Not visiting Gulangyu is like not visiting Xiamen at all.

[TakeOff] Xiamen Gulangyu Travel Guide: The Right Way to Explore the Artistic Island [Cute][Cute] Gulangyu is the most famous island attraction in Xiamen, known as the "Garden on the Sea." It attracts countless visitors with its European-style architecture, piano culture, slow pace of life, and beautiful coastline. Here is a detailed travel guide to Gulangyu to help you plan your trip easily! --- 1. Overview of Gulangyu - Location: Siming District, Xiamen City, just a 5-minute ferry ride from Xiamen Island. - Features: International architecture, Piano Island, car-free island, artistic and fresh atmosphere. - Recommended visit duration: 1 day (stay 1 night for an in-depth experience). - Best seasons: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November), to avoid summer heat and typhoon season. --- 2. How to Get to the Island? 1. Ticket Purchase - Online purchase: Buy in advance on the "Xiamen Ferry Co., Ltd." official website or the "Xiamen Ferry" WeChat public account (tickets are in high demand during peak season). - Ferry terminals: - Xiamen Cruise Center Xiagong Terminal (main departure point for tourists, to Gulangyu Sanqiutian/Neicuo'ao terminals). - Xiamen Ferry Terminal (near Zhongshan Road): only for night sailings (after 18:00) or local residents. - Ticket prices: - Regular ferry: 35 RMB (round trip, recommended Sanqiutian Terminal, close to the core area). - Luxury ferry: 50 RMB (more comfortable). 2. Notes - Arrive at the terminal 30 minutes early, ID card required for security check. - No need to buy a return ticket separately; valid for 20 days and can return from any terminal to Xiamen Island. - Gulangyu limits visitor flow; be sure to book tickets in advance during peak seasons (May Day, National Day)! --- 3. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Classic Check-in Spots - Shuzhuang Garden (30 RMB): seaside garden with a piano museum inside, excellent sea views. - Sunlight Rock (50 RMB): the highest point on Gulangyu, overlooking the whole island and Xiamen city (recommended to visit in the morning to avoid crowds). - Haoyue Garden (10 RMB): site of the Zheng Chenggong statue, beautiful seaside scenery. - Organ Museum (15 RMB): the world's largest organ collection, a must-visit for music lovers. 2. Artistic Alleys & Old Buildings - Most Beautiful Corner (near Sanqiutian Terminal): popular photo spot, filming location of the movie "The First Time." - Longtou Road: the busiest commercial street on Gulangyu, concentrated with snacks and creative shops. - Bishan Cave & Gulangyu Old Villas: perfect for strolling and experiencing history and artistic vibes. 3. Free and Lesser-Known Spots - Gulangyu Beach (Gangzaihou Seaside Bathing Beach): quiet and clean, great for daydreaming and watching sunsets. - Xiehe Chapel: a century-old church, ideal for wedding photos. - Gulangyu Concert Hall: occasionally hosts free concerts. --- 4. Recommended Itineraries One-day tour (efficient check-in version) 1. Morning: Sanqiutian Terminal → Most Beautiful Corner → Organ Museum → Longtou Road snacks. 2. Noon: Shuzhuang Garden → Piano Museum → Gangzaihou Beach. 3. Afternoon: Sunlight Rock (climb to the top for panoramic views) → Haoyue Garden (Zheng Chenggong statue) → Return trip. Two-day tour (in-depth experience version) Day 1: Explore old buildings (Haitiantang, Huang Rongyuantang) + alley stroll + night tour of Gulangyu. Day 2: Sunrise at Sunlight Rock → beach relaxation → buy souvenirs before leaving the island. --- 5. Food Recommendations 1. Gulangyu Specialty Snacks - Ye’s Mochi (Longtou Road): handmade, soft, glutinous, and sweet. - Shen’s Minnan Rice Noodle Rolls: recommended by locals, unique sauce. - Lin’s Fish Balls: chewy and fresh, a must-try! - Zhang Sanfeng Milk Tea: popular shop, great for photos. 2. Xiamen Specialty Restaurants (on the island) - Bajie Seafood Market (Xiamen Island): fresh catch cooked on the spot, affordable prices. - Shapowei Shelter: a gathering place for artistic restaurants, recommended "Liangfang" and "Wild Strawberry Free Market." 6. Accommodation Suggestions - Gulangyu Guesthouses: suitable for visitors wanting to experience the island nightlife (recommended "Lijiazhuang" and "Nana Coast Inn"). - Xiamen Island Hotels🏨: near Zhongshan Road or Zengcuoan, convenient transportation (e.g., "Xiamen Ruiyi Hotel"). 7. Notes 1. Wear comfortable shoes👟 as Gulangyu is best explored on foot with many stone paths. 2. Sun protection and mosquito repellent: strong UV in summer, bring mosquito repellent. 3. Avoid holidays: National Day, May Day, and other holidays see huge crowds. 4. Spend wisely: prices on the island are relatively high; try snacks but have big meals back on Xiamen Island. --- Nearby Extended Tours - Xiamen Island attractions: Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen University, Zengcuoan, Huandao Road cycling. - Tulou Day Trip: Fujian Yongding or Nanjing Tulou (requires group tour or private car). --- Gulangyu is an island perfect for slow travel. Relax, stroll through old alleys, listen to piano music, and feel the romance of the "Garden on the Sea"! 🎶🌊