Live Your Best Lives
Gulangyu, one of China's most famous islands, covers an area of less than 2 square kilometers, yet boasts a peak tourist flow of 120,000 people a day. As a result, many people say that once you visit Gulangyu, you never want to return.
Since last year, I've been visiting Gulangyu Island almost weekly. From the moment I first heard of it, I imagined the huge crowds, and the thought of getting there was a headache. But the more I went, the more I discovered interesting places on Gulangyu Island, and I fell in love with it. Gulangyu Island's unique charm requires careful exploration to fully appreciate.
Depart from Xiamen丨1 day
Gulangyu Island: 7 Hours in the Secret Land | Become an Island Native
￥368 from 521 people have registered Register nowWhether you're a local or a tourist, there's only one way to get to the island: by ferry. This is the only way to get there, so be sure to purchase your ticket! During peak tourist season and holidays, the island is especially crowded, so be sure to purchase your ticket online three days in advance (up to 15 days in advance, and even earlier during holidays).
The ferry ticket is round-trip; no additional purchase is required for the return trip; simply swipe your ID card. Following the implementation of the current restrictions on Gulangyu Island, the docks for residents and tourists have been separated. There are four docks on Xiamen Island that lead to Gulangyu Island, but not all are open to tourists. There are also summer and winter routes, and different docks are used during the day and at night.
Cruise Center Xiamen-Guangzhou Wharf (locals usually call it Dongdu Wharf) → Gulangyu Sanqiutian Wharf/Neicuoao Wharf
[Ticket Purchasing Guide] Please click - Gulangyu Ticket Guide
Tips:
The ferry tickets you hold are round-trip tickets, and you can leave the island at any time within 20 days. However, it is important to note that no matter which pier you arrive at the island from, you can choose to leave the island from any pier on the return trip. After 17:40, you can only leave from Sanqiutian Pier.
Here's a question that many people ask: "When is the least crowded on Gulangyu Island?" The answer is usually: "There's no such thing as a crowded time on Gulangyu Island. There are only crowded times and even more crowded times."
But even with so many people, Gulangyu still has many secluded spots that most tourists can't reach. My love for Gulangyu began with discovering these places. You might be surrounded by people at first, but if you take a small side road, you'll find yourself in a sea of people. That's why people often say you get lost on Gulangyu, and that's the greatest joy of traveling there.
Next, I will share with you some of my favorite areas, which are definitely off-peak.
Pinyin Trail
Even those who have visited Gulangyu many times rarely notice this spot. This road, about 500 meters long, stretches upwards towards Jishan Mountain. If you look closely, you'll notice all sorts of strange characters carved into the ground. The entire stone pavement is adorned with numerous Chinese phonetic letters and punctuation marks, earning it the name "Pinyin Road." The first half is composed of vowels, while the second half is composed of consonants. Interesting, isn't it?
It turns out that Lu Gangzhang, the pioneer of China's phonetic writing movement, was buried here, and this road was repaired in his memory.
Meihua Beach
At the end of Jishan Road is Meihua Beach. There are three beaches on Gulangyu Island. Dadeji and Meihua are the most recommended. There are few people and the beaches are very clean.
Spring Grass Hall
Unlike other villas on Gulangyu Island, Chuncaotang was the residence of Xu Chuncao, the first president of Xiamen's construction union, and was designed by him personally. Chuncaotang uses granite, a specialty of southern Fujian, for its foundation, columns, and porch pillars. The granite's rough surface is intentionally preserved, and the joints are filled with red bricks. At first glance, the building exudes a natural ruggedness while embodying the natural colors of southern Fujian architecture. Furthermore, Chuncaotang's unique location offers expansive views, allowing for panoramic sea and sunset views from the windows.
Guancai Tower
Guancai Tower is the tallest building on Gulang Island. Standing on the roof, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the island's most beautiful scenery. Because the word "Guancai Tower" sounds like "coffin", the islanders also like to call it the "Coffin Tower".
The Guancai Tower was built in 1931 and designed by a Dutch designer, so you can see some shadows of European Renaissance architecture in it.
After buying a ferry ticket to Gulangyu Island, there are many small paid attractions that you can choose according to your needs. There are many tourist attraction combo tickets on the market now, but if you are only staying on Gulangyu for a day, I personally don’t recommend buying them. You need to walk the entire island, and visiting all the attractions will be boring and tiring. In addition, many attractions are not very cost-effective.
However, I personally think Shuzhuang Garden is the most cost-effective one among all the paid attractions. If it is your first time to Gulangyu Island, it is still worth a visit.
Shuzhuang Garden was originally a private garden built in 1913 by Taiwanese tycoon Lin Erjia. Lin Erjia's courtesy name was Shuzang, and the garden was named after him. Doesn't this look very similar to Jiangnan gardens? The difference is that Jiangnan gardens conceal lakes, while this garden hides an ocean.
Gulangyu Island is known as the "Piano Island" for its high density of pianos, boasting over 600 pianos among its nearly 18,000 inhabitants. The Gulangyu Piano Museum, China's only piano museum, is located in Shuzhuang Garden.
The Piano Museum was built in 1998 by the famous "pianist" Hu Youyi. The pianos collected in the museum are not only of a long history, but also of various types and shapes. Most of them are well preserved, with patterns carved on the wood texture, full of classical atmosphere.
Tips:
Per person: 30 yuan
Coordinates: No. 7, Ganghou Road, Gulangyu Island
Built in 1917, the site was originally the Spanish Consulate, which was later abolished and replaced by the French Consulate. Designed by a Spanish architect, it's a classic Gothic-style building. It's now a must-see for wedding photography studios, and a highly recommended spot for photoshoots.
The rose window on the tower is a common symbol of Gothic architecture, which evolved from the Romanesque wheel-shaped round window.
Tips:
Per person: Free
Location: No. 34, Lujiao Road, Gulangyu Island (near the nursing home)
I've read a lot of descriptions about this place online, but many of them are actually inaccurate. This was once the former residence of Li Qingquan, but now the villa is privately owned and currently managed by a housekeeper. It is generally not open to the public, so there is very little information and guides about this place online.
Many movies and TV series have been filmed here, including the home of the female lead in the film "First Time" starring AB and Mark Chao. Hidden away in a small alley on Fuxing Road, it's a rare find. Walking through the main entrance, you're suddenly greeted by a sense of grandeur. A modest door conceals a vast new world, giving you the feeling of a royal garden.
This villa, built in 1928, was owned by Li Qingquan, the "Lumber King" of the Philippines. He served as president of the Manila Chinese Chamber of Commerce for six consecutive terms, starting in 1919, and is considered one of the most celebrated patriotic overseas Chinese leaders in Philippine history. He built nearly 20 buildings and villas in Xiamen, as well as "Li Family Village" and this villa on Gulangyu Island. The villa's interior features exquisite golden nanmu wood throughout its furniture, tables, chairs, stairs, and flooring, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle. The rooftop offers a breathtaking view.
Now it is a souvenir shop and its appearance looks the same, so many friends have missed a lot of surprises. The first surprise is when you walk to the left as soon as you enter the door.
The main gatehouse is constructed of red brick and features a Neo-Renaissance-style corridor with arched columns and jade-white granite moldings, creating a noble and elegant atmosphere. Wind chimes and sticky notes hang along the corridor, allowing arty young people to get their Lijiazhuang stamps. There are also dedicated seats for writing postcards. If you're tired, you can rest here. When the wind blows, the crisp chimes of the wind chimes fill your ears. I love that feeling!
Lijiazhuang, located next to Lin Yutang's former residence, was built in 1926. In the early 20th century, Li Qingquan returned to China to participate in the movement to save his hometown. During this time, he purchased land on Zhangzhou Road in Gulangyu Island and built a villa, naming it "Lijiazhuang," specifically for his father to enjoy his later years. Walking upstairs, one can't help but sigh, truly a wealthy family!
Another surprise of Lijiazhuang is hidden on the roof. Going up to the roof is another world, a viewing platform with beautiful scenery, from which you can see the important landmark buildings of the entire Gulangyu Island.
Tips:
Per person: Free
Location: No. 38-40 Zhangzhou Road
Construction began on Trinity Church in 1934, but due to technical difficulties, it was not fully operational until 1945. The architectural style of Trinity Church embodies the concept of "three-in-one" and embodies the doctrine of the Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
There are three gables on each side, with three gates three meters high. The three triangular gables surround the octagonal bell tower protruding from the roof in the center, forming a perfect whole.
The residents of the island used to come here to worship. If they have the opportunity, they can also come to Trinity Church on every Sunday or church holidays such as Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas to listen to the heavenly sounds of the choir and feel the charm of Gulangyu music.
Tips:
Per person: Free
Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday (closed on weekdays)
Coordinates: No. 67 Anhai Road
This is also a great off-the-beaten-path photo spot. The symmetrical layout of the Public Trial Hall, built during the concession period a century ago, creates a sense of time travel. The entrance to the Public Trial Hall is just off a corner, making it a much more photogenic spot compared to the "most beautiful corner" at Neicuo'ao Wharf, which is featured in the movie.
I won't go into too much detail here, but this is a small spot that will definitely be mentioned in the guide. It's very suitable for watching the sunset at dusk. Compared to Sunlight Rock, there is no need to queue here and it is free.
In 1873, the 12th year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty, the British Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) established a branch in Xiamen, marking the city's earliest modern bank. Around 1920, HSBC selected a site atop the northeastern cliff of Bijia Mountain and began building the HSBC Residence for its senior staff.
Designed by a British architect, HSBC Residence is a classic European-style villa, occupying 384.6 square meters with one floor above ground and one below ground. Its T-shaped structure features three-sided corridors and obtuse angles, allowing residents to enjoy wide-angle ocean views from the windows. Not far from the residence are the former bank staff dormitories, which can be visited during the day.
It was also by chance that I discovered this place. The owner of this century-old villa, built in 1921, is a descendant of overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia. After returning to China from business, his ancestors bought this villa on Gulangyu Island, and the family has lived here ever since.
The owner, Wanyao, is a native of Gulangyu Island, having grown up on the island. She's a master of authentic Nyonya cuisine. If you find yourself here, be sure to give it a try (due to the complex ingredients, reservations are required at least one day in advance). You can also listen to the owner share stories about the old house and life on Gulangyu Island.
"Nyonya" originally referred to the daughters of intermarriages between Chinese and Malays. Nyonya women inherited the Chinese tradition of "men working outside, women working inside," and were known for their culinary prowess before marriage. Nyonya women inherited the virtues of Chinese women, characterized by diligence and frugality. They also combined Chinese cooking techniques with Malay ingredients to create Nyonya cuisine, which combines the essence of Chinese cuisine with the characteristics of Malay cuisine, presenting a unique flavor.
What is very special is that Nyonya cuisine is only passed down to females and not males. As a female descendant of the family, Wan Yao has of course inherited the fine skills of making Nyonya cuisine. If you dine here, in addition to being able to taste the most authentic Nanyang flavor, you can also listen to her talk about the preparation methods and ingredients of Nyonya cuisine, which is very interesting.
If you are a guest of China-TravelNote, you can also try on cheongsams here. All the cheongsams in the room are made by the owner himself.
Tips:
Location: Junction of Quanzhou Road and Yongchun Road, near Trinity Church
Recommendation index: ★★★★★
This A-po Fish Ball stall has no name. It is run by authentic Gulangyu residents and they set up the stall based on their mood.
Tips:
Per person: 10 yuan
Location: Near Lijiazhuang Souvenir Cultural Experience Store (Zhangzhou Road)
Recommendation index: ★★★★
This internet-famous stall on Gulangyu Island is often referred to as the only mobile stall on the island that's legally allowed to operate on the street. Their signature mochi (glutinous rice cake) is incredibly popular, and even those who don't like sweet things will love it. Ten pieces for 10 yuan, hand-kneaded by their grandparents, are not overly sweet, but have a rich sesame and peanut aroma, and are soft and chewy without being sticky. There's always a long line, but even though it might seem long, it only takes about five minutes at most, making it well worth the wait. Highly recommended.
Tips:
Per person: 10 yuan (cash only)
Recommendation index: ★★★★
Located in the heart of Longtou Road, Gulangyu Island, where Gulangyu snacks are most concentrated, and next to the Turkish ice cream that is popular on Douyin (TikTok), there are always long lines. There is a large open space at the entrance, and I once suspected that this area was left open specifically for people to queue up.
As someone who doesn't like crowds and prefers to go wherever the action is, I initially refused to queue for a serving of rice noodle rolls. But compared to other places on Gulangyu Island, like Mou's Fish Balls and Mou San Feng Milk Tea, this place is a true breath of fresh air. A serving of rice noodle rolls with egg and meat is only 10 yuan. The rice rolls are delicious, and the broth is rich and flavorful. For a scenic area, this price is definitely reasonable, and worth a try if you have the time.
Tips:
Per person: 10 yuan
Coordinates: No. 57 Fujian Road
Recommendation index: ★★★★
Gulangyu Island hides too many unknown secret bases. I like this place and the stories behind it even more. The more times you come, the more you will love it.
