Guangzhou's 1983 landmark on Shamian Island overlooking the Pearl River, renovated in 2015 and reached by its own causeway. Travellers get river views, Michelin-starred Cantonese food at Jade River and an outdoor pool among quiet colonial-era streets. Rooms start from US$143 a night.
The White Swan Hotel is a five-star hotel at 1 Shamian South Street on Shamian Island, in Guangzhou's historic Liwan District, overlooking the Pearl River. Its own causeway of about 635 m links it to the island. It suits travellers who want river views, Cantonese dining and a quiet base among the colonial-era streets of Shamian.
The White Swan joined The Leading Hotels of the World in 1985 and received a five-star rating from the Chinese government in 1990. Queen Elizabeth II, Richard Nixon and Deng Xiaoping are among its past guests. For years many American families adopting children from China stayed here while their visa paperwork was processed, a story told in the 2002 children's book The White Swan Express.
The island is lined with Western-style buildings from the former British and French concessions. White Swan Pond is about 270 m from the hotel. Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street and the Yongqingfang (Xiguan) historic area are each about 1.5 km away, and Beijing Road Pedestrian Street about 2.6 km.
Hong Kong businessman Henry Fok (Fok Ying-tung) opened the hotel in February 1983. After a renovation of about three years it reopened in July 2015.
The 520 rooms and suites are in a tower rising about 100 m above the river, and many have river views. Children aged 3 to 12 stay free when no extra bed is needed. Extra beds and cribs depend on the room type. Wi-Fi in public areas is free.
The hotel has five restaurants and two bars. Jade River, the best known, is a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant with garden decor. Breakfast is a buffet with Western dishes.
The outdoor pool is free for guests, with towels provided, and there is a health club and a spa.
Huangsha metro station on Lines 1 and 6 is about 600 m away and Cultural Park station about 950 m. Guangzhou Railway Station is about 6.8 km, and Foshan Shadi Airport (FUO) is about 24 km.
Sources: Wikipedia: White Swan Hotel Facts checked November 2026.
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Most popular facilities
Wi-Fi in public areas is free of charge.
Free parking on site; valet parking is available.
Free for guests; towels provided.
White Swan Hotel takes special requests – add in the next step!
From 2:00 PM
Until 12:00 PM
Children of all ages are welcome.
Children aged 3 to 12 stay free when no extra bed is needed.
Extra bed and crib availability depends on the room type.
Children 13 and above will be charged as adults at this property.
The minimum age for check-in is 18.
Pets are not allowed.
A deposit is required at check-in. Cash, credit and debit cards and third-party payment services are accepted, and the deposit is returned to the original payment method within 7 days after check-out.
Free parking, valet available.
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Road distance and drive time from OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM), without traffic.
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Places to eat within easy reach of the hotel, with cuisine, price range and reviews.
1F, 20 Dishifu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Cuisine:CantoneseDim sum
Stay & facilities
At 1 Shamian South Street on Shamian Island, Liwan District, Guangzhou, overlooking the Pearl River.
Five restaurants and two bars, including the Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Jade River.
Yes, an outdoor pool, plus a health club and spa.
Check-in is from 2:00 PM and check-out is by 12 noon. The front desk is open 24 hours.
In February 1983. It reopened in July 2015 after a renovation of about three years.
White Swan Hotel has Wi-Fi; the listing does not say whether it is free. Listed: Internet – Wifi and WiFi in public areas.
Booking
520 rooms and suites.
General
Huangsha station on Lines 1 and 6 is about 600 m away.
Getting there
Yes, parking is free, and valet parking is available.
Yes, White Swan Hotel has an airport shuttle. The nearest airport listed on bookingMentor is Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).
Families & accessibility
No, pets are not allowed.
Many American families adopting from China stayed here while waiting for visa paperwork in Guangzhou.
Prices & payment
Yes. A deposit is taken at check-in by cash, card or third-party payment and returned within seven days of check-out.
Rooms at White Swan Hotel start from $143.00 (USD) per night (Standard Room City View Queen Bed). 5 room types are listed, from $143.00 to $400.00 a night. The price for your dates is shown when you check availability.
What's included
Yes, White Swan Hotel serves breakfast. Breakfast: Buffet and Western.
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