Gulangyu, a small island located in Xiamen, was once a western settlement during the colonial period. It is famous for its unique universal architecture and China’s first piano museum.
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the island covers an area of approximately 2 square kilometers, is home to some 20,000 people, and attracts more than 10 million tourists each year, making it one of China’s most popular tourist attractions.
Gulangyu is particularly noteworthy for being a pedestrian island, where cars are not only prohibited.
How to get to Gulangyu
After arriving in Xiamen from all over the world, Gulangyu Island is only an 8-minute ferry ride away.
Dongdu Cruise Center’s Xiamen-Gu Pier is the main departure point, offering frequent flights to Gulangyu Piano Pier and Nei Chuao Pier, which is convenient and offers an unforgettable journey by sea with breathtaking ocean views along the way. (Details on how to get to Gulangyu)
Explore Gulangyu Island Attractions
Sunstone
Tickets are priced at 50 RMB per person.
Sunlight Rock, also known as Longtou Mountain, is the highest peak on Gulangyu Island. At the top is a huge boulder with a diameter of over 40 meters, naturally formed and a symbol of Xiamen.
Historically, Zheng Chenggong, the national hero, used to canton here, leaving behind such monuments as the Water Drill Platform and the Dragon Head Mountain Fortress Gate.
There are 65 cliff carvings preserved on the rock wall from the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the Republic of China, witnessing the history of Gulangyu Island for more than 400 years, which is an important witness to the multiculturalism of Gulangyu Island.
Located at the foot of the mountain, Sunlight Rock Temple was built in the Ming Dynasty and is widely popular. Master Hongyi once copied scriptures here for eight months, leaving behind a valuable cultural heritage.
Standing at the top of the Sunlight Rock, you can have a great view of the whole island, and you can also enjoy the sunrise over the sea when you climb to the top at 6:30 in the morning.
Don’t forget to visit the Ancient Summer Cave under the rock, which used to be a good place for ancient people to escape the summer heat, and is now also a small window into the history of Gulangyu Island.
Peas and Beans Garden
Tickets are priced at 15 RMB per person.
Located on Gulangyu Island’s Harbor Island’s Aberdeen Back Beach, this garden was built by Lin Erjia (also known as Shuzang), a wealthy Taiwanese merchant, hence its name.
The garden is predominantly quiet, with buildings and pavilions of different shapes, and small bridges with low fences, like swimming dragons. Strolling along the winding paths, every step is scenery.
The Gulangyu Piano Museum, built in the back of the hill, has more than 200 pianos, including many rare ancient pianos, which silently tell the reputation of Gulangyu as the “Island of Music”.
Every day at 10:00 and 15:00, the staff will play “Gulangyu Waves” on the antique pianos.
Moonlight Garden
Located at the southeast end of Gulangyu Island, by the mountains and the sea, it is the only sculpture park in China built in honor of the national hero Zheng Chenggong.
The 15.7-meter-high statue of Zheng Chenggong stands in the park, which is magnificent. Strolling through the garden, you can not only feel the atmosphere of the hero, but also enjoy the magnificent sea view.
Yuk Yuen
Located on Fuxing Road in the southeastern part of Gulangyu Island, it is a memorial garden in honor of Dr. Lin Qiaozhi, the people’s medical scientist.
Lin Qiaozhi was the pioneer of obstetrics and gynecology in China and was known as the “mother of all babies”. There is Lin Qiaozhi Memorial Hall in the park, which was built by Xiamen Municipal People’s Government in her honor.
Haitiantian Villa
As one of the most representative villas in Gulangyu Island, it attracts a lot of attention with its unique Southern architectural style. It is not only a paradise for architecture lovers, but also a vivid classroom for understanding the modern history of Gulangyu.
International Carving Art Museum
Reopened on July 8, 2023 after upgrading and renovation. The new hall covers an area of nearly 200 square meters and integrates the collection, display and dissemination of modern lettering art. The more than 90 works on display are carefully selected from the collection of more than 1,000 masterpieces, representing the highest level of today’s engraving art.
Bagua Tower
A landmark building on Gulangyu Island, the white dome is modeled after the Islamic style.
Inside is the world’s largest pipe organ museum with weekly live performances. Visitors can experience playing Asia’s largest pipe organ, the Norman Bill, with their feet on the bellows.
Other Historical Buildings
Gulangyu Island is also home to many other historical buildings, such as the former site of the British Consulate (now a cafe), the former site of the Japanese Consulate Prison, and the Concordia Chapel, all of which are worth a visit.
Trip Planning and Experience
Day 1:
Morning: Upon arrival at Gulangyu Island, first head to the Sunlight Rock and enjoy the view from above.
Noon: Taste Xiamen’s local snacks, such as sand tea noodles, fried five spices and roast pork dumplings at Longtou Road Food Street.
Afternoon: Visit Peas and Beans Garden, listen to the melody of the piano and experience the beauty of the garden.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in the neighborhood of Haitian Heavenly Structure, then take a walk along the beach and enjoy the sea breeze and starlight.
Day 2:
Morning: visit Haoyue Garden to pay homage to Zheng Chenggong while enjoying the sea view.
Noon: Taste the island’s seafood feast, with freshly caught seafood paired with local culinary specialties.
Afternoon: Explore the International Carving Art Museum and immerse yourself in the sea of art.
Evening: Attend a concert or small performance on the island to experience the music culture of Gulangyu Island, then take the ferry back to Xiamen city.
Gourmet Recommendations
Gulangyu Island offers a wide variety of food, such as satay noodles (Ruan Ji Satay Noodles), oyster omelette (the original fish ball store at the entrance of the alley), clay bamboo shoots jelly (Huang Zhehe on Zhongshan Road) and coconut cake (Gulangyu Food Factory). In addition to traditional snacks, you can also try the island’s creative cuisine, such as seafood hot pot and Minnan-style dishes.
Accommodation Suggestions
B&Bs on Gulangyu Island come in a variety of styles, ranging from luxurious sea-view rooms to cozy home-stays. A few recommended specialties are: Li Jiazhuang Hotel (vintage flower bricks and teak furniture), Hongtang Hotel (converted from a century-old church for art lovers) and Listening Sense Hotel (a white courtyard facing the sea).
Things to note
Gulangyu Island is located on the shores of the South China Sea, and the weather is highly variable. Please check the weather forecast and prepare sun and rain protection before traveling. Also, please protect the environment and do not litter or damage vegetation.