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Visit the museum’s exhibits to learn about the rich history and culture of Gulangyu Island. Don't miss the historical artifacts, art collections, and interactive displays that tell the story of the island's development and its importance in Chinese and international contexts. Take a walk around the museum's beautiful grounds for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The Centennial Gulangyu Museum is located at No. 62, Fujian Road, Gulangyu, Xiamen, Fujian Province. In 1902, the Chinese government was forced to sign the "Regulations of the Xiamen-Gulangyu International Settlement" with Japan, the United States, and Germany. Gulangyu was divided among the foreign powers and officially designated as one of the two major international concessions. Thirteen (some say fifteen) countries, including Britain, the United States, Germany, Japan, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, Norway, Sweden, and the Philippines, established consulates, a "Consular Corps," a "Municipal Council," and a "Court of Joint Trials" on the island. This is a painful memory that Gulangyu cannot erase. On the other hand, that unique era also fostered the island's prosperity and numerous legends, and the enchanting Gulangyu culture that now permeates the world gradually took shape during that time. However, both its fame and splendor have now been lost to history, and we can only imagine the vicissitudes of those days through written descriptions.
The Black Cat Restaurant on the island was originally called the Black Cat Dance Hall (Gulangyu residents often call it the Black Cat Dance Hall). It was a commercial entertainment venue opened in 1920 by a businessman surnamed Wu from Tongan, and was a popular spot on Gulangyu Island at the time. The original location was around 33-39 Zhonghua Road. A two-bedroom, one-living-room bungalow adjacent to the dance hall served as the original ticket office (now demolished and rebuilt), primarily catering to the upper classes. The film "The Ballad of Clouds and Water" and "The Piano Code" were filmed there, as were the TV series "What Can I Do to Save You, My Love" and "Stewardess Diary."
Subtropical monsoon climate; The Centennial Gulangyu Museum is based on the humanities and history of Gulangyu Island. It is located in the former site of the Overseas Chinese Bank villa a century ago and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
70 yuan/person
8:00-18:00
The Centennial Gulangyu Museum is located on Gulangyu Island, known for its rich colonial history and cultural diversity. The museum showcases the island's development over the past century, highlighting its role as an international port and cultural exchange hub. It also tells the story of the unique architecture, cultural fusion, and artistic influences that shaped the island.
The Centennial Gulangyu Museum is located on Gulangyu Island, which is just off the coast of Xiamen. To get there, take a ferry from the Xiamen Ferry Terminal. The island itself is small, so it’s best explored on foot or by local electric vehicle services.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning or early afternoon, as the museum tends to be less crowded during these hours.
The entrance fee is approximately 40 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the museum or online through official platforms. It’s recommended to check for any discounts or special packages available for tourists.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, although it may be convenient during peak seasons. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the visit, but booking a few days in advance during holidays might help avoid waiting in line.
A visit to the Centennial Gulangyu Museum typically takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and your pace of exploration.
The must-see highlights include the historical exhibitions on the development of Gulangyu Island, the interactive displays on cultural exchange, and the beautiful collections of Chinese and Western art. The museum also has a section dedicated to music, reflecting the island's musical heritage.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and English. Audio guides are also offered in multiple languages, including Mandarin and English, to help visitors fully appreciate the museum's rich content.
The best viewpoints are from the museum’s terrace, which offers a panoramic view of the island and the surrounding ocean. It’s an ideal spot for taking photos of the scenic landscape and historical architecture.
Start your visit with the introduction to Gulangyu Island's history, then explore the art galleries before heading to the music and cultural exchange sections. End with a visit to the outdoor terrace for the best views of the island.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the museum. It’s best to visit during the day to fully experience the museum’s exhibits and views.
The museum can be crowded, especially during weekends and public holidays. For a more relaxed experience, visit during weekdays, particularly in the morning or early afternoon.
The museum provides public restrooms, a small café, and water stations. There is a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase memorabilia related to the museum and Gulangyu Island.
The museum is generally accessible for elderly and children. However, some parts of the museum, especially the terrace, may have stairs that could be difficult for those with mobility issues. The museum is wheelchair accessible with some limitations.
Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Cash is also accepted, but it’s recommended to use mobile payments for convenience.
There are a few cafés and restaurants near the museum, offering both local Fujianese cuisine and international options. On the island, you'll find several places to enjoy seafood, snacks, and tea.
Vegetarian options are available in the nearby restaurants. For halal food, there are a few options in Xiamen city, but not directly on Gulangyu Island.
There are several hotels on Gulangyu Island and in nearby Xiamen city. Popular options include the Gulangyu Island Garden Hotel and hotels along the Xiamen waterfront, offering easy access to the museum.
Nearby attractions include the Shuzhuang Garden, Sunlight Rock, and the Piano Museum. These can easily be combined into a day trip along with a visit to the Centennial Gulangyu Museum.
There are several souvenir shops near the museum selling local handicrafts, postcards, musical instruments, and artwork inspired by Gulangyu Island’s history and culture.
After visiting, you can take the ferry back to Xiamen, where taxis, buses, or the metro are available for further exploration. Renting a bike is also a popular option for exploring the island or the nearby city of Xiamen.
