Shamian Island (沙面岛) provides a relaxed, quiet and spacious atmosphere in contrast to the busy, bustling and narrow streets and alleys of the neighboring area. And it comes with some interesting history. Quiet avenues and tree lined streets and historical buildings make for a wonderful afternoon stroll.
It is a sandbank island in the Pearl River that has served as a trading hub in old times. As a result of the Opium War it was divided into two concessions and handed over to the British and French. This history is still overwhelmingly obvious in the architecture and layout of the island, and a reminder of the colonial past. So are the two churches at either end of the island, an Anglican Church in the former British and a Catholic Church in the former French Concession.