The southern Chinese city of Guangzhou is home to the historically rich and notoriously creepy Shamian Island. From its spine-chilling ghost stories to its storied past, Shamian has long been the source of terror and fascination for its visitors. In this blog, let's dig into the horror, history and paranormal activities around this fantastic yet terrifying location.
Horror Story of Guangdong - Guangzhou Shamian Island
It was summertime in Guangzhou, when the tourist season filled up the city. The second largest metropolitan area in South China overflowed with residents and visitors alike. Among the sights to see, the Shamian Island was always a favorite.
This small island off the southern coast of Guangdong Province still held its whispers of the past. A crowded market place, filled with merchants hawking traditional Chinese goods filled the streets during the day, and then emptied out at night, leaving just the ghosts of its former residents and a few aged buildings make the night hours seem particularly eerie.
But that was all it was - the noises of rusty doors, creaky floors, and distant conversations echoing from generations past. That was, until recently.
Recently, something had changed. Visitors to the island told tales of hearing loud voices and stepping over crowds of invisible people. Children in the market would suddenly stop their play, and pointed to the walls where shadows lurked and danced along the old cobblestone streets.
On the south end of the island, near an old Chinese burial ground, a figure had been spotted. A tall figure, shrouded in a black cloak. Witnesses said it scurried off quickly as soon as seen, and whispers of a vengeful spirit haunt the island ever since.
At night the island is almost completely deserted, the locals know better than to venture out when the darkness cloaks everything in fear. For the brave that choose to test their luck, they are met with stares and conversations of the past echoing through the walls and leaving a chill in the air.
On clear nights, when the sky is filled with the glow of the stars, the locals cross their fingers for the figure in black to stay away. Otherwise, the island lies still, clinging to its histories secrets and, perhaps, one of its own.
History & Information of Guangdong - Guangzhou Shamian Island
Guangzhou Shamian Island, is located in the Pearl River just north of downtown Guangzhou, close to the city’s Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. It is the site of once-thriving colonial activity and still retains much of its colonial charm. It is today home to various old buildings and tourist spots from the colonial era, many of them from the British and French Concessions of Guangzhou (1860 - 1943).
The Shamian Island was a trading port since the 5th century. The island was used as a shipbuilding area by the 14th century, with the first recorded ship built on the island dating to 1391. During the 19th century, the island administratively belonged to the Canton Prefecture.
In the early 1860s, the island was divided in two through negotiations between the British and the Qing Dynasty. The two parts of the island became known as the British Concession and the French Concession respectively. These two concessions were separated by a barrier and the treaty required Chinese guards to patrol the barrier, although this was later modified in 1891 to allow both British and French guards to patrol the border of both concessions.
During the 19th century, the foreign concessions on the Shamian Island flourished, becoming home to traders, settlers, and business representatives from Europe and around the world. This in turn attracted more Chinese immigrants to the island, eager to take advantage of the opportunities available to new arrivals.
The foreign concessions on the Shamian Island was eventually ceded to China in 1943, during the Second World War. Today, the island retains much of its colonial charm and is a popular tourist destination, featuring a range of attractions including restored colonial-style buildings, restored churches, Portuguese buildings, the Shajing Temple, and the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. There are also a range of shops and restaurants on the island, many of which cater to tourists.
Paranomial Activity of Guangdong - Guangzhou Shamian Island
Guangdong - Guangzhou Shamian Island is a seaside resort located in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. It is a popular tourist destination because of its picturesque scenery and historical sites. It is also widely known for its vibrant nightlife and numerous dining and shopping options.
The island is full of activities, with tourists being able to enjoy activities such as sailing, surfing, fishing, cycling, shopping, traditional dancing, and cultural performances. During the night, there is also a variety of entertainment options, including local pubs, live music, and amusement parks.
The place also offers a variety of educational and historical tours, such as a visit to the Chen Clan Academy, which is a traditional Chinese academy established in 1894. Here, tourists can get a glimpse of traditional Chinese culture and experience ancient statues, sculptures, and other artwork.
Shamian Island is also home to a considerable number of fine restaurants and cafes, all serving traditional Chinese cuisine, as well as more modern dishes. Visitors can also take a walk down the historic Old Street, which features the old-style architecture of the Song Dynasty. There's no shortage of activities for all ages and interests at Shamian Island.
This abundant place has earned its reputation as the most haunted place in the world. Experience of people & Reviews of Guangdong - Guangzhou Shamian Island
Guangdong - Guangzhou Shamian Island is described as a hidden gem amongst the hustle and bustle of Guangzhou. It’s a small island connected to a bustling city on the Pearl River. It is filled with breathtaking views of the river and lush greenery.
I had the privilege of visiting Guangdong - Guangzhou Shamian Island on my last tour. I highly recommend a visit for its modernized shopping areas and classical charm. There are plenty of places to explore including churches, parks, art galleries and several restaurants. Be sure to take a stroll along the old city wall and soak up the historic feel of this beautiful area. The food is also some of the best in China!
The locals are friendly and welcoming. Everyone was so helpful and willing to make suggestions on what to do while on the island. It was a pleasure interacting with the locals and getting to know them better.
I strongly recommend everyone to take a visit to Guangdong - Guangzhou Shamian Island. It is a place with fascinating history and has so much to offer. I had an amazing experience and will definitely be back for another visit in the future!
FAQ'S of Guangdong - Guangzhou Shamian Island
Q: What is Guangdong - Guangzhou Shamian Island?
A: Guangdong - Guangzhou Shamian Island is a tourist destination located in Guangzhou, China. It is a beautiful island surrounded by the Pearl River, with buildings of British and French colonial architecture.
Q: What activities can I do there?
A: Visitors can explore the island's history and landmarks, enjoy the beach and other outdoor activities, and shop at the many nearby markets. There also are numerous restaurants and cafes offering local and international food.
Q: How do I get to Guangdong - Guangzhou Shamian Island?
A: The closest metro station is Tianzi Fang, which is about a 10-minute walk away. Visitors can also take bus No. 517 from Yuexiu Park or get off at Shamian station and walk for 10 minutes. Taking a taxi is also an option.
Q: Is there an admission fee to visit the island?
A: Admission is free.
Centuries of paranormal activities at this place have marked this place as the most haunted place in the world.