China Travel-Gulangyu: The Pearl of Xiamen, China

Gulangyu is a small island near Xiamen, Fujian Province, China, with an area of about 1.88 square kilometers. It is across the sea from the main island of Xiamen and can be reached by boat in just 5 minutes. There are no cars here, only walking, bicycles and small battery cars. It is a quiet and historical resort.

Why recommend Gulangyu?

Natural scenery and climate
The island is warm all year round, with more than 1,000 plant species and a green coverage rate of more than 40%. The highest point, Sunlight Rock (92.7 meters above sea level), overlooks the entire island and Xiamen city. The small beaches on the seaside are suitable for walking, such as Gangzaihou Beach, with clear water, suitable for swimming and taking pictures.
Historical buildings and culture
Gulangyu was an international community in the 19th century, with consulates and villas set up by countries such as Britain, the United States, and Japan. There are more than 1,000 buildings of different styles preserved on the island, such as:

Shuzhuang Garden: A garden built on the seaside with bridges, pavilions and a piano museum.

Bagua Building: A European-style building with a red dome, now an organ museum, with a collection of more than 5,000 organs.

Trinity Church: A century-old church combining Chinese and Western styles, listed as a key cultural relic protection unit in China.

Music and Art
Almost every household on the island has a piano, so it is called the “Piano Island”. Many musicians were born here, such as pianist Yin Chengzong. Visitors can visit the Piano Museum and the Organ Museum, and even hear the sound of residents practicing at home.

Food and Experience
The street shops on Gulangyu Island offer local snacks, such as:

Shacha Noodles: Noodles with peanut butter and a slightly spicy soup base.
Oyster Omelette: Oyster and egg pancakes, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Tusun Jelly: a jelly-like snack made from seafood (although the name contains “shoots”, it is actually a marine creature).

Opening hours

Open all day throughout the year

Route schedule

Inbound flights
Operating hours: 8:10-17:30
Departure time: every 10 minutes and 30 minutes after each hour
Outbound flights
Operating hours: 7:40-17:40
Departure time: every hour and 40 minutes after each hour

(1) Daytime routes

(2) Nighttime routes

Outbound from Sanqiutian Pier
Operating hours: 18:00-24:00
00:00-5:00
Departure method: Return from Piano Pier to Ferry Pier (departure every hour)
5:30-7:00
Departure method: Return from Sanqiutian Pier to Ferry Pier (flights remain unchanged, see official website for details)

(3) Other notes

Subsequent route adjustments shall be subject to the notification of the [ferry company’s official website].

Service facilities

Parking lot

Name: Cruise Center Gulangyu Wharf Parking Lot
Reference price: ¥3/half hour
Address: Next to Gulangyu Cruise Center
Storage space: 516
Charging rules:
Free for the first 30 minutes (inclusive) (except for the second entry into the same parking lot on the same day)
3 yuan per 30 minutes after 30 minutes
50 yuan for continuous parking for 24 hours (inclusive)

Transportation in the park

Sightseeing bus
Ring Island Line: 50 yuan/person
Section Line: 20/30/40 yuan (charged according to the distance between stations)
Boarding point: Left side of Piano Wharf