Shamian Island

Today was our scheduled zoo trip but it was cancelled when everyone back out due to some pretty heavy rain. So instead we took it slow in the morning and decided we would take this chance to go to Shamian Island.
Shamian Island was on my China bucket list! Historically the island has a long history in the adoption world at the height of Chinese adoptions in the early 2000s and before almost all if not all Americans adopting from China would stay on the island. This little once European controlled island, was home to the US consulate that issued immigration visas. It also housed the great White Swan Hotel, a name all families adopting from China would recognize. This vast hotel was the go to spot for all these families. Shortly after starting our adoption journey I learned that the White Swan is now closed for a massive renovation and since the US consulate is no longer on the island, and because Chinese adoptions have greatly slowed down rumor has it that when the White Swan reopens it will no longer be catering to adoptive families.
So today we went and visited this little island with grand European architecture, took photos of the White Swan under construction, the "famous" bronze statues and visited the few stores still standing.
We also got the chance to travel via Chinese subway! It was so great and SO easy!!