2025 Gulangyu Scenic Area Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Gulangyu Island, off Xiamen's coast in China, was home to an international settlement from 1902 to 1943. Thirteen countries, including the UK, France, and Japan, had consulates on the island. During this period, the island was governed by the Gulangyu International Settlement Municipal Council. In 1942, Japan occupied the island, and in 1943, extraterritorial privileges officially ended. The settlement featured a mix of Western and Eastern architectural styles, and its legacy remains visible in the island's historic buildings. While there's no specific information on a Japanese prison under the consulate, the island's history reflects its significance as a unique international settlement in China. Today, Gulangyu Island is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, known for its musical heritage, scenic beaches, and winding streets. Its history showcases a fascinating blend of cultures and international cooperation.

Gulangyu (鼓浪屿), just a short ferry ride from Xiamen, is a charming pedestrian-only island filled with history, nature, and artistic vibes. My quick visit started with a scenic hike up Sunlight Rock, the island's highest point, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Xiamen and the sparkling coastline. At the peak, I also explored a serene temple nestled among the cliffs, a peaceful contrast to the vibrant streets below. Strolling around the island felt like stepping through time. I passed by the elegant Piano Musuem, caught the glimpse of Gulangyu's colonial architecture, and wander past the beach, and old stadium, and Gulangyu Concert Hall. Along the way, I enjoyed the buzz of street artists, and couldn't resist trying some local food and snacks. One popular stop was Sue's (苏小糖) - a snack shop loved by youngsters for it's handcrafted candies and nougat, perfect for souvenirs or just a sweet treat on the go. Whether it's for a half day escape or a full day of leisure, Gulangyu is a feast for the senses - scenic, soulful and sweet in every way. #travel #100waysoftravel #china #monsteronvacay

#discoverchina Gulangyu is a charming island located off the west side of Xiamen. There are no cars permitted on the island, which sets one up for a day of strolling and exploring the many romantic villas sprawled across the island. Take the time to venture into the stores in the villas and soak up the atmosphere and view from the inside rather than just taking pictures in a hurry from the outside. Many boutiques are thoughtfully laid out with local merchandise or works by local writers - there's definitely the opportunity to pick up a unique souvenir when browsing through the shops!

A half-day stroll on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen After landing at Neicuo Wharf, we officially started our half-day leisurely journey Take a walk along the coast, listen to the sound of the waves, and see check-in spots everywhere While walking, if you feel hungry, buy some snacks. Fruits, desserts and snacks are everywhere. If you feel tired, find a restaurant to eat. I suggest you find a Xiamen specialty restaurant to try seafood. There are kittens everywhere on the island, and cat lovers will be very happy to take pictures! 🗓️Itinerary: Remember to remember to book your tickets through the official channel "Yujian Xiamen" mini program The morning ferry tickets are very popular! #Xiamen #Gulangyu Island, Xiamen

#discoverchina Just a short 20-minute ferry ride from Xiamen lies Gulangyu Island — a tranquil, car-free retreat known for its colonial charm and artistic flair. With a passport, you can easily purchase a ferry ticket and set off for a day of slow-paced exploration. The island’s narrow lanes are lined with European-style buildings, cozy cafés, and leafy courtyards. Highlights include the Piano Museum, Sunlight Rock, and stunning ocean views around every corner. Gulangyu offers a unique mix of culture, history, and relaxed seaside beauty that feels worlds away from the city buzz. 💕Why I Recommend It: It’s the perfect place to unwind, take in coastal scenery, and experience a peaceful side of Xiamen rich in charm and culture. #GulangyuVibes #XiamenIslandEscape #PianoIsland #HistoricXiamen #CoastalGetaway #NoCarsAllCharm #IslandWander #ChinaHiddenGems #GulangyuDiaries #SeasideStrolls

#discoverchina Walking along Ganghou Road in Gulangyu is like stepping into a postcard! With the gentle breeze in your hair and the serene sea view stretching out before you, it’s the perfect way to soak in the island’s natural beauty. 🌊 The road winds along the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the crystal-clear waters and the charming architecture of the island. Whether you're strolling peacefully or snapping photos, Ganghou Road is a must-visit spot for anyone wanting to experience the peaceful coastal vibes of Gulangyu. 🌸 #GanghouRoad #Gulangyu #SeaView #CoastalWalk #IslandVibes #ExploreGulangyu #TravelGoals

#discoverchina Stroll down Sanming Road on the charming Gulangyu Island, where history and beauty blend seamlessly. With its tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and peaceful atmosphere, it's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle. Explore unique shops, cozy cafés, and picturesque corners that capture the essence of Gulangyu’s timeless charm. 🌸 Whether you're admiring the architecture or simply enjoying the serene surroundings, Sanming Road offers an unforgettable experience. ✨ #SanmingRoad #GulangyuIsland #HistoricStreets #ExploreGulangyu #TimelessCharm #TravelInspiration

#Tourist attraction bundle 🟢 Fuzhou 🟢 and 💚 Xiamen 💚 🏛️ Two major cities in Fujian Province. Both cities can be reached by high-speed train 🚅. Therefore, tourists often include these two cities in their travel plans. 📝📑 Tourist attraction bundle 📑📝 🏛️❤️🟢 Xiamen 🟢❤️🏛️ 1) 📸📌 Piano Island 📍Piano Museum 📍🕍 Walk around the houses and buildings, combining Eastern and Western styles (take beautiful pictures) 📍🧋 Shop, eat, relax, explore shops and restaurants around the area. Each shop is decorated very cutely. 📍🌳 Shuzhuang Garden, a large beautiful garden located on a hill. 📍🌅 Sunlight Rock Viewpoint, watch the sunset, very romantic atmosphere. 📍🦐Taste fresh, delicious seafood at an affordable price 2) 📸📌 Travel in Xiamen city center 📍🛕 South Putuo Temple 📍🏛️ Walk around Xiamen University, there are many cute shops 📍🌳🌷 Xiamen Botanic Garden 📍 🛍️🥗 Shop, eat, and relax at Zhongshan Road (中山路步行街) 🏛️❤️🟢 Fuzhou 🟢❤️🏛️ 1) 📍🌳 Fu Forest Trail (福道): An urban forest park that seamlessly connects the city and nature 2) 🪷🌲West Lake Park (西湖公园): A city park with many activities 3) 🪷🛕 Xichan Temple (西禅寺) A Buddhist temple with a history of over a thousand years Built during the Tang Dynasty 4) 🌲🛕Jinjishan Park (金鸡山公园) Nature trail A long walkway leading to the top where you can see the view of Fuzhou from a high angle 5) 🌳👟FuDaYiShan Culture Creative Park (福大怡山文化创意园) A gathering place for teenagers, with art shops, cafes, and many restaurants 6) 🛍️🍽️ Sanfang Qixiang ( 三坊七巷) End the day with a cultural walking street with many shops and restaurants #TravelingChinaByYourself #TravelingChina

I traveled to Xiamen for the first time in September and was impressed by the progress and development of the mainland. At that time, I decided to book one or two mainland tours every year. Traveling is enjoyable and motivates me to work hard and save money. Everyone has their own dreams. Traveling to any country has been my long-cherished dream. This time I will also travel to Shanghai in May and look forward to surprising discoveries.

#celebrateit Gulangyu Island is known as the ”Garden of the Sea" and is an ideal honeymoon destination. Gulangyu Island is located in the southwest corner of Xiamen City, Fujian Province, across the sea from Xiamen Island, with an area of about 1.88 square kilometers and an altitude of between 35-100 meters.The terrain here is high in the southwest and low in the northeast, the whole island is mountainous, and it is rich in natural landscapes and historical and cultural heritage.Gulangyu's green space coverage rate exceeds 40%, and it is rich in plant species, including more than 90 families and more than 1,000 species of trees, shrubs, vines and ground cover plants. Historical background and cultural characteristics Gulangyu Island was formerly known as ”Yuansha Island“ and also known as ”Yuanzhouzai“. It was called ”Wulongyu“ in the Southern Song Dynasty and renamed ”Gulangyu" in the Ming Dynasty.There are many historical sites on the island, such as the stone carving of “Gulang Dongtian” carved on Nikko Rock in 1573, and the ruins of the water exercise platform where Zheng Chenggong practiced as a water master.In addition, Gulangyu became the seat of the consulates of Britain, the United States and Spain in 1842, which has a rich historical background. Recommended attractions The main attractions of Gulangyu Island include： Sun Rock: The highest point of Gulangyu Island, overlooking the whole island and Xiamen City from the top, the sunrise and sunset scenery is particularly magnificent Shuzhuang Garden: A private garden that combines the characteristics of Jiangnan gardens and the seaside. There is a piano museum with elegant scenery. Haoyue Garden: A memorial Garden with the theme of Zheng Chenggong's statue, suitable for walking and viewing Gulangshi: A reef more than two meters high. At high tide, the sound of waves hitting the reef is like a drum. It is one of the origins of Gulangyu Island's name. Gulangyu Piano Museum: It shows the first piano museum in China and is a symbol of the "Piano Island”. Sea heaven Structure: It shows a variety of styles of architecture, including the architectural characteristics of Britain, France, Japan, Spain and other countries. Travel tips Gulangyu Island prohibits the passage of motor vehicles (except for police, etc.). Visitors can stroll through the quiet alleys and enjoy a leisurely and slow life.The island retains a large number of European-style buildings from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, with a variety of styles, suitable for taking pictures and checking in.

Its was an amazing trip in xiamen we went to gulangyu island which is accessible by ferry. You can see the sunset very relaxing feeling.

Gulangyu. Surprisingly, we found a former OCBC branch in Gulangyu, Xiamen.

Gulangyu island is one of the best places in xiamen. To go there, you need to purchase your ticket in advance (the cost is around 80 rmb). You can spend the whole day in the island where you can find many spots (also each spot you need to pay) but is not expensive. The sunset was amazing, dishes was also good. The 80 rmb is only for take the ferry to go to the island. Takes 20 min go. You can enjoy the beach, hiking and so on. Definitely is a very good place that you must visit in xiamen#travel #beachlife #seascapes

#photolocation Just a short ferry ride from Xiamen, Gulangyu Island is a captivating blend of history, culture, and seaside beauty. Known for its colonial-era architecture, tranquil car-free streets, and lush gardens, this UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like stepping into another time. Stroll through narrow lanes lined with charming villas, each telling its own story of the island’s multicultural past. Travel Tips: * Book Ferry Tickets in Advance: Gulangyu is a popular destination, so it’s best to book your ferry tickets ahead of time, especially during weekends and holidays. * Explore Shuzhuang Garden: Don’t miss this stunning seaside garden, which features classical Chinese landscaping and breathtaking views of the ocean. It’s a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

#IslandTravel #100TravelWays ⛰️Today we will take you to #IslandTravel on the most popular island in Xiamen. This place is called Thai name "Piano Island" English name "Gulangyu Island" Chinese name "鼓浪屿" pronounced as Gulangyu ⛰️This is a small island full of Western architecture mixed with Eastern culture. Since this island was once given to foreigners, it has a lot of cultural diversity. This island is also registered as a world heritage site. ⛰️There are no cars on this island. You have to take a ferry from Xiamen. It takes about 5 minutes by boat. The reason this island is called Piano Island is because almost every house on this island has a piano, hundreds of them. Therefore, the pianos have been collected and turned into a museum. There are also many shops and restaurants on the island. 📍Location Gulangyu, Xiamen, Fujian, China

#islands Gulangyu Island Gulanyu Xiamen — GuLang Yu Dao island Xiamen 鼓浪屿 It is also Yuanshazhou Island, which means Round shallow water. It is also Wulongyu Island, which means the island of 5 dragons. The tiny Gulanyu Island, located on the southwestern side of Xiamen, is one of the most popular attractions in the city. It is also called the "Island of Music", there is a museum of ancient pianos and a "Garden above the sea" because of the flowers in the Shuzhuang Garden. Another feature of Gulanyu is its narrow streets with European colonial mansions. About 20 thousand residents live permanently on the island. Only bicycles and electric bikes are allowed to travel around the island. In this place, you can take a good break from the hustle and bustle of Xiamen: a small island with sandy beaches and rocky outgrowths, a town with narrow streets free of cars, with museums, parks, cafes, restaurants — and piano music! The roads are well maintained, and strict environmental control is carried out. History The local beauty was appreciated by the first British consul in Xiamen in 1844: he was the first to build a villa here. At that time, arable land was still being cultivated on Gulangyu. In the next 60-80 years, a settlement gradually emerged, marked by European architectural styles, which still stands today, and not only villas were built here, but also schools, churches and shopping establishments. Japanese people also settled here — and well-to-do Chinese, because Gulangyu was not a ghetto for foreigners. Unlike Tianjin, there were no separate zones of influence of various foreign powers. Inspection 🗓️It will take a good half day to see the most important things and breathe in the local atmosphere a little. At the same time, you can use electric cars that travel along a 6-kilometer route around the island. But most of the way should be done on foot. However, Gulangyu is a place where you can stay longer. You can hardly find a more cozy place than here.

#thingstodo #china Most itineraries to Xiamen, China would feature Gulangyu, and once you go there, you can see why. While locals I spoke to said it was touristy and uninteresting, I did enjoy my time there ❤️ 🚗 ❌️ Gulangyu is an island that is just a short ferry ride away from Xiamen. It is unique in that no forms of transportation are allowed on the island, not even bicycles. Hence it is very safe and suitable for wandering tourists/pedestrians, though that also means some planning is needed since you have to get everywhere by walking. 🚢 First off, it's important to check the ferry schedule between Xiamen and Gulangyu, the ferry frequency dips in the middle of the day, and there are two types of ferries, the regular ferry and luxury ferry. The regular one is much cheaper but you would have to stand all the way. There are more seats on the luxury ferry - though if you pay for a return ticket and opt to take the regular ferry on the way back they will not give you a refund. 📸 If you're not a planner, once you hop off the ferry, just follow one of the tour groups who will most likely head to the classic photo-taking spot near the ferry called ' Most beautiful turning point' - it is a building with two roads flanking it on both sides, a slender, triangular shaped building reminiscent of the Flatiron building in New York. After that, feel free to wander further uphill to find more scenic spots, practically every corner you turn you'll find some unexpectedly charming corner. The island itself is home to many villas and mansions formerly constructed and occupied by rich businessmen and political figures/local government leaders. Many have now been converted into restaurants or homestays so you can venture into some to explore further. 🌙 And make sure you leave enough time to walk back to the ferry if you're not staying on the island! Food-wise, there is a variety of foodstalls closer to the ferry near the waterfront which are more budget-friendly. I recommend grabbing a snack first before heading out to explore the island.