Gulangyu Island (Kulangsu), Xiamen – International Architecture Museum

Sunlight Rock, also known as “Rock Child Mountain” or “Wobbling Rock,” is arguably the most iconic landmark on Gulangyu Island. Legend has it that Zheng Chenggong, a revered Ming dynasty military leader, renamed it Sunlight Rock after being struck by its beauty, comparing it favorably to Japan’s Nikko Mountain. The area around Sunlight Rock is divided into two main parts: the rock itself and the nearby Shuzhuang Garden.

Sunlight Rock rises prominently in the southern-central part of Gulangyu, reaching a height of 92.7 meters, making it the highest point on the island. It consists of two massive rocks—one standing vertically and the other horizontally—leaning against each other to form the peak known as Longtou Mountain. At the summit lies Sunlight Rock Temple, locally known as “Yipianwa,” which is actually a natural cave formed by the rocks. The temple has a long history dating back to the Ming Dynasty and has been rebuilt multiple times over the centuries. During the Qing Dynasty, significant additions were made, including the construction of the Yuanming Hall and an octagonal pavilion inscribed with “Sunlight Temple.” Post-liberation, the Yuanming Hall was repurposed as a Buddhist chanting hall, and the main hall (Daxiong Baodian) was reconstructed in 1917 during the Republic of China era.

Located behind the harbor of Gulangyu Island, Shuzhuang Garden is a serene retreat built in 1913 during the early years of the Republic of China. It was established by Lin Erjia, also known as Shuzhuang, as a testament to his cultural and artistic sensibilities. Covering an expansive area of 20,328 square meters, including lush water features spanning 3,352 square meters and elegant buildings covering 2,451 square meters, Shuzhuang Garden integrates traditional Chinese garden design with Western architectural elements.

The garden is divided into eastern and western sections, each offering unique perspectives on landscaping and cultural integration. Visitors can admire intricately designed rockeries, meandering pathways, pavilions, and a diverse array of flora that create a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere. Shuzhuang Garden stands as a testament to Gulangyu’s role as a cultural crossroads, blending influences from East and West seamlessly.

Located along the shores of Furongyan in the eastern part of Gulangyu Island, Moonlight Garden spans 30,000 square meters. This scenic garden unfolds with sandy beaches, rocks, lush greenery, and pavilions along the banks of the Lujiang River. Established in 1985 and named after a line from the poetry collection “Yanping Erwang Ji,” which reads “Thinking of you, unable to sleep, the bright moon shines through the white curtains,” Moonlight Garden offers serene landscapes and cultural insights.

One of its highlights is a monumental bronze statue of Zheng Chenggong and his generals, standing 13.7 meters long, 4.7 meters tall, and weighing 18 tons. The statue portrays Zheng Chenggong alongside his generals Chen Ze, Chen Guang, Chen Yonghua, and Yang Chaodong, slightly larger than life-size, extending majestically on both sides.

Nestled between towering granite boulders that evoke a sense of being beneath Mount Tai, the Ancient Summer Resort Cave is a marvel of natural architecture. Inscribed with the characters “Ancient Summer Resort Cave,” penned by the late Qing Dynasty literatus Shi Shijie of Taiwan, the cave is bright, dry, and well-ventilated. Passing through the cave and turning left, visitors encounter the graceful Umbrella Pavilion, a slender structure that gracefully complements the rocky surroundings, offering shade and shelter from sun and rain alike.

Dragon Head Hill stands majestically in the southern-central part of Gulangyu Island, overlooking Xiamen’s Huotou Mountain across the sea. Together, they guard the entrance to Xiamen Harbor, symbolizing the “Dragon and Tiger Guarding the River.” Originally named for its “Xuting” Pavilion, which has long since been destroyed, Dragon Head Hill holds historical significance as the site of Zheng Chenggong’s military encampment during his resistance against the Qing Dynasty. Visitors can still see the circular holes drilled into the rocks by soldiers to erect tents, and the site inspired General Cai Tingkai of the Nationalist Army to compose a poem praising Zheng Chenggong’s valor.

Established on January 28, 1962, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Zheng Chenggong’s reclaiming of Taiwan, the Zheng Chenggong Memorial Museum is a tribute to a revered hero in Chinese history. Zheng Chenggong, also known as Koxinga, was born in Nan’an, Fujian Province, and became known for his loyalty to the Ming Dynasty and his efforts to resist the Qing. His successful recapture of Taiwan from Dutch occupation in 1661 marked a significant moment in history, and he is celebrated as a national hero among the people of Fujian and Taiwan. The museum spans seven sections, exhibiting over 300 artifacts, documents, photographs, and models related to Zheng Chenggong’s life and military campaigns. Among the treasures displayed are original weapons and artifacts used during his battles, providing a vivid insight into his era and legacy.

Sunlight Rock (Riguangyan) is celebrated far and wide for its breathtaking scenery, attracting countless poets and scholars throughout history who found inspiration amidst its sea breezes and crashing waves. Passing through the gate of Sunlight Rock Temple, visitors can gaze up at a colossal cliff adorned with inscriptions, notably “鼓浪洞天” (Gulangyu’s Cave Heaven), coined by Ding Yizhong in the first year of the Wanli era during the Ming Dynasty. Another inscription, “鹭江第一” (Lujiang’s First Scenery), by Lin Zhen in the first year of the Daoguang era in the Qing Dynasty, underscores Sunlight Rock’s status as Xiamen’s premier scenic spot. “天风海涛” (Heavenly Winds and Ocean Waves), penned by Xu Shiying in the fourth year of the Republic of China, aptly describes the distinctive features of Sunlight Rock.

Heroes Park stands as a solemn memorial to the martyrs who fought to liberate Xiamen and Gulangyu Island. It comprises three main areas: a small memorial square, commemorative sculptures, and a memorial hall. In late September 1949, the 10th Corps of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army liberated southern Fujian, establishing a three-sided siege of Jinmen and Xiamen held by the Nationalist Army. On October 15th, the 31st Army and 29th Army launched amphibious operations against Xiamen. The brave soldiers of the 271st Regiment and 277th Regiment landed southwest of Gulangyu Island, overcoming fierce resistance to secure victory. Many soldiers, including Regiment Commander Wang Xingfang and boatmen like Zhang Shuijin, sacrificed their lives in the battle. After two days and nights of intense fighting, the entire island of Xiamen and Gulangyu were liberated.

In recognition of these sacrifices, local residents named the mountain formerly known as “Qizaiwei Mountain” as Heroes Mountain. In 2000, the Gulangyu District People’s Government established Heroes Park on this mountain, honoring the memory of those who gave their lives for freedom.

The Gulangyu Piano Museum, completed in January 2000, is housed in the “Listening to the Waves Pavilion” within the Shuzhuang Garden. Covering an area of 450 square meters across two floors (A and B), the museum showcases a collection of over 40 antique pianos amassed by patriotic overseas Chinese Hu Youyi. Among these treasures are rare and precious instruments, including gilded pianos, the world’s earliest square pianos, and the largest early upright pianos. Visitors can also marvel at ancient hand-cranked pianos and foot-operated automatic player pianos dating back a century.

Gangzaihou Beach, situated behind the harbor of Gulangyu Island, features a wide expanse of fine sandy shores with gentle slopes and calm waves. This natural beach is free from shark sightings and boasts a swim-friendly environment with water temperatures exceeding 20°C for half of the year. With two daily tides offering over six hours of optimal swimming time, it serves as a perfect seaside retreat. The beach is equipped with various amenities and offers water sports like yachting and jet skiing. In 1998, it hosted the National OP-Class Sailing Championship.

Opened on January 28, 2005, the Gulangyu Organ Museum proudly claims to be the world’s largest organ museum. It debuted with a grand organ concert featuring the museum’s centerpiece, the “Norman & Beard” organ. The museum houses an impressive collection of over 5,000 organs, showcasing the evolution and diversity of this musical instrument over centuries.

Over 70 years ago, around 100 members from three Xiamen Christian churches—Zhonghua Christian New Street Church, Zhushu Church, and Xiagang Church—relocated to Gulangyu Island. They faced difficulties attending services back on the mainland during inclement weather, prompting them to establish a joint church on Gulangyu. Named “San Yi Tang,” which signifies the doctrine of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), this church became a spiritual center for the island’s Christian community.

Located at 34 Lu Jiao Road on Gulangyu Island, the Catholic Church occupies the former site of the Spanish Consulate, later converted into the French Consulate. In 1916, Father Mariano Álvarez was appointed Bishop of Xiamen by the Vatican and exchanged the consulate building with the French consulate to establish the Dominican Mission as the bishop’s residence. In 1917, the church was built in front of the bishop’s residence as the Cathedral of Xiamen Diocese, featuring Gothic architecture with a single bell tower. The main altar of the church is dedicated to Jesus Christ the King, flanked by two smaller altars, accommodating about 200 worshipers.

Longtou Road is the main commercial street on Gulangyu Island, bustling with shops catering to tourists and locals alike. Reflecting the island’s thriving tourism industry, the street is lined with stores selling local crafts such as pearl embroidery, lacquer carvings, colored silk thread embroideries, clay sculptures, and colored ceramics. Visitors can also find antiques, jade, calligraphy, paintings, and porcelain from across China. Additionally, there are shops selling dried seafood from southern regions.

Located not far from the ferry landing on Gulangyu Island’s east coast, Xiamen Underwater World welcomes visitors with a striking giant octopus bronze sculpture at its entrance. Originally Gulangyu Park, it features a diverse collection of over 10,000 fish from more than 350 species found in oceans and rivers across the world. The highlight of the exhibit is a specimen of the world’s largest captured sperm whale from Xiamen’s waters. Visitors can explore an 80-meter-long underwater tunnel that is 1.5 meters wide, offering a unique perspective of marine life. As you stroll along the electric walkway through the tunnel, you can observe large fish tanks on either side, providing close-up views of fish swimming in all directions. There are even opportunities to witness divers feeding the fish underwater, adding an interactive element to the visit.

Distinctive among Gulangyu Island’s cultural museums, the Fish Bone Art Gallery is housed in a 1940s villa, reflecting local heritage. The gallery’s centerpiece is a massive shark bone, prized for its rarity and size. What sets this gallery apart is its collection of artworks crafted entirely from natural fish bones, meticulously arranged to create intricate pieces. On the second-floor platform, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Gulangyu Island, offering a serene contrast to the underwater world experience nearby.

South Putuo Temple

Hulishan Fortress (Hulishan Cannon Platform)

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street