Xiamen Gulangyu Island

A historic island full of charm

Transportation: By ferry 🚢
There are three ports along the coast of Xiamen where you can take a ferry to Gulangyu Island. The round-trip ticket costs around 20 RMB, which is quite affordable.

Gulangyu Island is not very large, but if you want to explore the entire island, it will take about a day.

The island is home to many historical sites, as well as high-quality restaurants and cafes. If you get tired from walking, you can find a cafe, order a cup of coffee, and enjoy the century-old architecture.

There are also some unique street food stalls:
- Pork Skewers: Very fragrant, with tender meat and a smoky grilled aroma. The flavor is rich! For those who like spicy food, you can add some spice!
- Seafood Satay Noodles: Different from the satay flavor in Taiwan, it’s less salty and has a unique taste! The broth is fresh and sweet, very delicious! Even as someone who doesn’t usually drink soup, I finished it all!
- Green Tongue Popsicle: This popsicle is no longer produced in mainland China, and only a few vendors still sell it! When I saw it, I immediately bought one. It has a chewy texture and isn’t overly sweet. 😍

Some areas on the island require tickets for entry. We purchased tickets for Sunlight Rock, and following the signs, we reached the highest point of Gulangyu Island! From there, you can overlook the entire island and even see people on the beach, who look as tiny as ants—very interesting! You can also spot Xiamen’s famous Twin Towers, which I found absolutely worth it!

Ticket Prices:
- Adults: 90 RMB
- Students: Half price

Post by Tracy. in the world | Oct 28, 2025