Gulangyu is located southwest of Xiamen City, Fujian Province, facing Xiamen Island across the sea. As a national 5A-level tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 1.88 square kilometers, it enjoys pleasant climate year-round and has earned reputations as the "Garden on the Sea", "Piano Island", and "Museum of International Architecture". It's a famous island scenic area integrating natural landscapes, historical culture, and musical arts.
History and Culture
With a long history, Gulangyu had fishermen settlements as early as the Song and Yuan dynasties. After the 1842 Treaty of Nanjing designated Xiamen as a treaty port, Gulangyu gradually became home to foreign consulates, trading firms, and missionaries, forming a unique historical blend of Eastern and Western cultures.
The island preserves over a thousand historical buildings in various styles, including European villas, churches, and consulates, earning it the title "Museum of International Architecture". These structures combine Chinese and Western architectural arts, witnessing Gulangyu's unique history as an important international community in modern China.
Gulangyu is also one of the birthplaces of modern Chinese music, boasting the highest piano density in China and producing famous musicians like Yin Chengzong and Xu Feiping. In 2002, it was named "Island of Music" by the Chinese Musicians Association.
Main Attractions
Sunlight Rock
At 92.7 meters, Sunlight Rock is Gulangyu's highest point, formed by two huge overlapping boulders. Its observation deck offers 360-degree views of the entire island and Xiamen city, making it the best spot for sunrise and panoramic views. The Koxinga Museum on the rock showcases the history of national hero Koxinga's recovery of Taiwan.
Shuzhuang Garden
Built in 1913 as the private garden of Taiwanese merchant Lin Erjia, Shuzhuang Garden covers 12,000 square meters. Facing the sea with mountains behind, its exquisite layout combines traditional Chinese gardening art with Western landscaping techniques, representing Gulangyu's most iconic garden scenery.
Hao Yue Garden
Built to commemorate Koxinga's recovery of Taiwan, Hao Yue Garden features a 15.7-meter-tall statue of Koxinga facing the Taiwan Strait, along with attractions like the Koxinga Stele Corridor and Miniature Sculpture Museum.
Organ Museum
Housed in the Bagua Building, the Organ Museum is currently China's only and the world's largest organ museum, preserving nearly 100 antique organs from Britain, France, Germany and other countries, including Asia's largest pipe organ "Norman Bill".
Piano Museum
Located within Shuzhuang Garden, the Piano Museum displays over 40 world-famous antique pianos, including Steinway pianos used by 19th-century European royalty and the world's earliest square piano, showcasing piano history and Gulangyu's musical culture.
Featured Activities
Gulangyu Piano Art Festival
Held every summer, the festival invites renowned pianists worldwide to give concerts and masterclasses, offering an unmissable artistic feast for music lovers.
Gulangyu Poetry Festival
This biennial event attracts poets and scholars to compose and exchange works, further spreading Gulangyu's poetic beauty.
Gulangyu Architecture Culture Week
Held each autumn through exhibitions, lectures, and architectural tours, this event showcases Gulangyu's unique architectural art and historical value.
Local Cuisine and Specialties
Gulangyu Pastries
Traditional local pastries with crispy crusts and sweet fillings like mung bean or pork floss, these are must-buy souvenirs.
Tusun Jelly
A Minnan specialty made from beach-dwelling sipunculid worms, this chewy delicacy is served with sauce for a unique flavor.
Oyster Omelette
A Xiamen classic made with fresh oysters, sweet potato starch, and eggs, crispy outside and tender inside with delicious taste.
Ticket Information
Gulangyu has no entrance fee, but round-trip ferry tickets cost 35-50 yuan/person. Some attractions like Sunlight Rock and Shuzhuang Garden require separate tickets, with a combo ticket priced at 90 yuan/person. Recommended visiting time is 1-2 days.
Recommended Tour Route
One-day itinerary: Sanqiutian Pier → Longtou Road Shopping Street → Organ Museum → Sunlight Rock → Shuzhuang Garden (Piano Museum) → Hao Yue Garden → Beach → Return to pier. This route offers a comprehensive experience of Gulangyu's natural and cultural landscapes.
Transportation Guide
- Ferry: Take a 20-minute ferry from Xiamen International Cruise Center or First Pier
- Bus: Take bus routes 51, 59, or 107 to the cruise center
- Self-driving: Vehicles aren't allowed on the island; park in Xiamen Island
Must-See Attractions
- Sunlight Rock - Gulangyu's highest point for best island views
- Shuzhuang Garden - Classic garden blending Chinese and Western styles
- Piano Museum - Experience the musical charm of "Piano Island"
Travel Tips
- Best seasons are spring and autumn; avoid summer heat and holidays
- Wear comfortable flats as the island has many slopes and steps
- Book ferry tickets in advance via WeChat official account "Xiamen Ferry"
- No vehicles on the island; mainly walking or sightseeing cars
- Allow time to wander alleys and appreciate old buildings and artsy vibe
Precautions
- Protect historical buildings - don't touch or carve on them
- Keep quiet in residential areas
- Be careful at beaches and heed warning signs
- Sort and dispose of waste properly
- Respect local customs and religious beliefs