Gulangyu Island (鼓浪屿 in Chinese, Kulangsu in Minnan Language), originally named “Yuanshazhou (圆沙洲)” and also known as “Yuanzhouzi (圆洲仔),” was historically referred to as “Wulong Island (五龙屿)” during the Southern Song Dynasty. Located southwest of Xiamen Island in Fujian Province, China, Gulangyu Island acquired its current name during the Ming Dynasty due to the drumming sound produced by sea caves under tidal waves.
Covering an area of 1.88 square kilometers, Gulangyu Island is characterized by rugged coastal landscapes, winding shorelines, lush green hills, and towering rocky outcrops. Its highest point, Sunlight Rock (Riguangyan), offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Gulangyu Island is renowned for its unique blend of architectural styles, reflecting its history as an international settlement. It boasts distinctive buildings from various cultures, contributing to its designation as the “Architecture Museum of International Buildings.” Beyond its architectural allure, Gulangyu Island also showcases local Minnan cuisine, inviting visitors to indulge in flavorful snacks and delicacies.
Popular attractions such as Shuzhuang Garden and Haiyin Temple draw tourists seeking both cultural insights and tranquil retreats. The island’s serene atmosphere and diverse array of historical buildings make it an ideal destination for leisurely walks, contemplation, and appreciation of life’s simple pleasures.
In July 2017, Gulangyu Island was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking its significance as the 52nd Chinese site on the prestigious list and highlighting its rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Gulangyu Island
- Sunlight Rock (日光岩)
- Shuzhuang Garden (菽庄花园)
- Moonlight Garden (皓月园)
- Ancient Summer Resort Cave (古避暑洞)
- Dragon Head Hill (龙头山寨)
- Zheng Chenggong Memorial Museum (郑成功纪念馆)
- Cliff Inscriptions (鼓浪洞天)
- Heroes Park (英雄园)
- Piano Museum (钢琴博物馆)
- Gangzaihou Beach (港仔后海滨浴场)
- Organ Museum (风琴博物馆)
- Trinity Church (三一堂)
- Catholic Church (天主堂)
- Longtou Road Commercial Street (龙头路商业街)
- Xiamen Underwater World (厦门海底世界)
- Fish Bone Art Gallery (鱼骨艺术馆)
- Vlog about Gulangyu Island
- List of Buildings on Gulangyu Island
- Architectural History of Gulangyu Island
- Other Popular Attractions in Xiamen
Basic Information
Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
Ticket Price | Admission to the Island: Free Underwater World: 58 RMB Shuzhuang Garden: 30 RMB Moonlight Garden: 10 RMB Sunlight Rock: 50 RMB Combined Ticket for Top 5 Attractions: 110 RMB (including Moonlight Garden, Piano Museum, Shuzhaung Garden, International Charater Carving Art Museum, and Sunlight Rock) |
Ferry Ticket | 35-80 RMB |
Opening Hours | 24 hours a day |
Telephone Number | 0086-0592-3533188 |
Location and Transportation
Gulangyu Island is situated in the Siming District of Xiamen City, Fujian Province, China, at the coordinates 24°26′55.25″N, 118°03′43.55″E. Located off the southwest coast of Xiamen Peninsula, it is separated from Xiamen Island by a 600-meter-wide strait called Lujiang, which is a deep-sea channel. A ferry ride across this strait takes approximately 4-5 minutes.
To reach Gulangyu Island, visitors typically take a ferry from the Xiamen International Cruise Terminal. The ferries arrive at either Sanqiutian Pier (三丘田码头) or Neicuo’ao Pier (内厝澳码头) on Gulangyu Island:
- Sanqiutian Pier: Located on the eastern coast of Gulangyu Island, this pier is close to popular tourist areas, making it the preferred choice for most visitors.
- Neicuo’ao Pier: Positioned on the western coast, this pier is more convenient for those staying nearby.
Ferry tickets are round-trip, allowing passengers to return from any pier on the island. However, the tickets cannot be changed once purchased.
Highlights of Gulangyu Island
Sunlight Rock (日光岩)
![Sunlight Rock In Gulangyu Island](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sunlight-rock-in-gulangyu-island-jpg.webp)
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.
Shuzhuang Garden (菽庄花园)
![Shuzhuang Garden In Gulangyu Island](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shuzhuang-garden-in-gulangyu-island.jpg)
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.
Moonlight Garden (皓月园)
![Moonlight Garden In Gulangyu Island](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/moonlight-garden-in-gulangyu-island-jpg.webp)
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.
Ancient Summer Resort Cave (古避暑洞)
![Ancient Summer Resort Cave In Gulangyu Island](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Ancient-Summer-Resort-Cave-in-gulangyu-island.jpg)
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 (龙头山寨)
![Dragon Head Hill In Gulangyu Island](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Dragon-Head-Hill-in-gulangyu-island.jpg)
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.
Zheng Chenggong Memorial Museum (郑成功纪念馆)
![Zheng Chenggong Memorial Museum In Gulangyu Island](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/zheng-Chenggong-memorial-museum-in-gulangyu-island.jpg)
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.
Cliff Inscriptions (鼓浪洞天)
![Cliff Inscriptions](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cliff-Inscriptions-jpg.webp)
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 (英雄园)
![Heroes Park In Gulangyu Island](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/heroes-park-in-gulangyu-island-jpg.webp)
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.
Piano Museum (钢琴博物馆)
![Piano Museum In Gulangyu Island](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/piano-museum-in-gulangyu-island-jpg.webp)
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 (港仔后海滨浴场)
![Gangzaihou Beach In Gulangyu Island](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Gangzaihou-Beach-in-gulangyu-island.jpg)
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.
Organ Museum (风琴博物馆)
![Organ Museum In Gulangyu Island](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Organ-Museum-in-gulangyu-island-jpg.webp)
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.
Trinity Church (三一堂)
![Trinity Church In Gulangyu Island](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Trinity-Church-in-gulangyu-island-jpg.webp)
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.
Catholic Church (天主堂)
![Catholic Church In Gulangyu Island](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/catholic-church-in-gulangyu-island-jpg.webp)
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 Commercial Street (龙头路商业街)
![Longtou Road Commercial Street In Gulangyu Island](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Longtou-Road-Commercial-Street-in-gulangyu-island-jpg.webp)
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.
Xiamen Underwater World (厦门海底世界)
![Xiamen Underwater World In Gulangyu Island](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Xiamen-Underwater-World-in-Gulangyu-island-jpg.webp)
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.
Fish Bone Art Gallery (鱼骨艺术馆)
![Fish Bone Art Gallery In Gulangyu Island](https://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fish-Bone-Art-Gallery-in-Gulangyu-Island.jpg)
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.
Vlog about Gulangyu Island
List of Buildings on Gulangyu Island
- Lin’s Mansion (Octagonal Building): Located at 11-19 Lu Jiao Road. Originally owned by Lin Erjia of the Banqiao Lin family. The auxiliary building of Lin’s Mansion collapsed in May 2006.
- British Consulate: Located at 14 Lu Jiao Road.
- Japanese Consulate: Located at 26 Lu Jiao Road.
- Catholic Church: Located at 34 Lu Jiao Road, built in 1916. It is a Gothic-style building.
- American Consulate: Located at 26 Sanming Road. Currently operates as a hotel.
- Fanpo Building: Located at 36 Anhai Road, built in 1927. Originally owned by Chinese-Filipino Xu Jingquan.
- Yang Family Garden: Spanning 4 Anhai Road to 27-29 Guxin Road. Built in 1913.
- Bagua Building: Located at 43 Guxin Road. Built in 1907. It is a landmark building of Gulangyu Island. Originally owned by Lin Heshou, a cousin of Lin Erjia. Now houses the Xiamen Museum and the Pipe Organ Museum.
- Boat Building: Located at 48 Guxin Road. Originally owned by Dr. Huang Dapi.
- HSBC Manager’s Residence: Located at 57 Guxin Road. Built in 1876.
- Lin House: Located at 82 Quanzhou Road. Originally owned by Lin Zhenxun.
- Jingua Building: Located at 99 Quanzhou Road. Originally owned by Filipino-Chinese Huang Cimin.
- Sea View Villa: Located at 17 Tianwei Road. Built in 1918. Originally the manager’s apartment of the Great Northern Telegraph Company of Denmark.
- San Yi Tang (Trinity Church): Located at the entrance of Bishan Cave. Built in 1934.
- Yi Garden: Located at 24 Fujian Road. Originally owned by the poet Lin Henian.
- Huang Rongyuan Hall: Located at 32 Fujian Road. Originally owned by Filipino-Chinese Shi Guang and Huang Zhongxun. Built in 1920. Currently houses the Xiamen Performing Arts College.
- Haitian Assembly Hall: Located at 42 Fujian Road. Built in the 1920s. Originally owned by Filipino-Chinese Huang Xiulang and his compatriot Huang Nianyi.
- Bai Family Villa: Located on Fuxing Road. Originally owned by Bai Dengbi.
- Liao Family Villa: Located at 44 Zhangzhou Road. Originally owned by Liao Cuifeng. In August 1919, Lin Yutang married Liao Cuifeng’s daughter here.
- Kanqing Villa: Located at 71 Yongchun Road. Built in 1918. Originally owned by Huang Zhongxun. In 1949, it was renovated as Chiang Kai-shek’s temporary residence. Chiang Kai-shek stayed here only for one night on July 23. In 1962, Guo Moruo wrote the script for “Zheng Chenggong” here. The villa now serves as the library of the Zheng Chenggong Memorial Hall.
- Xilin Villa: Located at 73 Yongchun Road. Built in 1926. Now part of the Zheng Chenggong Memorial Hall.
- Pu’an: Located at 16 Jishan Road. Originally owned by pianist Yin Chengzong.
- Rong Valley: Located at 7 Qishan Road. Originally owned by Li Qingquan.
- Huang Family Garden: Located at 25 Huangyan Road. Built between 1918 and 1923. Originally owned by Huang Yizhu, a wealthy overseas Chinese merchant known as the “Sugar King of Indonesia.” In the 1950s, it served as the “State Guest House” of the Xiamen government, hosting dignitaries such as Deng Xiaoping, Richard Nixon, and Lee Kuan Yew.
- Public Trial Hall: Located at 1-3 Bishan Road.
- Lin Wenqing Villa: Located at 5 Bishan Road. Originally owned by Singaporean Chinese Lin Wenqing.
- Guancai Building: Located at 6 Bishan Road.
- Yizu Mountain Villa: Located at 9 Bishan Road. Originally owned by Vietnamese-Chinese Xu Jian, built in the 1920s.
- Chuncao Hall: Located at 17 Bishan Road. Originally owned by Xu Chuncao, president of the Xiamen Builders Association.
Architectural History of Gulangyu Island
Before the Opium Wars, Gulangyu was sparsely populated and primarily engaged in fishing and farming. Traditional Minnan-style houses typified the early architecture, reflecting the indigenous dwellings found along the coastal regions of the Minnan Triangle (Xiamen, Zhangzhou, and Quanzhou). These structures were simple and utilitarian, characteristic of early settlements.
Significant architectural changes began in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties as Western influences started to permeate the island. After Xiamen opened as a commercial port, Gulangyu became a favored settlement for Western colonists, missionaries, and traders due to its favorable climate, scenic beauty, and strategic location. The influx of Westerners led to the construction of churches, schools, hospitals, consulates, and residential villas. These structures marked the emergence of Western architectural styles such as Victorian, Baroque, and Neoclassical designs blending with local Minnan elements.
Gulangyu’s architectural landscape evolved further in the early 20th century with the return of overseas Chinese who had amassed wealth abroad. Many built elaborate mansions and retreats, showcasing a fusion of Western and traditional Chinese styles. These buildings often served as summer residences or retreats for affluent families, contributing to Gulangyu’s reputation as a haven of architectural diversity and cultural richness.
After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the local government took over many of the large estates and buildings on Gulangyu. These structures underwent renovations and repurposing, transforming former consulates and villas into museums, cultural centers, and public facilities. For instance, the grand “White House-style” mansion of Lin Hetang, known as the “Bagua Building,” was repurposed into the Gulangyu Organ Museum, showcasing the island’s cultural heritage and musical history.