Shamian Park

The coolest experience in Guangzhou doesnt cost a dime, and is right outside the White Swan. The park between the hotel and Lucy's bar and grill is called Shamian Park (not the one I mentioned earlier with the brides) This one is just to the right of the hotel along the Pearl River Promenade. Retired people and young mothers gather there every morning to practice all kinds of exercise and art. I could spend all day here just people watching. The only pics I have are from a distance, because if you get photos of people close up, or of a small grouping, you should really ask their permission, and I have a feeling they get tired of being a tourist attraction. It was tough passing up some of the wonderful photo ops but I wanted to be respectful.

The group above is doing Tai Chi along the water front. You'll see various small groups doing this and sometimes people just off on their own meditating.

There's a section set up with tables where people gather to play mah jong

These gentlemen are fishing with that gigantic net. You'll also see people swimming laps in the Pearl River and I saw one old gentlemen doing his laundry.


These women are sword dancing, but its hard to see the swords in this lighting. The coolest dances are the fan dances and the ones with colorful paper umbrellas. the umbrella and fan dancers are usually small groups, and I didnt feel comfortable getting pictures of them--they never made eye contact for me to ask permission.

They also have ballroom dancing classes, and flute players and singers.

I've seen a couple of women sketching and brush painting out there very early.

When you come to this park, close your eyes and here the flutes, old ladies gossiping, and the clack and clatter of the mah jong tiles. Its an experience you wont forget.