Shamian Island

Lonely Planet review

For an instant immersion into Guǎngzhōu's colonial history, head for the leafy oasis of Shamian Island, which was acquired as a foreign concession in 1859 after the two Opium Wars. Shamian ('Sand Surface Island') was little more than a sandbank when early foreign inhabitants - mainly British and French - were granted permission to set up their warehouses here.

The French and British established themselves at separate ends of the island; the French took the east and the British the west. The tear-shaped sandbank was connected to the mainland by several bridges, with staunch iron gates that prohibited any Chinese from entering the island. Major renovation has restored some of the buildings to their original appearance, transforming them into chic restaurants, cafes and hotels. Traffic is restricted on Shamian, making it a peaceful respite from the city. The best way to experience the island is to wander around and look at some of the restored buildings, each bearing a plaque with a brief history. Take metro line 1, Huángshā station.