The territory was divided into two concessions given to France and the United Kingdom by the Qing  government in the 19th century (1859 to 1943). The island is a gazetted historical area that serves as a tranquil reminder of the colonial European period, with quiet pedestrian avenues flanked by trees and lined by historical buildings in various states of upkeep. The island is the location of several hotels, a youth hostel, restaurants and tourist shops selling curios and souvenirs.

I did not write that, as you can tell I’m not that eloquent. But I did go there today, it wasn’t planned, I just happened to stumble in it’s direction.

I went into Guangzhou to look at a few tech markets near the river and when I got off the metro everything was closed, I forgot that geeks don’t get up early. So I wandered down to the river. The river was a lovely brown colour due to the flooding further up stream. There were also some flood defences in place and in the few hours I was here there was a significant rise in the river.

I’d seen the concession somewhere recently and was very happy to have found it. The architecture is so different and yet recognisable as well. On the riverside you pass the old customs house with its links to Queen Victoria me thinks.

It’s a great place to visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of Guangzhou which is undoubtedly one of the busiest city’s in China. This oasis is a very calm and beautiful place to just spend time in marvelling at some of the best architecture for miles around. Oh and don’t forget some of the beautiful trees that compliment this colonial boulevard and some have been here for nearly 200 years.

The only sad thing is that a couple of places have been bought by the usual culprits and they have plastered their logos out front for all to see.