Guangzhou Photo Gallery - Shamian Part 2

The British started trading in Canton in the late 17th century and other Western powers followed during the 18th. Tensions started rising as imperial China imposed many trade restrictions, and coupled with the British opium trade that ended in 2 wars, the city was forced open as a treaty port in 1842, and Shamian became a concession for the British and the French in 1859.

Foreigners were previously confined to their warehouses in the city until Shamian became a concession. The 800m long sandbank was divided into 2 halves with the British on the western side and the French on the east, with Chinese people forbidden to enter.

From west to east, there are only 3 main parallel streets on the island, with a wide leafy boulevard in the middle for pedestrians only.

With historic buildings throughout, don't forget to head to the riverfront park to get a glimpse of the Pearl River, which flows all the way out to Hong Kong and the South China Sea.

The White Swan Hotel opened in 1983 as the city's first international hotel, and the country's first 100m tall skyscraper. Hosting many heads of state, including Queen Elizabeth II, Henry Kissinger, and Fidel Castro, the 34-storey hotel has recently renovated and provides 520 rooms just steps from Shamian's historic buildings and right on the Pearl riverfront.

The hotel's conception coincided with the start of China's economic reforms, when Deng Xiaoping decided in 1978 that China needed to build 8 high-end hotels in its 4 largest cities. Hong Kong businessman Fok Ying-tung answered the call, reclaiming a section of river to build this massive hotel.

Some buildings have been renovated into fancy cafes, with this one stylishly modern despite its historic setting.

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