Gulangyu is a small island in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China, and is a World Heritage Site. How to get to Gulangyu Island is to visit the various architectural styles of the colonial period.
Known as the “Garden of the Sea”, Gulangyu Island has retained its pristine tranquility and beauty by banning motorized vehicles from the entire island.
Gulangyu is known as the “Expo of Universal Architecture” and is dotted with various villas, churches, consulates, schools, and other colonial-era buildings.
In addition, Gulangyu is also known as China’s music island, and the island is home to China’s largest piano museum.
How to get to Gulangyu for international travelers
Flights
Direct flights to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN), with international flights to major cities in Asia, Europe and North America (e.g. Singapore, Tokyo, Los Angeles).
Airport to Gulangyu Island
Airport bus: direct to Xiamen Ferry Terminal (20 RMB fare, 40 minutes ride).
Cab: about 50 RMB to reach Xiamen Ferry Terminal, 30 minutes’ drive.
Ferry: Take a ferry from Xiamen Ferry Terminal (Dongdu) or Xiamen Drum Terminal of Cruise Center to Sanqutian/Neicuoao Terminal on Gulangyu Island (20 minutes).
How to get to Gulangyu Island from major cities in China
How to get to Gulangyu Island from Beijing
Airplane: direct flight to Xiamen Gaoqi Airport (about 3 hours, ticket price 500-1500 RMB), airport bus directly to Xiamen Ferry Terminal, transfer to ferry to Gulangyu Island.
High-speed train: Beijing South Railway Station to Xiamen North Railway Station (10 hours, second class seat about 800 RMB), transfer to subway line 1 (recommended) or bus 957 to the ferry terminal, then take a ferry to Gulangyu Island.
How to get to Gulangyu Island from Shanghai
Airplane: direct flight to Xiamen (1.5 hours, ticket price 400-1200 RMB), airport bus direct to Xiamen ferry terminal, transfer to ferry to Gulangyu Island.
High-speed train: Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Xiamen North Station (6 hours, second class seat about 500 RMB), transfer to metro line 1 (recommended) or bus 957 to the ferry terminal, then take a ferry to Gulangyu Island.
How to get to Gulangyu Island from Guangzhou
Airplane: direct flight to Xiamen (1.5 hours, ticket price 300-900 RMB), airport bus direct to Xiamen ferry terminal, transfer to ferry to Gulangyu Island.
High-speed train: Guangzhou South Railway Station to Xiamen North Railway Station (4 hours, second class seat about 400 RMB), transfer to metro line 1 (recommended) or bus 957 to the ferry terminal, then take a boat to Gulangyu Island.
How to get to Gulangyu Island from Qingdao
Airplane: direct flight to Xiamen (2 hours, ticket price 600-1500 RMB), airport bus directly to Xiamen ferry terminal, transfer to ferry to Gulangyu Island.
High-speed train: Qingdao to Xiamen high-speed rail needs to be transferred (about 12 hours), recommended direct flight is more convenient.
How to get to Gulangyu Island from Chengdu and Chongqing
Airplane: direct flight to Xiamen (2.5 hours, ticket price 500-1300 RMB), airport bus directly to Xiamen Ferry Terminal, transfer to ferry to Gulangyu Island.
High-speed train: Chengdu East/Chongqing West Railway Station to Xiamen North Railway Station (10-12 hours, about 700 RMB for a second-class seat), transfer to Metro Line 1 (recommended) or bus 957 to the ferry terminal, then take a ferry to Gulangyu Island.
How to get to Gulangyu Island from Zhangjiajie and Guilin
Airplane: You need to transfer to Xiamen via Changsha/Guangzhou (total time 4-6 hours).
High-speed train: Zhangjiajie West/Guilin North Station to Xiamen North Station (transfer required, total time 8-10 hours).
Gulangyu Island Main Attractions
Sunlight Rock: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the island and Xiamen Bay.
Peas and Beans Garden: a private garden that combines Jiangnan gardening with Western style and houses a piano museum.
Longtou Road: a literary alley with cafes, handicraft stores and southern Fujian snacks.
Zheng Chenggong Memorial Hall: Learn about the history of the Chinese national hero’s recovery of Taiwan.
3-Day Classic Itinerary
Day1: Gulangyu Island Architecture Complex (Peas and Beans Garden, Bagua Tower) → Longhou Road Food Street
Day2: Sunrise at Sunlight Rock → Piano Museum → Beach Relaxation
Day3: Xiamen city (Nanputuo Temple, cycling around the island road)
Ticket Tips
Train tickets: Purchase tickets through 12306 English version or Trip.com, passport real-name authentication is required.
Airline tickets: Trip.com, Skyscanner or airline websites (e.g. Xiamen Airlines) are recommended.
Transportation within the city:
Metro/Bus: Alipay APP binds overseas credit card, scan code to take bus.
Internet taxi: DDT (support international cell phone number registration).
Attention
Visa & Documents: Please hold an ordinary passport need China tourist visa (L visa), some countries can enjoy 144 hours transit visa-free.
Climate and dress: Gulangyu Island belongs to the subtropical maritime climate, warm and humid, four seasons like spring. However, it is hot and humid in summer, so it is recommended to wear light and breathable clothes; in winter, it is cooler and drier, so it is necessary to bring warm clothes.
Payment: Alipay/WeChat payment is popular, and Visa/MasterCard is recommended.
Language: Major attractions have English signs, it is recommended to download a translation app (e.g. Google Translate).
Safety: Avoid accepting the services of unofficial tour guides and beware of overpriced tickets.