Xiamen Gulangyu Island

🌟 As Xiamen's most romantic island, Gulangyu Island is a favorite among travelers for its European-style architecture, Piano Sound Lane, Southern Min cuisine, and slow-paced lifestyle. Here is the latest 2025 free and independent travel guide to help you explore this "International Architecture Exhibition"! **Classic Attractions** 1. **Shuzhuang Garden**: A seaside garden that blends the styles of Jiangnan gardens and Southern Min, with the Piano Museum hidden inside, showcasing centuries-old antique pianos, and live performances every half hour. 2. **Sunlight Rock**: Climb to the highest point of Gulangyu Island for a 360° panoramic view of the entire island and Xiamen city, especially stunning during sunrise and sunset. 3. **Longtou Road Snack Street**: A must-go for lunch! Recommended: Xiaomin Shacha Noodles, Ye's Mochi, and Oyster Omelet. For an average of CNY 30, you can eat all the Southern Min snacks. 4. **Haoyue Garden**: The giant statue of Zheng Chenggong stands by the sea, matched with Ming-style architectural complexes, perfect for taking photos and listening to the waves. **Cultural Strolls and Secret Realm Exploration** 1. **Octagonal Building (Organ Museum)**: A century-old European-style building houses a giant pipe organ, and the building itself is a work of art. 2. **Moonlight Rock**: A free and less crowded viewpoint where you can enjoy the sunset scenery away from the crowds. 3. **Gulangyu Island Alleys**: Wander through old villas such as Xiehe Chapel and Huangrongyuan Hall, and encounter cats and artistic shops. **🚢 Transportation Guide** - **Ferry Ticket Purchase**: Tourists need to take a boat from **Xiamen Cruise Center Xiamen-Gulangyu Terminal** to Gulangyu Island (Sanqiutian/Neicuo'ao Terminal). The round-trip ticket price is CNY 35, and online booking is available 10 days in advance (via the "Xiamen Ferry+" mini program). - **Island Transportation**: Walk or take a battery car (CNY 50/person around the island). Wear comfortable shoes! Bicycles are not allowed on the island. **🍜 Food Recommendations** - **Must-try Snacks**: Shacha Noodles, Tusu Dong (made from sea worms), Peanut Soup, and Old-fashioned Mochi. - **Featured Restaurants**: - **Lin Ji Fish Balls**: Handmade shark balls that are chewy and delicious. - **Chujiayuan Cafe**: Converted from a century-old villa, the tiramisu and garden afternoon tea are a perfect match. **🏡 Accommodation Recommendations** - **Island Homestays**: It is recommended to stay one night to experience the quiet night, such as **Gulangyu Island Lijiazhuang Hotel** (converted from a Republican-era building) or **Nana Seashore Inn** (near the beach). - **Value for Money**: Homestay prices range from CNY 200–500 in the off-season, and reservations need to be made one month in advance during the peak season. **💡 Travel Tips** 1. **Tickets**: A joint ticket costs CNY 90 (including Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, and other 5 attractions, valid for 2 days). Students and seniors enjoy half price. 2. **Avoid the Crowds**: Avoid holidays, otherwise the ferry queue will be over 1 hour! There are no cars on the island, so it is recommended to pack light. 3. **Photography**: There are fewer people and better light before 8am or after 5pm. Recommended niche locations include Bishan Cave and Boat House. 4. **Environmental Protection**: Drones are prohibited on the island. Do not litter and protect the tranquility of the "Piano Island." **The romance of "Getting Lost in Gulangyu Island" lies in the century-old banyan trees, the cats in the cafes, and the piano music you encounter unexpectedly around every corner.** Take this guide with you and start your artistic island trip!