Everyone has a hiding place. Mine is the little island of Shamian. Ever since
I discovered it in 2002, I keep returning this place whenever I can. The people who run the little shops and restaurants there remember me and that makes me happy. Some pictures from Shamian Dao.

East meets west. They added these statues sometimes in 2003. Over the years they have been making this island more and more pretty.

The musicians enjoy while the men shoot an advert for a shop. The canal behind them seperates the island from rest of Guangzhou. Some shops here are gift shops targeted at the tourists. One of most famous and expensive hotels in Guangzhou – the White Swan hotel as well one of the better budget hotel – the Guangzhou youth hostel are on this island. If you want to eat cheap local food you will have to cross the canal. Shamain has more expensive restaurants – again for the tourists – though there is a smal hidden away canteen that serves the people working here. You got to just make friends with someone here and they will be happy to show you the place.

Taking pictures of the lovely gardens.

Another cameraman joins them.

Little games.

A piece titled “Beauty of the Century” showing the change in fashion and outlook
from the 1900s to the modern time.

A rather studious boy.

A more playful boy.

Adults enjoying a game of foot-badminton. They stand in a circle and kick a feathered
shuttle.

This electromechanical Santa actually dances.

The riverside. The pearl river is one of the largest rivers in southern China. It will travel further south 80 KM or so, meeting the South China sea near Hongkong and Macau.

The waltzing couple and the art students. Shamian was a European settlement so it has some nice old buildings. Kids come here to paint. One can always find people practicing dance in public gardens all over China.

Little critics and their mothers examine the artist’s work.

To come here take the subway to Huangsha metro station. Once you come out of the metro just ask someone for “Shamian Dao”. They will point you to the bridge on Liu Er San lu. For budget stay, turn left when you cross the bridge. Keep walking for couple of minutes until you reach Shamian Sijie. You can see the Guangzhou Youth Hostel. Room rates vary according to the season but ranges around 200-280 RMB for a room and 40-50 RMB for a dorm.

There are couple of eating places by the river, though they slightly overpriced – You should try the hot coke with ginger drink.

guangzhou