A day trip to Gulangyu Island, Xiamen (Health Trail/Gangzaihou Beach/Concord Church/Yiyuan Garden/Catholic Church/Most beautiful Instagrammable corner/Gulangyu Island photo shoot/Afternoon tea at an old villa)
- "Walk in the Clouds" on the Mountain and Sea Trail, overlooking the panoramic view of Xiamen Island.
- A deep dive into Gulangyu's "international architecture," including the Wormhole Bookstore and the most beautiful corner offering a "slow-paced" experience on the island.
- Completely relax in the slightly salty sea breeze and experience the leisurely lifestyle of old Xiamen. Enjoy authentic afternoon tea.
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- The ferry schedule for Gulangyu Island is subject to the actual time of ticket booking. Ferry tickets are issued in real names, so please make sure to check the accuracy of the information when booking. Once the booking is successful, it cannot be adjusted or cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.
- Please bring valid identification documents when boarding the boat to the island (adults must bring their original ID cards, and children must bring their original household registration booklet or ID card).
- Gulangyu Island consists of several distinctive commercial streets. The specialty shops and supermarkets around or near restaurants are tourist souvenir shops and are not considered tourist shopping outlets. They are not affiliated with travel agencies. Please shop with caution.
- In Gulangyu Scenic Area, tour guides are prohibited from using megaphones for explanations. In order for tourists to hear the explanations, wireless headsets can be rented from the tour guide for a fee of 20 yuan per person.
- Afternoon tea at the old villa is a complimentary activity; no refund will be given if you do not participate. Specialties of Gulangyu Island are sold inside the villa; you are free to explore at your leisure if you prefer.
Gulangyu Island, known as the "Garden on the Sea" (ferry ticket times are subject to actual ticket issuance and cannot be specified), boasts a spring-like climate year-round, free from the noise of cars and horses, and filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers. It is also renowned as the "Piano Island" and "Hometown of Music" due to its abundance of musical talent and the highest density of pianos in the country. Xiamen has always been a popular location for idol dramas, and Gulangyu Island is an indispensable setting.
【Mountain and Sea Health Trail】The mountain and sea trail runs through the east and west of the island, connecting eight mountains and three rivers. It passes through the mountains, rivers, lakes and seas of Xiamen Island. The beautiful vegetation blends into a green sea on land. Looking into the distance, the lush green scenery can soothe all fatigue and worries.
【Qingdao Travel Photography】Gulangyu is a large museum full of architectural history, with romantic old alleys, old-fashioned villas, and exotic buildings everywhere... This is a place where memories are captured. Qingdao Travel Photography has selected the best spots and beautiful scenery of Gulangyu, so let professional photographers record this wonderful journey.
At the intersection of two streets and alleys, a red brick building shaped like a sailboat stands gracefully. On Gulangyu Island, where Western-style buildings stand tall and streets and alleys are intricately intertwined, this place is known as the "most beautiful corner" because of its outstanding artistic and cultural atmosphere.
Gangzaihou Beach boasts crystal-clear waters, a wide and flat beach, and complete facilities, making it ideal for family outings and group activities. Here, you can experience the grandeur of the sea and enjoy beautiful sunset views.
In the mid-19th century, some Westerners traveled across the ocean to Gulangyu Island and built the first church on the top of Lujiao (also known as Shanglujiao). In 1863, this neoclassical church was completed and was then called the "International Church," which is the present-day Union Church.
FAQ
Gulangyu Island earned the moniker 'Piano Island' due to its rich musical heritage and the remarkably high concentration of pianos per capita. Historically, many overseas Chinese who returned to Gulangyu brought Western culture, including pianos, with them. The island features the Gulangyu Piano Museum, showcasing a vast collection of antique pianos, further solidifying its reputation as a haven for music lovers and a symbol of musical elegance.
Gulangyu Island offers a wealth of unique attractions. You can immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the Wormhole Bookstore, a distinctive architectural gem built around ancient banyan trees. Visit the historic Concordia Church, a beautiful example of the island's colonial past. Don't miss the picturesque Gangzaihou Beach for seaside relaxation or exploring the charming 'Most Beautiful Internet-famous Corner,' known for its captivating photo opportunities.
Visitors typically depart to Gulangyu Island from the Xiamen International Cruise Center (Wutong Pier) or Lundu Tourist Passenger Wharf. The Xiamen International Cruise Center generally serves outer-island routes for tourists, while local residents often use other piers. It is advisable to check the specific ferry schedule and departure pier based on your ticket type and travel plans.
The recommended way to purchase ferry tickets for Gulangyu Island is to book them in advance, especially during peak seasons or holidays. This ensures your spot and avoids long queues. You can conveniently purchase tickets online through platforms like KKday, which offers a streamlined booking process and allows you to secure your preferred departure times, making your travel planning hassle-free.
Gulangyu Island is a photographer's paradise. The 'Most Beautiful Internet-famous Corner' is highly popular for its picturesque streets and charming architecture, perfect for capturing memorable shots. The vibrant 'Exotic Architecture' provides a stunning backdrop for travel photography. Additionally, the Mountain-Sea Boardwalk offers panoramic views, while the tranquil Gangzaihou Beach and historic structures like Concordia Church provide diverse photographic opportunities.
Gulangyu Island's exotic architecture, often referred to as 'Architecture of Ten Thousand Nations,' is a distinctive blend of Chinese and Western styles. This unique heritage stems from its history as an international settlement, resulting in a fascinating array of villas, churches, and consulates. This rich architectural tapestry, combined with its strong musical tradition, creates a cultural landscape unlike anywhere else, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.
While there is no general entrance fee to step foot on Gulangyu Island itself, visitors do need to purchase a ferry ticket to access the island from Xiamen. Once on the island, some specific attractions, such as certain museums or gardens, may have their own separate admission fees. However, much of the island's charm can be enjoyed by simply exploring its scenic paths and historic streets.
The 'cloud walk' experience on Gulangyu Island's Mountain-Sea Boardwalk offers a breathtaking journey above the coastline. Visitors can expect to stroll along an elevated pathway, enjoying panoramic vistas of Xiamen city, the surrounding sea, and Gulangyu Island's lush landscapes. This unique 'cloud walk' provides an immersive way to experience the island's natural beauty and offers exceptional opportunities for photography from a unique vantage point.
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