Your beautiful, peaceful refuge in Guangzhou.

You’ve probably already picked up some of the history of Shamian, how the British and French used it as their regional trading hub in the 19th Century, and how today it is a secluded, exclusive neighborhood surrounded by the hustle and bustle of this sprawling city.

The European influence on this island, and its natural security features, made it a logical place to locate embassies and consulates. The White Swan Hotel unsurprisingly has hosted many political leaders and cultural figures. Even today the hotel is used by many major international airlines to house their flight crews.

When the American government wanted to open a consulate, Shamian was the place to be, and as China started to open its society and began allowing international adoptions, families like yours found their way here. The shops and restaurants, already accustomed to foreigners, readily adapted to this new set of customers, and the ecosystem of laundries, kids’ clothing stores, cafes, bars, and tchotchke shops grew into its current form.

Even though the consulates have all migrated downtown to the new Tianhe district, Shamian still is the favorite home for adoptive families. The web of foriegner-friendly services, shops, medical facilities, and lodging is unmatched anywhere else in the city. The island’s quiet streets, relaxed attitude, small size, and relative security help families relax so they can work together on the many transitions to their new lives.

We have prepared a map for your use in getting around the island. A leisurely fifteen-minute walk can get you to just about anywhere, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore. The maps from guidebooks we used on our trip weren’t big or detailed enough; the maps you’ll get on the island all seem to concentrate on whatever business is giving them out; the maps on the Internet all seem to think the American Consulate is still located next to the White Swan (it moved in 2006.)

We’ve left plenty of blank space for you to jot down notes. When you return, we’d love to get your feedback and suggestions on how we can improve this map!

Finally, here are some photographs of places you’ll see, with links to where you’ll come across them when you finally set foot on Shamian. Enjoy.