Not visiting Gulangyu is like not visiting Xiamen at all.
[TakeOff] Xiamen Gulangyu Travel Guide: The Right Way to Explore the Artistic Island [Cute][Cute]
Gulangyu is the most famous island attraction in Xiamen, known as the "Garden on the Sea." It attracts countless visitors with its European-style architecture, piano culture, slow pace of life, and beautiful coastline. Here is a detailed travel guide to Gulangyu to help you plan your trip easily!
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1. Overview of Gulangyu
- Location: Siming District, Xiamen City, just a 5-minute ferry ride from Xiamen Island.
- Features: International architecture, Piano Island, car-free island, artistic and fresh atmosphere.
- Recommended visit duration: 1 day (stay 1 night for an in-depth experience).
- Best seasons: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November), to avoid summer heat and typhoon season.
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2. How to Get to the Island?
1. Ticket Purchase
- Online purchase: Buy in advance on the "Xiamen Ferry Co., Ltd." official website or the "Xiamen Ferry" WeChat public account (tickets are in high demand during peak season).
- Ferry terminals:
- Xiamen Cruise Center Xiagong Terminal (main departure point for tourists, to Gulangyu Sanqiutian/Neicuo'ao terminals).
- Xiamen Ferry Terminal (near Zhongshan Road): only for night sailings (after 18:00) or local residents.
- Ticket prices:
- Regular ferry: 35 RMB (round trip, recommended Sanqiutian Terminal, close to the core area).
- Luxury ferry: 50 RMB (more comfortable).
2. Notes
- Arrive at the terminal 30 minutes early, ID card required for security check.
- No need to buy a return ticket separately; valid for 20 days and can return from any terminal to Xiamen Island.
- Gulangyu limits visitor flow; be sure to book tickets in advance during peak seasons (May Day, National Day)!
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3. Must-Visit Attractions
1. Classic Check-in Spots
- Shuzhuang Garden (30 RMB): seaside garden with a piano museum inside, excellent sea views.
- Sunlight Rock (50 RMB): the highest point on Gulangyu, overlooking the whole island and Xiamen city (recommended to visit in the morning to avoid crowds).
- Haoyue Garden (10 RMB): site of the Zheng Chenggong statue, beautiful seaside scenery.
- Organ Museum (15 RMB): the world's largest organ collection, a must-visit for music lovers.
2. Artistic Alleys & Old Buildings
- Most Beautiful Corner (near Sanqiutian Terminal): popular photo spot, filming location of the movie "The First Time."
- Longtou Road: the busiest commercial street on Gulangyu, concentrated with snacks and creative shops.
- Bishan Cave & Gulangyu Old Villas: perfect for strolling and experiencing history and artistic vibes.
3. Free and Lesser-Known Spots
- Gulangyu Beach (Gangzaihou Seaside Bathing Beach): quiet and clean, great for daydreaming and watching sunsets.
- Xiehe Chapel: a century-old church, ideal for wedding photos.
- Gulangyu Concert Hall: occasionally hosts free concerts.
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4. Recommended Itineraries
One-day tour (efficient check-in version)
1. Morning: Sanqiutian Terminal → Most Beautiful Corner → Organ Museum → Longtou Road snacks.
2. Noon: Shuzhuang Garden → Piano Museum → Gangzaihou Beach.
3. Afternoon: Sunlight Rock (climb to the top for panoramic views) → Haoyue Garden (Zheng Chenggong statue) → Return trip.
Two-day tour (in-depth experience version)
Day 1: Explore old buildings (Haitiantang, Huang Rongyuantang) + alley stroll + night tour of Gulangyu.
Day 2: Sunrise at Sunlight Rock → beach relaxation → buy souvenirs before leaving the island.
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5. Food Recommendations
1. Gulangyu Specialty Snacks
- Ye’s Mochi (Longtou Road): handmade, soft, glutinous, and sweet.
- Shen’s Minnan Rice Noodle Rolls: recommended by locals, unique sauce.
- Lin’s Fish Balls: chewy and fresh, a must-try!
- Zhang Sanfeng Milk Tea: popular shop, great for photos.
2. Xiamen Specialty Restaurants (on the island)
- Bajie Seafood Market (Xiamen Island): fresh catch cooked on the spot, affordable prices.
- Shapowei Shelter: a gathering place for artistic restaurants, recommended "Liangfang" and "Wild Strawberry Free Market."
6. Accommodation Suggestions
- Gulangyu Guesthouses: suitable for visitors wanting to experience the island nightlife (recommended "Lijiazhuang" and "Nana Coast Inn").
- Xiamen Island Hotels🏨: near Zhongshan Road or Zengcuoan, convenient transportation (e.g., "Xiamen Ruiyi Hotel").
7. Notes
1. Wear comfortable shoes👟 as Gulangyu is best explored on foot with many stone paths.
2. Sun protection and mosquito repellent: strong UV in summer, bring mosquito repellent.
3. Avoid holidays: National Day, May Day, and other holidays see huge crowds.
4. Spend wisely: prices on the island are relatively high; try snacks but have big meals back on Xiamen Island.
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Nearby Extended Tours
- Xiamen Island attractions: Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen University, Zengcuoan, Huandao Road cycling.
- Tulou Day Trip: Fujian Yongding or Nanjing Tulou (requires group tour or private car).
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Gulangyu is an island perfect for slow travel. Relax, stroll through old alleys, listen to piano music, and feel the romance of the "Garden on the Sea"! 🎶🌊