Shamian Island, one of the few truly peaceful oases in Guangzhou, is about to become even more serene.
Liwan District has decided to begin further restricting vehicle traffic on the picturesque island beginning Christmas Eve to make the island more pedestrian friendly, according to the Life of Guangzhou:
The draft announcement posted on the website of the government of Liwan District, in which Shamian Island is located, says cars will be prohibited in Shamian South Street, a section between Shamian 2nd Street and the East Bridge, from 9:30.am to 10.pm on weekends. Furthermore, Shamian 2nd Street will permanently become a one-way street. Drivers will now also require a permit to enter Shamian Main Street, a section east of Shamian 4th Street.
The main parking lots on the island are still open for public use and drivers are still allowed to enter the White Swan Hotel through its approach bridge.
Ahh, that ‘approach bridge’ to the White Swan Hotel. I’d like to know who figured it would be a good idea to build a large concrete overpass for vehicle traffic directly in front of a picturesque seawall.
Still, considering China’s love of the automobile, it’s good to see Liwan take steps to keep some areas largely car-free.