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Gulangyu Island (鼓浪屿), also known as Kulangsu, is a captivating and alluring tourist destination located just off the coast of Xiamen , China . This remarkable island draws travelers from around China and the world with its unique features, including car-free streets, colonial-era structures, and lush gardens. As a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, Gulangyu Island (Kulangsu Island) showcases an extraordinary blend of architectural styles, combining Chinese, European, and Southeast Asian influences that reflect its history as an international settlement, which can be called Amoy Deco Style.
Once the island was called Kulangsu by the locals, now it has gained more nicknames. Naturally, the “Museum of Western Architecture” is one of them. The Gulangyu island has also gained the nickname "Piano Island" due to its vibrant music scene, boasting numerous musical instrument museums including Gulangyu Piano Museum and music schools throughout its streets.
Here’s your ultimate guidebook to fully experience the enchanting allure of Gulangyu, China 's most celebrated charming little island, also known as Kulangsu, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. This road map provides insights on the must-see attractions, Gulangyu Ferry, culinary delights, and top-notch accommodations available on Gulangyu Island. Let’s go Kulangsu!
Gulangyu Island’s Top Attractions
Gulangyu, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Xiamen , The island is known for its colonial-era architecture and picturesque natural scenery. With a unique blend of Chinese and Western influences, visitors to Gulangyu can explore its narrow streets, discover quaint cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops, and visit unique museums such as Gulangyu Piano Museum, Gulangyu Organ Museum. Here are some of the most famous must-go tour spots on Gulangyu island.
Xiamen Day Tour: Xiamen City Highlights & Gulangyu In-depth Exploration
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1. Shuzhuang Garden: The Garden on the Sea, Gulangyu’s Crown Jewel
Shuzhuang Garden (菽庄花园) on Gulangyu Island is a serene and picturesque destination for tourists. This beautiful garden features elegant pavilions, colorful flowers, and tranquil ponds. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll along its scenic paths, marvel at the unique rock formations, and immerse themselves in the captivating ambiance of Gulangyu Island.
The Garden stands out as a meticulously crafted Crown Jewel on Gulangyu Island, featuring an exquisite blend of delicate yet sophisticated design inspired by traditional Asian aesthetics. Amidst the Western and Nanyang Style buildings that grace the sub-tropical ocean island of Gulangyu, this garden shines out an even more captivating and beautiful ambiance.
Opening hours: 8:00-17:30 (October 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024)
Ticket price: 30 RMB
Location: No. 7 Gangzi Hou Road
2. Organ Museum: Gulangyu’s Music Charm
The Organ Museum (风琴博物馆) on Gulangyu Island holds a profound connection to the island's rich history. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Gulangyu became an international settlement, attracting Western missionaries and traders who brought with them their musical traditions and instruments. The museum showcases an exceptional collection of antique organs, reflecting the island's historical ties to Western music and highlighting the cultural exchange that took place. Visitors can explore the exhibits, learn about the evolution of organ design, and witness live performances that bring the instruments to life.
Notably, the Organ Museum is the sole museum dedicated to organs in China. Each year, it hosts an annual festival featuring performances by renowned pianists from around the globe.
Opening hours: 8:15 AM to 5:45 PM (October 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024)
Ticket price: 15 RMB
Location: No. 69 Fuxing Road
3. Piano Museum: Xiamen’s History Rhymes through Time
The Piano Museum(钢琴博物馆) in Xiamen is a treasure trove for music enthusiasts, with a deep connection to the city's cultural heritage. Xiamen, a bustling port city in China , has a long history of embracing Western influences and fostering artistic exchange. The museum proudly displays an exceptional collection of antique pianos, showcasing the city's historical ties to Western music and the cross-cultural interactions that have taken place over the years. Visitors to the museum can explore the exhibits, delve into the evolution of piano design, and even enjoy captivating live performances that bring the instruments to life.
Notably, the Piano Museum in Xiamen is the only museum in China exclusively dedicated to pianos. It stands as a testament to the city's commitment to preserving and celebrating its musical legacy. Each year, the museum hosts an eagerly anticipated festival, attracting renowned pianists from around the world who grace its halls with breathtaking performances.
Opening hours: 8:15 AM to 5:45 PM (October 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024)
Ticket price: 30 RMB
Address: No. 7 Gangzaihou Road
4. Gulangyu International Calligraphic Carving Museum: Words in Art Forms
Gulangyu International Calligraphic Carving Museum (鼓浪屿国际刻字艺术馆) is a fascinating destination for tourists on Gulangyu Island. This special venue displays a wide variety of sculptures crafted by renowned artists from across the globe. Combining artistic expression with the island's natural beauty, Gulangyu Island International Sculpture Park provides a memorable experience for visitors who wish to enrich their cultural journey on the island. It’s a perfect place to admire the beauty of Chinese Calligraphic in various art forms.
Opening hours: 8:15-17:45 (October 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024)
Ticket price: 5 RMB
Location: No. 2-2 Ganghou Road (opposite the main entrance of Shazhuang Garden)
5. Haoyue Park: Gulangyu’s Garden with Modern Art
Haoyue Park (皓月公园), located on Gulangyu Island, is a delightful spot for tourists to explore. This charming park offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and winding pathways. Visitors can take leisurely walks, relax on benches, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Haoyue Park also features beautiful sculptures and artistic installations that add to its allure. With its serene surroundings and natural beauty, Haoyue Park provides a serene escape for visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of Gulangyu Island.
Opening hours: 8:00-17:30 (October 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024)
Ticket price: 10 RMB
Location: No. 3 Zhangzhou Road
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6. Sunlight Rock: Gulangyu’s Highest Point for Panoramic View
Situated on Gulangyu Island, Sunlight Rock (日光岩) is a must-see for tourists. As the island's highest point, it provides awe-inspiring panoramic views and holds historical importance. Visitors can ascend to the top for stunning vistas, explore charming gardens, and discover ancient inscriptions and monuments. This popular attraction offers a serene escape and picturesque photo opportunities, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty of Gulangyu Island.
Sunlight Rock is the top attraction of Gulangyu Island, and visitors can enjoy the best views of the island and surrounding coastline.
Tips: The peak of Sunlight Rock could get extremely crowded during peak season, consult with a local agency if you prefer to avoid the crowds for a smoother visit. Alternatively, you can go to Moonlight Rock (月光岩) at Bijiashan Road, the second highest point on Gulangyu Island. The attractions are similar to Sunlight Rock with fewer crowds and no entry fee.
Opening hours: 8:00-17:30 (October 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024)
Ticket price: 50 RMB (Qin Garden entry fee included)
Location: No. 62 Huangyan Road
7. Hi Heaven: The Most Famous Building of Gulangyu
This grand villa, constructed in 1921, holds great historical significance. Situated on Shuzhuang Road, near the Sunlight Rock scenic area, it has become a favored tourist spot, renowned for its stunning architecture and enchanting gardens. And yes, its name is “Hi Heaven” in English, its Chinese name, 海天樘构, would sound much more poetic. The story behind is also something worth looking into.
Originally commissioned by the prosperous Chinese businessman Lin Erjia and crafted by the renowned architect Chen Qikuan, Hi Heaven showcases a captivating blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. It has a large central courtyard and is surrounded by lush gardens.
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Ticket price: 50 RMB
Location: No.38 Fujian Road
8. Bagua Mansion: The Yin & Yang in Architectural Form
The Bagua Mansion (八卦楼) boasts an impressive central courtyard enveloped by a two-story verandah adorned with traditional Chinese embellishments like red lanterns, intricately carved wooden doors, and majestic stone lions. Supported by elegant white columns, the verandah provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding gardens.
However, the most remarkable aspect of the Bagua Mansion is its distinctive eight-sided roof. Reminiscent of the eight trigrams found in the ancient Chinese book of divination, the I Ching, this roof represents the fundamental forces that shape the universe. It adds an intriguing and symbolic touch to the architectural marvel that is the Bagua Mansion.
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Admission fee: 50 RMB
Location: No. 43 Guxin Road
Notes: There are many more buildings worth exploring on Gulangyu Island, each with its own unique architectural style and fascinating stories. From colonial architecture like the Consulates to traditional Chinese architecture such as traditional Fujian -style houses, the island showcases a diverse range of architectural art forms. Of particular interest are the Fusion Styles, including Amoy Deco and Veranda Colonial Style, which offer a truly distinctive spectacle. It is rare to find such a concentration of architectural styles in one small place, and what makes it even more remarkable is that they have all naturally developed over time. To delve deeper into the architectural wonders of Gulangyu, here's a suggested route for exploration.
Cuisines & Drinks on Gulangyu Island
Gulangyu Island offers a delightful array of food choices that will satisfy any palate. The island's culinary scene is a vibrant blend of local flavors and international influences, making it a haven for food enthusiasts. Here we would recommend the more local snack options yet the cafe and bistro hidden in lane-ways are also worth visiting.
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9. Explore Local Snacks at Longtou Road Area & More
Longtou Road is a popular street on Gulangyu Island, you can find shops, restaurants, and food stalls all in this street. Here are some must-try local delights. Try "Machi" (林氏麻糍) from Lin Shi, the last remaining street vendor with a permit to sell on the island's streets. "Machi" is a traditional Chinese dessert crafted from glutinous rice. Gulangyu fish balls (鼓浪屿鱼丸): These fish balls are made with fresh fish and are a popular snack or appetizer. Huang Sheng Kee (黄胜记) Pork Floss, located at No.108 Longtou Road, made with high-quality pork that is slow-roasted and then shredded into fine fibers.
Also worth mentioning is the Grandma’s Spring Roll (阿婆春卷), hidden in No. 78 Shichang Road (市场路78号), it is the most authentic local snack, the taste of home for many locals overseas Chinese community returning home.
One of the no-brainer choices for local Minnan dishes would be the Hounianmayue (猴年马月), located at No.57 Neicuoao Road(内厝澳路57号). Here you can try the local signature dishes including seafood cooked in an authentic local way.
10. Cafe, Cuisine and More in the Alleyways
The fine-dining options on Gulangyu Island encompass a delightful blend of Chinese and Western styles. For a genuine fusion of Eastern and Western cuisines, a visit to the Humble Diner at No. 18 Gongping Road (公平路18号) is a must. This establishment offers a range of fusion dishes that cater to Western palates while keeping the authentic local flavors intact.
High-tea with an ocean view on Gulangyu Island? Try Sea Symphony (琴海咖啡) at No.2 Gusheng Road (鼓声路2号). There are unparalleled ocean view spots to admire the sunset while enjoying legit western-style cuisines.
Monet Cafe offers a wide range of aromatic coffees, teas, and refreshing beverages while savoring delicious pastries, cakes, and light bites. To find Monet’s pond on Gulangyu island could be a pleasant surprise, isn't it?
There are numerous unique cafes and charming little shops scattered throughout the winding alleyways of Gulangyu . Take a leisurely stroll and immerse yourself in the delightful atmosphere while exploring these lovely establishments.
How to Get to Gulangyu from Xiamen Downtown
Getting to Gulangyu island is a pretty straightforward journey, taking the ferry to Gulangyu island would be the most common way. Yet there are just too many ferry options and it can be confusing for first-time travelers. Here’s a chart with key info you need.
| Departure | Arrival | Travel Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiamen International Cruise Terminal (邮轮中心厦鼓码头) | Sanqiutian (三丘田码头) Terminal Neicuoao | About 20 Minutes | 35-50 RMB |
| Xiamen International Cruise Terminal (邮轮中心厦鼓码头) | Terminal (内厝澳码头) Piano | About 20 Minutes | 35-50 RMB |
| First Terminal (第一码头) | Neicuoao Terminal (内厝澳码头) | About 15 Minutes | 50 RMB |
Check for more details in the breakdown of all ferry options to find out which one is the best for you. How to Get to Gulangyu from Xiamen: Tips on Gulangyu Ferry Tickets & Schedules
Getting Around on Gulangyu: Be Ready for a bit of Walking, or Ride the Shuttle Car
The Gulangyu island is car-free and pedestrian-friendly. With natural scenery and historical attractions everywhere on Gulangyu island, taking a leisure stroll around seems to be a good choice. It is recommended to roam around the island if you plan to stay on Gulangyu island for more than half a day and don’t mind a bit of walking.
Electric cars on Gulangyu island are the only vehicle option, with prices ranging from 10 to 50 yuan. Remember to purchase your tickets in advance at either the Sanqiutan Pier or Neicuoao Pier, as tickets cannot be bought onboard. Once you have your ticket, you can enjoy a round-trip journey without getting on or off the bus until your return. The Shuzhuang Garden Transfer Station is a convenient stop for accessing attractions on the island. If you have a circular ticket, you can disembark here to visit nearby attractions and then hop back on the bus at the same station using your ticket.
| Route | Price |
|---|---|
| Sanqiutan Terminal - Shuzhuang Garden | 50 RMB |
| Sanqiutan Terminal - Yanweishan Ecological Park | 10 RMB |
| Sanqiutan Terminal - Neicuoao Terminal | 20 RMB |
| Sanqiutan Terminal - Gulangyu Villa | 30 RMB |
| Sanqiutan Terminal - Shuzhuang Garden (transfer station) | 40 RMB |
Accommodation: Stay in Hotel in Style on Gulangyu
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7 Days Fujian Tour to Xiamen, Hakka Tulou & Xiapu Mudflat with Photography Experience
Gulangyu island, being the crown jewel of China’s most celebrated tourist destination, offers a diverse range of accommodation choices. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Gulangyu Island while enjoying a delightful stay on this charming little island in Xiamen.
Here are some excellent choices:
Miryam Boutique Hotel: Once a Consulate, Now a Boutique where You can Stay
Miryam Boutique Hotel (聆海酒店) on Gulangyu Island is a captivating retreat that combines history, elegance, and comfort. Housed in a beautifully restored heritage building that once served as a consulate, the hotel showcases a fusion of colonial and local Kulangsu architectural styles, offering guests a glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage. Its prime location provides easy access to Gulangyu Island's top attractions. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to the beach allows guests to enjoy leisurely walks along the shoreline. It is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience on Gulangyu Island.
Locations: No.70 Huangyan Road, Gulangyu
Linshifu Mansion Hotel: A Mansion for Nostalgic Kulangsu Ambiance
Nestled in a meticulously restored colonial building from the early 20th century, Linshifu Mansion Hotel (林氏府酒店) exudes timeless charm and elegance. Situated in a tranquil and serene neighborhood, it boasts a prime location within easy walking distance of all the main attractions, including Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, and the Piano Museum.
The hotel's restaurant is highly recommended as it has long been a preferred choice for fine dining among the locals of Xiamen. When staying at Linshifu Mansion Hotel, you will be enveloped in a nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of the old days when the island was known as Kulangsu.
Location: No.11-19 Lujiao Road, Gulangyu
Of course, if you would like to return to the downtown area of Xiamen for more accommodation options, be sure to check out the "Where to Stay Guide in Xiamen ".
Must-read Tips for Gulangyu Trip
Brace yourself for the crowds and plan wisely
Being one of the most renowned travel destinations Gulangyu sees heaps of tourists, tour groups, and newly-wed couples coming on the island. Especially during the national holidays like the first week of October and May, Gulangyu would be packed with tourists from all over China and the world. Plan your trip ahead and wisely.
Book your trip through legit travel agency
Xiamen boasts countless well-maintained tour attractions and great on-point service for tourists in general. In the meantime, the random travel agent on the street on the way to Gulangyu from Xiamen should be avoided if possible. Because yes, you might save a bit of money joining a random tour group, but it won't be a no-strings-attached bargain. Therefore, it is advisable to book your tour with a reputable agency to ensure a hassle-free and reliable experience.
Xiamen Day Tour: Xiamen City Highlights & Gulangyu In-depth Exploration
1 Day Nanjing Tulou Tour: From Xiamen to the Hometown of Mulan - Fujian Tulou
3 Days Wuyishan Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site for Danxia Landscape & Tea Culture
7 Days Fujian Tour to Xiamen, Hakka Tulou & Xiapu Mudflat with Photography Experience
How to Plan Your Xiamen Trip & Extension to Fujian
With a half-day trip, travelers can get a glimpse of historical heritage and the scenic views Xiamen has to offer. If you would like a more immersive experience, a 1-day trip or more time is more ideal for you to explore and cover more tour spots in Xiamen city and Gulangyu Island.
If you're planning a trip to Xiamen or any attractions in Fujian, it's highly recommended to start from Xiamen. If you have a bit more time, around 4-6 days, do consider extending your trip to the neighboring attractions in Fujian province. This will allow you to delve deeper into the region and experience its diverse natural landscapes and rich cultural offerings. Don't miss the chance to visit Quanzhou (Historical Emporium of the World), Fuzhou, Wuyishan (Origin of Black Tea), Hakka Tulou (UNESCO World Heritage), and Xiapu for a more immersive travel experience. It would be one of the Best China Tours.
Are you trying to Plan a tour to China? Here are some practicle info to help you come narrow down your destiantions: Top 10 Attractions in China, Places to Visit in China, Best Time to Visit China.
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