Shamian Islet is located in the southwest of Guangzhou, facing the Pearl River. The area of the island is only 0.3 square kilometres; but during the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, there were more than ten consulates, nine foreign banks and dozens of companies on the island. That’s why there are still more than 150 former sites on it, including two famous churches. Furthermore, there are more than 150 old trees on the islet. Both elements make the islet peace and pretty.
42 feature former architectures out of 150 are the highlights, including Neo-baroque style, imitation Gothic style, voucher gallery style, neo-classical style and a combination of Chinese and Western style architectures. It is like a architecture gallery.
# the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Shamian
This pretty pink church was built in 1889, and now is located in No. 22 Shamian Ave. The church was built for the Consulate of France, and got its name because of the Lourdes statue in the garden. The church was reopened in 1982. Now, it is one of the most popular spot in Shamian.
# Guangdong Foreign Affairs Museum
The museum was the Guangzhou Consulate of France during the period of the Republic of China, it was built in 1890. Now, it is the Foreign Affairs Museum (for free), it is the first foreign affairs theme museum in China. Here you could not only enjoy the old building, but also enjoy old pictures and other objects about Shamian.
The address is No. 20 South Samian Street.
The opening time is 9:00-11:00 in the morning, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning
# Christ Church Sameen
This pretty Christ church was built in 1864 for the foreign Christian who speak English. It is located in The 5th Shamian Street.
This Christ church was reopened again since 1991. It has always been conducted by a British minister, and services are conducted in English.
# The Former Site of HSBC
It is located at 54 Shamian Ave. The building was first built in 1865 and rebuilt in 1920. It is a four-story reinforced concrete building with neo-classical architectural style.
