Gulangyu (鼓浪屿, Gǔlàngyǔ), also known as Kulangsu, is a pedestrian island opposite Xiamen. Covering an area of around 2 km², it can be reached in 8 minutes by ferry. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, Gulangyu is renowned for its colonial architecture, beaches, peaceful atmosphere and musical tradition. If you've only got a day in Xiamen, this is the place to be - it's undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the city!

Gulangyu's history is marked by its status as an international concession in the early XXᵉ century. Following the assault by the British in 1841, who were seeking to take over Xiamen, the island gradually opened up to foreigners. The first settlers, mostly British and American missionaries, founded churches, schools and hospitals. In 1863, the British consulate was established, followed by those of the USA, France, Spain, Japan and the Netherlands. By the 1920s, the island had become a popular seaside resort for the local elite and wealthy overseas Chinese, who built sumptuous villas with a mix of architectural influences. A kind of European enclave in the heart of Fujian, Gulangyu is distinguished by its Western-inspired houses, red-brick facades and magnificent mansions. Some colonial mansions, with their superb colonnades, still bear witness to that bygone era. There are also several churches scattered around the island, remnants of a missionary past.

Gulangyu is renowned for its music and its high concentration of pianos, earning it the nickname "Piano Island". While this musical identity remains, the presence of pianos and outdoor concerts is more discreet. The island's auditorium (鼓浪屿音乐厅) hosts a classical music festival and occasional concerts. In the past, piano notes could be heard while strolling around, today the musical atmosphere is more sporadic. The piano museum exhibits a collection of antique instruments.

Car-free, the island offers a peaceful atmosphere. Shopkeepers use blue two-wheeled carts to get around, adding a touch of old-world charm. Explore the winding lanes, lined with stores, restaurants and lush parks. Tall banyan trees stand side by side with palm trees and bougainvillea overhang the facades. A number of beaches offer seaside breaks. It's pleasant to stroll and get lost in some of the narrow streets, frozen in time.

A 4 km path leads to the major sites: the Haoyue and Yuyuan gardens, the Shuzhuang garden (菽庄花园) built by Lin Erjia, a wealthy Taiwanese, the sandy beaches, the Sunbeam Rock (Riguangyan 日光岩), the highest point on the island, the Zheng Chenggong museum and the botanical garden. Among our favorites, the two mansion-museums on Fujian Road, at no. 38, are true architectural gems. The combined ticket (88 RMB) allows you to visit these magnificent mansions and learn more about the island's history. The street is also very beautiful.

Gulangyu remains a popular destination, with a constant flow of tourists. The main street, after the pier, climbs to a lively knoll lined with stores and restaurants. While you can still find quiet spots further away, tourist developments are gradually transforming the island.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of Gulangyu. The island is often crowded, even in the early hours of the morning and in inclement weather. It's important to note that foreign travelers cannot book their ferry tickets in advance via WeChat, but only on the day at the terminal ticket office. To avoid long waits, we recommend arriving at the terminal early, ideally for the first ferry at 7.10 am. A full half-day will allow you to explore Gulangyu's main sites, but for a more leisurely experience, why not spend the night? Several hotels are housed in superb period mansions, offering the possibility of taking a ferry at the end of the day and enjoying the following morning in a quieter atmosphere.
On leaving the ferry, simply walk along the water to the left and, after about 200 metres, you'll find the tourist information center. A map is available, and an English-speaking member of staff can suggest itineraries to suit your interests (architecture, history, music, etc.).

Getting to Gulangyu may seem complex, but here are the key points. Xiamen has several ports, three of which have links to the island. Xiamen International Cruise Terminal, also known as Xiagu Port or Dongdu Port, is the most convenient for day trips. For DiDi, use 厦鼓码头 or "Xiamen Drum Pier" (2 Donggang Road). The ticket office is to the left of the security gates. Signs in English are clearly visible. For departures after 6 p.m., Lundu Port, opposite the island, is the ideal option (7-minute crossing). For Didi, enter 轮渡码头 or "Xiamen Ferry Terminal" (15 Lujiang Road). Two ports handle ferries to Gulangyu: Sanqiutian Port (三丘田码头), the busiest, and Neicuoao Port (内厝澳码头), which only operates during the day. As the island is small, the port of arrival is of little importance. Ferries run every 20 to 30 minutes, and a round-trip ticket allows you to board any boat during the day.

TEMPLE DE NANPUTUO

JARDIN BOTANIQUE DE XIAMEN

GULANGYU ISLAND

UNIVERSITÉ DE XIAMEN

RAILWAY CULTURE PARK

XIAMEN CHINA INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SERVICE (CITS)

MUSÉE DES CHINOIS D'OUTRE-MER

FORT DE HULISHAN

AFANTI XINJIANG RESTAURANT

OCEAN SEAFOOD CITY

LE JARDIN

STRADA22

XIAMEN UNIVERSITY HOTEL

OVERSEAS STUDENT DORMITORY

JIMEI HOTEL

XIAMEN BEAUTIFUL ISLAND HOTEL

BAILU HOTEL

CITY HOTEL XIAMEN

XIAMEN HUAQIAO HOTEL

MILLENNIUM HARBOURVIEW HOTEL