The White Swan Hotel occupies the southern tip of Shamian Island in Liwan District, and holds a special place in Guangzhou's hospitality history as mainland China's first five-star hotel, opened in 1983. The 33-story tower rises above the island's tree-lined colonial-era streets, and its interior atrium features a landmark indoor waterfall and koi pond that remains a popular photo stop even for non-guests. Rooms range from Superior to the Presidential Suite, many with Pearl River views over the water traffic passing the island. Dining includes Cantonese and international restaurants along with a lobby lounge, and the wellness facilities cover an indoor pool, spa, and fitness center. Shamian Island's quiet, pedestrian-friendly streets, lined with European-style buildings from the former foreign concession era, make the hotel's surroundings a highlight in their own right, with Beijing Road and Liwan's old-town dining a short walk or taxi ride away.
| Price | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Shamian South Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou 510130, China |
Room types
- Superior Room
- Deluxe Room
- Executive Suite
- Presidential Suite
Amenities
- indoor pool
- spa
- restaurant
- bar
- wifi
- fitness center
- river view
- historic landmark
Weather through the year in China
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for China.
Location
1 Shamian South Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou 510130, China
23.1057, 113.2408 View on map
Highlights
- Mainland China's first five-star hotel, opened in 1983
- Landmark indoor atrium with waterfall and koi pond
- Located on tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly Shamian Island
- Pearl River views from many rooms
Tips for visiting
- The lobby atrium's waterfall is worth seeing even if not staying at the hotel
- Shamian Island's colonial-era streets are best explored on foot in the early morning or evening
- Request a river-facing room for views of Pearl River boat traffic
- Beijing Road and Liwan's old-town food streets are a short taxi ride away
Accessibility
The hotel provides wheelchair-accessible rooms and step-free access from the main entrance through the atrium lobby to guest floors via elevator.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this really China's first five-star hotel?
Yes, the White Swan Hotel opened in 1983 and is widely recognized as the first five-star hotel on mainland China.
Is the hotel on Shamian Island?
Yes, it sits at the southern tip of Shamian Island, a small former foreign concession island in Liwan District.
Does the hotel have river views?
Many rooms overlook the Pearl River, which flows directly past the island.
Is the hotel within walking distance of Beijing Road?
Beijing Road is a bit far to walk comfortably; a taxi or short metro ride is typically used to reach it.