Artistic Island | Sea Garden | The blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles intertwined with refreshing piano melodies

Gulangyu Travel Guide: Strolling through the Artistry and Vibrancy of the Sea Garden Gulangyu, the "Sea Garden" facing Xiamen Island across the sea, hides a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, refreshing piano melodies, and the intertwined flavors of everyday life. This guide helps you avoid crowds and precisely capture the essence of the island. 1. Essentials Before the Trip: Transportation and Tickets Transportation Guide - Ferry Ticket Purchase: Visitors must take a ferry from Xiamen International Cruise Center (Xiagu Pier). Round-trip tickets cost 35 RMB and can be purchased up to 10 days in advance via the "Yu Jian Xiamen" mini-program. Tickets for popular times are limited, so early booking is recommended. - Choice of Boarding and Disembarking Piers: - Sanqiutian Pier: Close to Longtou Road shopping district and main attractions, suitable for day-trippers. - Neicuo'ao Pier: Less crowded, near niche attractions, ideal for deep exploration or overnight stays. - Night Return: After 8:00 PM, you can return from Piano Pier to Xiamen Ferry Terminal by scanning your ID card. - Island Transportation: No motor vehicles on the island; walking is the main way to explore. Comfortable sports shoes are recommended (about 15,000 steps daily). If in a hurry, sightseeing buses are available for 50 RMB per person on the island loop line, with a stop at Shuzhuang Garden. Ticket Guide - Core Combo Ticket (Recommended): 90 RMB includes Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, Haoyue Garden, Organ Museum, and International Engraving Museum. Saves over 30 RMB compared to buying separately and is valid for 7 days. - Special Combo Ticket: 120 RMB includes the core combo ticket plus the Palace Museum Gulangyu Foreign Artifacts Museum, perfect for culture lovers. - Free Attractions: Most Beautiful Corner, Haitiantang (free puppet shows/Nanyin performances before 4:30 PM), Zheng Chenggong Memorial Hall (closed on Mondays), Bishan Park, etc. - Discounts: Seniors over 60, teachers (on Teacher’s Day), and others with valid ID enjoy discounts. Gulangyu residents have free admission on Tuesdays. 2. Itinerary Planning: 1-Day Highlights and 2-Day In-Depth 1-Day Highlights (Core Check-ins) 1. Early Morning Arrival: Take the 7:30 AM ferry to Sanqiutian Pier, head straight to the Most Beautiful Corner (3-minute walk) to avoid tour groups and capture atmospheric photos. 2. Morning Sightseeing: Climb Sunlight Rock (arrive before 7:00 AM to avoid crowds) for panoramic views of the island and Xiamen city; then visit the Organ Museum to listen to the hourly pipe organ performance. 3. Lunch Time: Eat at the long-established Lin Ji Fish Ball shop on Longtou Road, enjoying shark fish ball soup paired with Ye’s Ma Ci from a street vendor (sold daily from 8 AM, glutinous rice wrapped with peanuts and sesame). 4. Afternoon Stroll: Visit Shuzhuang Garden to see the blend of Jiangnan garden style and sea views, listen to scheduled piano performances at the Piano Museum; walk to Haoyue Garden and take photos with the twin towers beside the Zheng Chenggong statue. 5. Evening Leisure: Stroll along Gangzaihou Beach to watch the sunset; at night, explore Longtou Road Night Market, trying Shen’s Minnan rice rolls and Xiao Ma Ge’s cheese potatoes. 2-Day In-Depth (Explore the Hidden Gems) - Day 1: Culture and Sunset Arrive at Neicuo'ao Pier → Buy freshly baked coconut cakes at Jinlan Bakery → Visit the Palace Museum Gulangyu Foreign Artifacts Museum to see Ming and Qing dynasty court artifacts → View the sea from the French-style Guan Hai Villa → Watch the twin towers sunset at Dadeji Bathing Beach → Stay at a guesthouse on Neicuo'ao Road. - Day 2: Alleys and Local Life Explore abandoned villas at Bishan Park (ruin aesthetics) → Discover old alley charm on Jishan Road → Relax at Meihua Beach (a local secret with clear water and fine sand) → Visit Yangjiayuan to see Minnan and Nanyang style architecture → Return from Neicuo'ao Pier. 3. Must-Try Foods: Time-Honored Brands and Specialty Snacks - Classic Snacks: - Ye’s Ma Ci: San You Street on Longtou Road, limited daily, a must-try for glutinous rice lovers. - Lin Ji Fish Balls / Longtou Fish Balls: Chewy fish balls with sweet broth, about 15 RMB per serving. - Shen’s Minnan Rice Rolls: 12 RMB per serving, rich sauce. - Xiao Ma Ge Cheese Potatoes: Cheese pull, same flavor as Shilin Night Market. - Recommended Meals: - Lin Sixi: Representative Minnan cuisine, must-order satay hot pot, about 60 RMB per person. - Wenfeng Snack Shop: 30-year-old shop, classic vermicelli soup with fried dough sticks. 4. Accommodation Suggestions: From Luxury to Artistic - Luxury Experience: Yu Hai · Linhai Seaview Villa Hotel, next to Piano Pier, century-old building with a sea-view balcony. - Cost-Effective Choice: Yangtao Courtyard Fuxing Castle Guesthouse, near Sanqiutian Pier, European castle renovation with attentive service. - Artistic Favorite: Voice of Flowers · Garden Villa, century-old courtyard with Southeast Asian style, perfect for photos. - Pitfall Warning: Avoid staying near the piers (noisy). Choose guesthouses on Neicuo'ao Road or Bishan Road for quiet and character (200-400 RMB/night).