I’m Michael Zhang, a seasoned traveler and history enthusiast from China. My adventures across the globe have deepened my appreciation for unique cultural and natural destinations. Today, I’m excited to share the charm of Gulangyu Island, a “Sea Garden” located in Xiamen, Fujian Province. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the island’s rich history, captivating scenery, and cultural highlights to help you plan the perfect visit.

Summary

Gulangyu Island Overview

Gulangyu Island, originally known as “Yuanshazhou,” sits across the sea from Xiamen Island. Covering 1.88 square kilometers with an elevation ranging from 35 to 100 meters, it has earned its title as a “Sea Garden.” The island blends history, culture, and natural beauty. With over a thousand uniquely styled buildings and a strong tradition of music, Gulangyu is home to China’s first world-class Piano Museum and the world’s largest Organ Museum. This legacy has given it the nicknames “Piano Island” and “Home of Music.” In 2017, Gulangyu Island was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, officially recognized as an “International Historical Community.”

  • Address: Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours. The island offers accommodations, shopping, and sightseeing at any time. However, ferry operations and some attractions have specific schedules, which are detailed below.
  • Recommended Visit Duration: 3-4 hours
  • Best Seasons to Visit: Year-round, though spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather.
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts
Gulangyu Island scenic waterfront with iconic red-domed building

The Origin of Gulangyu’s Name

Gulangyu Island has undergone several name changes throughout its history. Originally called “Yuanshazhou” or “Yuanzhouzi,” it was renamed “Wulongyu” during the Southern Song Dynasty. Since the Ming Dynasty, it has been known as “Gulangyu.”

The name “Gulangyu” comes from a unique rock on the island’s southwestern coast. When waves crash against this rock, the sound resembles the beating of drums—hence the name, which translates to “Drum Wave Island.”

Why You Should Visit Gulangyu Island

Stunning Natural Scenery

Gulangyu Island is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty. Crystal-clear skies, sandy beaches, lush greenery, and picturesque rock formations combine to create a stunning coastal landscape. Must-visit spots include Sunlight Rock and Shuzhuang Garden, each offering unique scenic views that will leave you in awe.

Rich Historical and Cultural Heritage

The island’s history dates back to the Neolithic Age, with permanent settlements beginning in the Song Dynasty and major development occurring during the Ming Dynasty. Today, Gulangyu preserves numerous historical buildings, reflecting its distinctive blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles.

A Relaxed Island Lifestyle

Compared to the bustling pace of Xiamen City, life on Gulangyu Island is refreshingly relaxed. Here, you can stroll along the coastline, sample local delicacies, or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere. For added adventure, rent a bicycle or an electric cart to explore the island at your own pace.

Things to Do on Gulangyu Island

Main Attractions

Sunlight Rock

Sunlight Rock is the highest point on Gulangyu Island. Climbing to the summit rewards you with a stunning panoramic view of both the island and Xiamen City across the water. While the trail can be a bit steep, the breathtaking scenery is well worth the effort. I visited during sunset, and the golden hues shimmering across the sea created an unforgettable moment.

Sunlight Rock summit view with visitors overlooking the ocean

Shuzhuang Garden

Shuzhuang Garden artfully combines the delicate beauty of Jiangnan-style gardens with the grandeur of the sea. The Forty-Four Bridge is a highlight, offering diverse perspectives of the ocean as you stroll along. The Piano Museum, located within the garden, houses an impressive collection of antique pianos. If you’re a music lover, this place is a treasure trove. I spent hours exploring its tranquil corners, where every view felt like a masterpiece.

Shuzhuang Garden combining Chinese architecture and coastal landscape

International Architecture Exhibition

Gulangyu Island is a living museum of architectural styles from around the world. Here, you’ll find Chinese pagoda-style roofs alongside European classical columns. Walking through the area feels like traveling across continents. Notable buildings include Haitian Tang, a beautifully designed structure that often hosts cultural performances, such as Nanyin music. It’s the perfect place to experience the blending of Minnan and Western cultures.

International Architecture Exhibition showcasing diverse historical buildings

Haoyue Park

Haoyue Park was built to honor the Chinese national hero Zheng Chenggong. The centerpiece of the park is a towering 15.7-meter statue of Zheng, gazing out at the sea as a symbol of his unwavering loyalty and courage. The park seamlessly blends historical landmarks with natural coastal beauty. A leisurely walk here offers serene views of the blue sea and a deep connection to Chinese history.

Haoyue Park with the statue of Zheng Chenggong overlooking the sea

Organ Museum

The Organ Museum is one of Gulangyu Island’s most unique attractions, featuring the world’s largest collection of antique organs. Each exhibit reflects both historical significance and artistic elegance. Visitors can marvel at these intricate instruments up close and even enjoy live performances, showcasing the enchanting sounds of these vintage organs.

Organ Museum interior with antique organ and performer

The International Calligraphy Carving Gallery celebrates the artistry of Chinese characters through carved inscriptions. The gallery showcases a variety of styles, from grand, bold calligraphy to delicate, intricate carvings. Each piece highlights the beauty and cultural richness of Chinese script. Walking through the gallery feels like a journey through history, where words transform into stunning visual art.

Calligraphy Carving Gallery featuring intricate wooden art displays

Gulangyu Island Ticket Guide

Gulangyu Island itself is free to enter, but visitors need to purchase ferry tickets to access the island. Several attractions also require entrance fees.

  • Gulangyu Core Attraction Pass (Recommended)
    • Includes: Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, Haoyue Park, and the International Calligraphy Carving Gallery. The pass also allows entry to Bagua Mansion, the Organ Art Center, and the Photography Exhibition Hall within two days without reservations.
    • Price: ¥90
    • Discount Ticket: ¥45 (children aged 6-17 and seniors aged 60-64)
    • Free: Children under 1.2 meters in height, children under 6, and seniors aged 65 and above.
    • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts
  • Gulangyu Combination Ticket
    • Includes: Core Attraction Pass + Gulangyu Foreign Artifacts Museum
    • Price: ¥120
  • Sunlight Rock
    • Opening Hours:
      • Winter: 08:00 – 17:30 (October 1 – May 31)
      • Summer: 08:00 – 18:00 (June 1 – September 30)
    • Price: ¥50 (Discount Ticket: ¥25, Free for children under 1.2 meters or aged under 6, and seniors aged 65+)
  • Shuzhuang Garden
    • Opening Hours:
      • 08:00 – 17:30 (October 1 – May 31)
      • 08:00 – 18:00 (June 1 – September 30)
    • Price: ¥30 (Discount Ticket: ¥15, Free for eligible visitors)
  • Haoyue Park
    • Opening Hours:
      • Winter: 08:00 – 17:30
      • Summer: 08:00 – 18:00
    • Price: ¥10 (Discount Ticket: ¥5, Free for eligible visitors)
  • Bagua Mansion
    • Opening Hours: 08:15 – 17:45 (October – May)
    • Price: Free
  • International Calligraphy Carving Gallery
    • Opening Hours:
      • Winter: 08:15 – 17:45
      • Summer: 08:15 – 18:15
    • Price: ¥5 (Discount Ticket: ¥2.5, Free for eligible visitors)
  • Organ Art Center
    • Opening Hours:
      • Winter: 08:15 – 17:45
      • Summer: 08:15 – 18:15
    • Price: Free
  • Photography Exhibition Hall
    • Opening Hours:
      • Winter: 08:15 – 17:45
      • Summer: 08:15 – 18:15
    • Price: Free
  • Gulangyu Foreign Artifacts Museum
    • Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 (Closed on Mondays, last entry at 16:30)
    • Price: ¥50
  • Record Museum
    • Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:30 (Last entry at 17:00)
    • Price: ¥68
  • Underwater World
    • Opening Hours:
      • Winter: 08:00 – 17:30 (November 1 – March 31, closes at 18:30)
      • Summer: 08:00 – 18:00 (April 1 – October 30, closes at 19:00)
    • Price: ¥107

Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts

Longtou Road Food Street

Longtou Road is a bustling hub of delicious local eats, and Shacha Noodles are a must-try. These noodles, served with a savory, nutty Shacha sauce, are topped with fresh seafood and meats, creating a unique and flavorful dish. Don’t miss Ye’s Mochi, soft and sweet rice cakes rolled in fragrant sesame. Every time I visit, I enjoy a hearty bowl of Shacha noodles followed by freshly made mochi—absolute satisfaction!

Lin’s Shacha Noodles

Lin’s Shacha Noodles stands out for its rich and flavorful broth, paired with a variety of toppings like seafood, meatballs, and tofu puffs. You can customize your bowl to suit your taste. My personal favorite? Adding squid and shrimp. The combination of fresh seafood and the nutty Shacha sauce is simply unforgettable.

Stuffed Pastries

Stuffed pastries are a traditional Gulangyu Island delicacy. Made with mung beans, flour, and sugar, these pastries have a thin, crispy crust and a sweet, refreshing filling. Popular brands like Gulangyu Pastry and Wang’s Pastry offer the most famous varieties. They’re the perfect balance of flavor—not too heavy, yet irresistibly satisfying.

Mochi

Mochi is another signature treat of Gulangyu Island. These chewy rice cakes are stuffed with crushed peanuts and sugar, then coated with a layer of finely ground black sesame. The best spot to try it? A family-run stall at the intersection of Longtou Road and Fujian Road, known locally as Ye Chengwu’s Mochi. It’s soft, sweet, and full of traditional flavor.

Gulangyu Island local snacks including pastries and peanuts

Gulangyu Island Sightseeing Shuttle

While Gulangyu Island looks small, exploring its 6 kilometers of paths—many of which are hilly—can be exhausting. Taking the sightseeing shuttle is a great alternative.

  • Location: Tickets are available at the exit of Sanqiutian Pier (on-site purchase only).
  • Ticket Prices:
    • Round-Trip: ¥50
    • One-Way: ¥40 (Stops at Shuzhuang Garden)

Frequently Asked Questions About the Shuttle

  • Can I get on and off midway? No, you can only board or exit at designated stops (Sanqiutian Pier, Shuzhuang Garden, or the endpoint).
  • Where do I board for the return trip? Return trips start at the Shuzhuang Garden station. (Only round-trip tickets are valid for return rides.)
  • Do children need tickets? Children under 1.2 meters ride free. Children between 1.2 and 1.4 meters require half-price tickets.
  • When does the shuttle stop running? The shuttle operates until 5 PM. Plan your return accordingly.
Gulangyu Island sightseeing shuttle parked under lush trees
  • Route 1: Neicuo’ao Pier → Meihua Beach → Gangzaihou Beach → Shuzhuang Garden → Dadeji Bathing Beach → Haoyue Park → Organ Museum → Longtou Road Food Street → Scenic Corner → Sanqiutian Pier
  • Route 2: Neicuo’ao Pier → Meihua Beach → Gangzaihou Beach → Sunlight Rock → Longtou Road Food Street → Scenic Corner → Sanqiutian Pier
  • Route 3: Sanqiutian Pier → Scenic Corner → Longtou Road Food Street → Haoyue Park → Shuzhuang Garden → Sunlight Rock → Meihua Beach → Neicuo’ao Pier

What to Buy on Gulangyu Island?

  • Kung Fu Stuffed Pastries, Coconut Cakes, and Dried Seafood: These flavorful snacks capture Gulangyu Island’s rich culinary tradition, making them perfect gifts for friends and family.
  • Lin Bingji Pastries: Known for their elegant yet simple packaging and exceptional taste, Lin Bingji specializes in stuffed pastries and flaky cakes, such as yam paste and Tian Gong Su.
  • Jinlan Bakery: This no-frills bakery delivers authentic, nostalgic flavors at a great price—ideal for seniors or those craving old-fashioned treats.
  • Su Xiaotang: Famous for nougat, snowflake crisps, pineapple cakes, and cookies. Their gift boxes are beautifully packaged, making them a great choice for souvenirs.
  • Pearls: Numerous shops sell pearls across the island. Prices and quality vary, so choose carefully and start bargaining at 30-40% of the listed price.
  • Souvenirs: Keychains, fridge magnets, and Wind Lion God figurines are charming, affordable keepsakes to remember your trip.

Gulangyu Island Ferry and Pier Options

The recommended departure pier is XiaGu Pier, while the preferred arrival pier is Sanqiutian Pier. For the ferry type, the standard ferry is sufficient.

  • Sanqiutian Pier (Recommended): This is the most popular and convenient Pier, with ferries running all day. It’s close to top attractions like the Organ Museum, Foreign Artifacts Museum, and Longtou Road Food Street.
  • Neicuo’ao Pier: Located near Gulangyu Art Academy, Gulangshi Rock, and Meihua Beach, this Pier offers a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience.
  • Piano Pier: Ideal for visitors heading to Haoyue Park and Longtou Road.

Xiamen to Gulangyu Island Ferry Schedule

PierOperating HoursDestination PierTicket Price
XiaGu Pier Day Route:
-07:10-17:50 (October – May)
-07:10 – 17:30 (June – September)		Sanqiutian Pier
Neicuo’ao Pier		-¥35 (Standard)
-¥80 (Luxury)
First PierDay Route: 08:45 – 16:45Neicuo’ao Pier¥80
Lundu PierNight Route: 17:50 – 23:45Sanqiutian Pier¥35
Midnight Route: 00:45 – 06:30Sanqiutian Pier, Piano Pier¥35

Gulangyu Island to Xiamen Ferry Schedule

PierOperating HoursDestination PierTicket Price
Sanqiutian PierDay Route:
-07:20 – 17:40 (October – May)
-07:20 – 18:40 (June – September)		XiaGu PierFree
Night Route:
-18:00 – 07:00 (October – May)
-19:00 – 07:00 (June – September)		Lundu PierFree
Neicuo’ao PierDay Route:
-19:00 – 07:00 (June – September)
-08:20 – 18:40 (July – August)		XiaGu PierFree

Travel Tips for Gulangyu Island

  • Bring insect repellent and cooling sprays to stay comfortable during your visit.
  • Gulangyu Island is home to many friendly cats. If you love cats, pack some treats to make new furry friends.
  • Start your visit in the morning and return by evening. A full day is perfect for experiencing the island’s highlights.

Cheap Hotel Recommendations Near Gulangyu Island

If you enjoy vibrant nightlife, staying near Longtou Road is a great option. This area offers easy access to Gulangyu Island’s bustling evening atmosphere, where you can explore local eateries and shops. However, if you prefer a quieter retreat, consider staying in a seaside inn or a charming guesthouse tucked away in one of the island’s alleys. On my last visit, I stayed in a seaside guesthouse, falling asleep to the sound of waves and waking up to a breathtaking ocean view—truly a magical experience.

  • Linggan Jimo Mountain Hill Hotel
    • Location: 193 Neicuo’ao Road, Siming District, Xiamen
    • Price: ¥400
    • Check Room Rates: View and Book
  • Gulangyu Villa Hotel (Neicuo’ao Pier Branch)
    • Location: 14 Gusheng Road, Siming District, Xiamen
    • Price: ¥500
    • Check Room Rates: View and Book
  • Lin’s Mansion Hotel
    • Location: 11-19 Lujiao Road, Siming District, Xiamen
    • Price: ¥1000
    • Check Room Rates: View and Book

How to Get to Gulangyu Island from Xiamen City

The only way to reach Gulangyu Island is by ferry. Visitors need to travel to designated piers to board a ferry to the island. Here are the most common options:

Metro

Take Xiamen Metro Line 1 and get off at Zhenhai Road Station or Lujiang Road Station. From there, it’s a 10-20 minute walk to XiaGu Pier (Xiamen-Gulangyu Pier). This is the quickest and most convenient public transportation option.

Bus

Several bus lines go directly to XiaGu Pier, including Line 8, Line 27, and Line 29. While the bus is economical, travel time can be longer depending on traffic.

Taxi or Rideshare

Taking a taxi or rideshare service (like Didi) is the most convenient option for travelers carrying luggage. A ride from downtown Xiamen to XiaGu Pier takes about 15-30 minutes, costing approximately ¥20-40.

How to Get to Gulangyu Island from Xiamen Airport

Metro

From Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, take Metro Line 1 at Gaoqi Station. Transfer to Zhenhai Road Station or Lujiang Road Station, then walk to XiaGu Pier. The entire trip takes about 45 minutes, and tickets cost around ¥4-6. This is the most budget-friendly option.

Bus

The airport operates several bus routes to downtown Xiamen. For Gulangyu Island, take L19 or 37 and get off at Zhenhai Road Station, then walk to XiaGu Pier. This option is cheap (¥2-5) but slower, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxi or Rideshare

From Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, a taxi or rideshare to XiaGu Pier takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around ¥50-70. This option is ideal for travelers seeking speed and convenience.

FAQ

Where Can I Store Luggage?

Luggage storage is available at the departure halls of the piers. For reference, storing a 20-inch suitcase costs around ¥40.

Where Are the Public Restrooms?

Free public restrooms can be found near the piers and main attractions on Gulangyu Island.

Essential Xiamen Travel Resources