Shamian Island

Now that we’re about to leave Shamian Island, let’s do a quick walking tour of our serene little retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. It’s really beautiful here. It’s quite tropical. Unlike Beijing, which gets the usual four seasons that we’re used to in the US, Guangzhou is a two season city: wet and dry. It’s almost as far south as Hawaii.

We took lots of video of strolling around the island as well, which we can regale you with when we’re back in the USA. The island is pretty small: about 4 blocks by 10 blocks, sitting in the Pearl River. You could probably walk around the edge at a leisurely pace in a half hour.

First, here are a few shots of some of the foliage and environs here.IMG_1139 IMG_1144 IMG_1172 IMG_1171

Because it’s so beautiful, you find people taking pictures all over. Not just foreign tourists,  but local tourists too. We lost count of the number of bride-and-groom photo shoots we saw. Likewise with the fashion photo shoots.IMG_1169 IMG_1170 IMG_1138 IMG_1137

There’s also a lot of bronze statuary, including a lot of statues of people taking photographs. It seems this place is well-known for its scenery.IMG_1146 IMG_1147 IMG_1148 IMG_1149 IMG_1153 IMG_1152 IMG_1158 IMG_1155 IMG_1161

Most of the people around are locals, but there are a few westerners sprinkled in. This used to be where most of the major western consulates were. The main Polish consulate is still here. The residence of the US consulate is here, along with some offices, but no real official business with traveling Americans or locals seeking visas happens at the Shamian consulate anymore. Those functions have moved to a newer US consulate years ago, and are about to move again to a yet-newer US consulate. The German consulate moved about ten years ago.

There is some western food here. I admit, we got takeout from Subway more than once for convenience, but we had to skip the fresh veggies for the sake of our bowels; no lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, etc. There’s also some more interesting food.

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It may look like a pet store, but it’s actually the menu.

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Yes, we had pigeon, aka “rock dove.”

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It’s a beautiful place, and we’re already excited to bring Alexander back when he’s old enough to appreciate it. For now, it’s time to wake the kid from his nap and get some more packing done. We’ll be touching down at O’Hare in about 40 hours.

7 thoughts on “Shamian Island

  1. K and B and A,
    Have a safe trip home tomorrow. We will be thinking about you guys. Heading to camp for 4th.
    All our love
    D and S

  2. Wonderful photos. I’m sure you are all anxious to get home. Safe travels and thank you for keeping us all up-to-date. Love, Aunt Carla

  3. What a beautiful island. Tranquility in the midst of a huge city. You were fortunate to have been been placed there by your agency. It’s a very nice place from which to leave China, giving you lingering, peaceful memories. Can’t wait to see the three of you. Safe travels. We love you.

  4. What a beautiful place. Great ending to your trip.

    Keeping you in our prayers as you travel home.

    Jody called me yesterday and said that she has been loving your posts and already feels like she knows Alexander.

  5. Welcome home Kelly family! The best is yet to come!!! thank you for sharing your adventure of love. Happy 4th of July! Sue

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