enchanting streets of Shamian Island, where history comes alive through its stunning Western European-style architecture. These Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical buildings are not just structures; they are storytellers of the island's vibrant past as a strategic port and foreign concession. Marvel at the intricate designs of the Administration Bureau of Broadcasting of the Nationalist Government and the majestic Catholic Church Our Lady of Lourdes. Each building is a piece of art, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Shamian's colonial history.

Walking Streets

Discover the charm of Shamian Island on foot as you explore its pedestrian-friendly walking streets. Free from the hustle and bustle of traffic, these serene boulevards invite you to take a leisurely stroll under the shade of lush trees. As you wander, you'll find delightful cafés and bars on the southwest side, perfect for a relaxing break with picturesque views of the Pearl River. Whether you're a history buff or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the walking streets of Shamian Island offer a unique blend of tranquility and cultural richness.

Bronze Statues

Embark on a journey through time with the captivating bronze statues scattered across Shamian Island. Each statue is a window into the past, depicting life during different historical periods and offering a unique artistic insight into the island's rich heritage. As you explore, you'll encounter these intriguing sculptures that not only enhance the island's aesthetic appeal but also tell the stories of its diverse cultural influences. Perfect for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike, the bronze statues of Shamian Island are a must-see attraction that adds depth and character to your visit.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Shamian Island is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts. Once a bustling port from the Song to the Qing dynasty, it played a crucial role in foreign trade. The island's strategic importance was highlighted during the Opium Wars when it was divided into British and French concessions. Today, visitors can stroll through streets lined with Western-style mansions and consulates, each telling a story of its colonial past. The blend of European architecture amidst the vibrant Chinese culture offers a unique glimpse into Guangzhou's rich history.

Local Cuisine

A visit to Shamian Island is incomplete without indulging in its culinary delights. The island is a haven for food lovers, offering a taste of Guangzhou's rich culinary heritage. From savoring traditional Cantonese dim sum and roast duck to enjoying fresh seafood, the local restaurants provide a feast for the senses. Additionally, the island's cafes and eateries offer a delightful mix of traditional Chinese flavors and international dishes, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. Don't miss the chance to try the local vegetarian restaurant, which promises a unique dining experience with flavors that reflect the island's diverse cultural influences.