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The Piano Museum is located in the " Tingtaoxuan " of Shuzhuang Garden on Gulangyu Island. The museum displays more than 40 harpsichords collected by the patriotic overseas Chinese Hu Youyi, including rare and precious gilded pianos, the world's earliest square piano and the earliest and largest upright piano, an ancient hand-cranked piano, a pedal-operated automatic piano produced a hundred years ago, and an eight-pedal harpsichord.
Accompanied by the sound of Gulangyu's waves, 30 harpsichords stand quietly in an elegant exhibition room, drawing astonished visitors to the Gulangyu Piano Museum.
Every 30 minutes, there will be an impromptu performance on a dedicated piano. In this kingdom of pianos, listening to the beautiful piano music reverberating in the exhibition hall, you will be immersed in the atmosphere of Gulangyu, the island of music.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
Tickets are included in the Shuzhuang Garden ticket price, and admission is free after 7pm
8:15-17:45
The Piano Museum in Xiamen is dedicated to showcasing the history of pianos, including rare and antique instruments from various eras. It highlights the cultural and artistic evolution of the piano, emphasizing its impact on music and society. The museum serves as an educational platform for music lovers and students alike.
The Piano Museum is located in the Gulangyu Island area of Xiamen. Visitors can take a ferry from Xiamen city to Gulangyu Island and walk to the museum. Alternatively, taxis and buses are available for access to the ferry terminal.
The museum is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are during weekdays in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and summer).
The entrance fee is around 40-60 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance, and it is recommended to buy them in advance online, especially during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during the busy tourist seasons, especially in the summer months. Booking a few days ahead of your visit should suffice.
Plan for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum, including enjoying the exhibits and learning about the pianos' history.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides in English and Mandarin are also offered to enhance the visitor experience.
Start with the exhibition of antique pianos, then move on to the interactive displays on the construction and tuning process. Finish with the section dedicated to notable pianists and their contributions to music.
The museum does not offer night visits or light shows, but it occasionally hosts special concerts or events. It is best to check the museum's schedule for any upcoming performances.
The museum can get crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays in the morning or late afternoon, avoiding public holidays.
There are public toilets available, as well as small rest areas inside the museum. While the museum does not have a full-service restaurant, there are cafes and snack shops nearby on Gulangyu Island.
The museum is generally accessible to elderly and children. However, some areas of Gulangyu Island may have steep pathways, so it’s advisable to check accessibility if visiting with mobility challenges.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cash are widely accepted. Credit cards may not be accepted everywhere, so it is best to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some cafes on Gulangyu Island, while halal food may be more limited. It’s recommended to check with the restaurant beforehand.
Yes, there are several souvenir shops on Gulangyu Island selling items such as traditional Chinese musical instruments, pianos, local artwork, and handcrafted goods.
