Things to Do at Gulangyu Island

Complete Guide to travel to Gulangyu Island in Xiamen

About Gulangyu Island

travel to Gulangyu Island, also known as Piano Island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just off the coast of Xiamen in Fujian Province, China. This car-free island is renowned for its unique blend of Chinese and international architectural styles, reflecting its history as an international settlement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The island covers only 1.88 square kilometers but packs an incredible diversity of colonial buildings, gardens, and cultural attractions that showcase the harmonious fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. The island earned its nickname 'Piano Island' due to its rich musical heritage and the highest per capita ownership of pianos in China. Walking through its winding stone paths, visitors are often serenaded by piano melodies drifting from residential buildings and music schools. The island's peaceful atmosphere, combined with its well-preserved historical architecture and lush tropical vegetation, creates a romantic and nostalgic ambiance that has made it one of China's most beloved tourist destinations.

What to See & Do

Sunlight Rock (Riguangyan)

The highest point on the island at 92.7 meters, offering panoramic views of Xiamen city, the Taiwan Strait, and surrounding islands. The rock formation features inscribed poems and calligraphy from famous historical figures.

Piano Museum

Houses over 100 antique pianos from around the world, including rare models from the 19th century. The museum showcases the island's musical heritage and offers insight into piano history and craftsmanship.

Shuzhuang Garden

A beautiful seaside garden built in 1913, featuring traditional Chinese landscaping with pavilions, bridges, and rock formations that seamlessly blend with the natural coastline and ocean views.

International Architecture Exhibition

A walking tour through the island's streets reveals over 1,000 well-preserved buildings representing various architectural styles including Victorian, Art Deco, Colonial, and traditional Chinese designs.

Gulangyu Organ Museum

The only organ museum in China, displaying a collection of pipe organs from different countries and periods, including the largest pipe organ in Asia with over 5,000 pipes.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Island access: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (winter), 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM (summer). Individual attractions have varying hours, typically 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tickets & Pricing

Ferry ticket: ¥50 (from Xiamen International Cruise Terminal). Attraction combo tickets available: ¥100 for 5 main sites. Individual site tickets: ¥15-60 each. Advance booking required online

Best Time to Visit

October to December and March to May offer the most pleasant weather. Avoid Chinese national holidays due to crowds. Early morning or late afternoon visits provide the best lighting and fewer tourists

Suggested Duration

Full day (6-8 hours) recommended to explore main attractions leisurely. Minimum half-day (4 hours) for key highlights

Getting There

Access to travel to Gulangyu Island is exclusively by ferry from Xiamen. Take the ferry from Xiamen International Cruise Terminal (Dongdu Terminal) located on Xiamen Island. The ferry ride takes approximately 20 minutes and offers scenic views of Xiamen's skyline. Advance online booking is mandatory through the official WeChat platform or authorized travel agencies. Ferries depart every 20-30 minutes during operating hours. From Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, take a taxi (30 minutes) or bus to reach the ferry terminal. The island is completely pedestrian-only, making it a peaceful walking destination.

Things to Do Nearby

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One of China's most beautiful university campuses, featuring traditional Chinese architecture, lotus ponds, and the famous Furong Lake tunnel

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A famous Buddhist temple complex dating back over 1,000 years, located at the foot of Wulao Mountain with intricate architecture and peaceful gardens

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Historic shopping street featuring colonial architecture, local snacks, souvenirs, and traditional Minnan-style buildings

Xiamen Botanical Garden
Expansive garden featuring diverse plant collections, including a famous cactus garden, rainforest section, and scenic mountain trails

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Scenic coastal road perfect for cycling or walking, offering beautiful ocean views, beaches, and modern sculptures along Xiamen's coastline

Tips & Advice

Book ferry tickets in advance online as same-day tickets are rarely available, especially during peak seasons and weekends

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the island has many hills, stone steps, and uneven pathways throughout its attractions

Bring sun protection and water as there's limited shade on some parts of the island, particularly around Sunlight Rock

Try local Gulangyu specialties like fish balls, peanut soup, and coconut cake from street vendors and traditional shops

Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best photography lighting and to avoid the largest tour groups

Download offline maps or take photos of island maps as mobile signal can be weak in some areas

Respect the residential areas and keep noise levels down as many locals still live on the island

Allow extra time for ferry queues during departure, especially on weekends and holidays when return ferries can be crowded