Gulangyu Island, located southwest of Xiamen in Fujian Province, attracts visitors from around the world for its colonial charm and fine sandy beaches. The island is a peaceful retreat of pedestrian walkways and shaded streets where you can stroll and discover beautifully preserved colonial buildings.

History

Following the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, the island became a foreign enclave. The foreign community was well-established and enjoyed its own clinics, churches, small shops, and consulates.

Gulangyu became an international concession in 1903 with its own municipal council.

From 1942 until the end of the Sino-Japanese War, the island was occupied by Japanese forces.

The island's colonial villas and hospices bear witness to its past under Western occupation, giving it considerable appeal for tourism today.

Today

Gulangyu is a small island of approximately 1 km² that can only be explored on foot. Located southwest of Xiamen, the island is now highly sought after by travelers from around the world for its blend of colonial-inspired architecture and nature, with seafront promenades, shaded walkways, and botanical gardens.

To fully appreciate the island's tranquility, take time to wander through the winding streets lined with magnificent mansions. As a former residence of 13 nations, historic consulates nestle throughout the maze of streets.

The island is home to a fascinating piano museum displaying nearly 200 pianos. Musical notes sometimes emanate from the museum or streets, resonating across the island—earning it the nickname the Piano Island.

Next, head to Sunshine Peak, which overlooks the entire island and offers a panoramic 360° view and stunning vistas of Xiamen city.

Several gardens, including the Shuzhuang Garden, perch above the coastline, immersing you in remarkable tranquility enhanced by exceptional sea views.

Climate

The climate on Gulangyu Island is highly pleasant. Temperatures remain mild year-round with an annual average of 21°C.

A ferry connects Gulangyu Island to Xiamen every 10 minutes. The journey from Xiamen to the island is free, but the return costs slightly less than 10 RMB per person.

The crossing takes just under 10 minutes.

All motorized vehicles are prohibited on the island. You can explore it on foot or by small electric cars.

What to Do on Gulangyu Island?

• Visit the island's museums, including the Piano Museum.
• Stroll in the shade through Shuzhuang Garden.
• Climb Sunshine Peak, which rises 93 meters and overlooks all of Gulangyu.
• Swim at one of the beaches.