Xiamen: Turning Days into Poems in the Sea Breeze

📍Detailed Address: Located in Siming District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, facing the southwest corner of Xiamen Island across the sea. 🥳🥳 📝Tips: **Pre-Trip Prep** - **Book ferry tickets early**: Gulangyu ferry tickets must be purchased in advance via the official WeChat account or app of "Xiamen Ferry". During peak seasons (holidays, summer), secure tickets at least 3 days prior to avoid unavailability. Note the difference between **Xiamen International Cruise Center (main departures to Sanqiutian/Neicuo'ao Pier)** and **Xiamen Ferry Pier (more night routes)**. - **Bring ID**: Boarding and entering some attractions require ID cards. Carry yours at all times; if forgotten, obtain a temporary ID at the pier. **During Your Visit** - **Time management wisely**: Visit Sunlight Rock in the morning to avoid crowds—sunrise or early views are spectacular. Shuzhuang Garden’s soft afternoon light is perfect for seaside photos. - **Beware of scams**: Some eateries on Longtou Road Snack Street may overcharge for seafood or enforce unwanted purchases—confirm prices before ordering. For souvenirs, opt for established chain stores over pushy vendors. - **Respect rules & environment**: Littering is prohibited, especially on beaches. Many old buildings are private or protected—do not trespass or climb for photos. - **Sun & bug protection**: Xiamen has strong UV rays—wear hats and sunscreen. Mosquitoes thrive in lush areas; carry repellent. 😆😆 **Accommodation & Departure** - **Book lodging early**: Gulangyu accommodations fill quickly in peak season, especially popular B&Bs/hotels. Reserve 1–2 weeks ahead and confirm pier shuttle services. 😳😳 - **Don’t miss the last ferry**: The final return ferry to Xiamen Island usually departs around 23:00 (seasonal adjustments apply). Allocate 30+ minutes to walk from Neicuo'ao to Sanqiutian Pier if catching a ferry. **Other Details** [YesSir][YesSir] - **Carry some cash**: While mobile payments dominate, a few vendors or electric carts may only accept cash—keep a few hundred yuan handy. ‼️ - **Wear comfy shoes**: The island’s slopes and stairs demand sturdy, non-slip footwear—skip heels. ‼️ 🚉 **Transport Guide** - **External transit**: From **Xiamen Gaoqi/Xiang'an International Airport**, take airport buses, taxis, or metro to the cruise center. Trains arrive at **Xiamen/Xiamen North Station**, with multiple transfers to the pier. - **Internal transit**: Cars are banned on Gulangyu—explore on foot or via hop-on electric carts (section-based fares). 😇 ✅ **Must-Do Experiences**: - **Historic buildings**: Visit **Bagua Lou (Red Dome Organ Museum)** and **Haitian Tanggou Villas (No. 38 Fujian Road)**, a blend of Chinese-Western architecture. - **Sunlight Rock summit**: Gulangyu’s highest point offers panoramic views and the **Koxinga Museum**. 🥰 - **Shuzhuang Garden stroll**: A seaside Chinese garden with the **44 Bridge** and **Piano Museum**, harmonizing landscapes with ocean views. - **Instagram spots**: **"Most Beautiful Turn" (59 Sanming Road**, featured in *The First Time*) and **Jay Chou’s "Sunny" Wall** for nostalgic photos. 😄😄 - **Beach bliss**: **Dadaji Bathing Beach** (rocky backdrops with Twin Towers) and **Gangzaihou Bathing Beach** (gentle sands, clear waters). 🥳🥳 - **Local bites**: At **Longtou Road**, try **shacha noodles, Ye’s glutinous rice balls, fish balls, and oyster omelets**. [Helpless][Like] 🏨 **Hotels** - **Luxury**: **Gulangyu Huangyan 36 Hotel** (tropical elegance, SLH member 🤩); **Linshi Mansion Hotel** (18th-century Western villas, No. 11-19 Lujiao Road). 😁 - **Family-friendly**: **Gulangyu Villa Hotel** (cozy themed rooms); **Bear Paw Hotel** (thoughtful kid-centric amenities). 😘 - **Seaview**: **Yuhai Seaview Villas** (oceanfront walks); **Linggan 1919 Seaview Villas** (breezy relaxation). 💰 **Estimated Costs** - **Transport**: Round-trip ferry ¥35/person. 🤩 - **Tickets**: Core attractions combo ¥95; **Underwater World** prices vary. - **Food**: Snacks ¥50–100; casual meals ¥100–200; upscale dining ¥300+. - **Lodging**: B&Bs ¥200–500; star hotels ¥500+; luxury ¥1,000+. Total for 2–3 days: **¥1,500–3,000/person**.