Optical observation using a polarizing microscope was performed for flows of liquid crystalline polymers through rectangular channels containing a cylinder. Test fluids used were 50 and 60 wt% aqueous solutions of hydroxypropylcellulose. Highly birefringent areas were observed around the cylinder. Long black lines which seemed to correspond to streamlines, and cyclic black arcs which were produced in the diverging flow region, were observed. The disturbance of orientation was caused by the diverging flow just behind the cylinder, and remained far downstream. The highly birefringent line was present behind the cylinder along the centerline, and after the cessation of the flow, band texture was observed on this line.