The official, though rarely used, name of this green oasis is Shamian Park. Its creation was linked to the formation of the island itself as a diplomatic enclave. The park was laid out in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, during the heyday of the foreign concessions, and originally served as a place of leisure for European and American diplomats, merchants, and their families.
What tourists will see today:
A pathway laid along the water leads majestic old buildings in European style, their facades facing directly onto the park and the river. These houses once belonged to powerful foreign banks (e.g., Chartered Bank, Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation), trading companies (Butterfield & Swire), and consulates. In the shade of the trees, elegant lanterns and benches in classic style invite visitors to rest.
Giant Banyans and Their Aerial Roots:
One of the most striking features of the park is its attitude towards nature. Here, for decades, the aerial roots of the famous banyan trees (ficuses) were not trimmed. Thanks to this, they freely descended from mighty branches, reached the ground, took root, and turned into new "trunks," forming whimsical, almost mystical groves. Many trees look like entire mini-forests, and their intertwined roots create living sculptures and arches. This natural process has turned part of the park into a corner of tropical nature, where the play of light and shadow through the veil of roots creates magical landscapes.
The Pearl River (Zhujiang) Embankment:
The wide stone embankment is the main artery of the park and an ideal viewing platform. From here, a contrasting panoramic view opens up: on one side, the calm waters of the mighty Pearl River with passing barges and pleasure boats; on the other, the historic facades of Shamian. It is the perfect place to observe the life of the metropolis from a distance: on the opposite bank rise the ultra-modern skyscrapers of the Zhujiang New Town district, and in the distance stands the famous Canton Tower.
Iconic Art Objects in the Park:
Sculpture "Stone and Three Palm Trees": This memorable composition, resembling a miniature oasis, is officially called "Source of Life" or "Spring." The stone symbolizes a solid foundation and natural strength, while the three palm trees leaning over it represent growth, harmony, and an eternal connection with the southern, tropical Guangzhou. It is a popular backdrop for lyrical photographs.
Composition of Characters Among the Banyans: In the shade of sprawling trees, you can find a sculptural group of bronze or stone characters. The inscription is one of the key Confucian virtues, which can be translated as "People living in peace and harmony," "harmony between people," or "unanimity." This is not just a decoration, but a philosophical message reflecting the ideal of harmonious coexistence, which is especially relevant for a place with such a complex international history as Shamian.
Come here at sunset. At this time, the facades of the old buildings turn golden, the lights on the pleasure boats on the river come on, and the skyscrapers on the far bank begin to shine with lights. It is the ideal place to pause during a busy itinerary. Here, you don`t need to rush from one attraction to another - here you simply need to stroll, sit on a bench, and observe.
