Xiamen Travel | 2026 Gulangyu Island Visitor’s Guide

Xiamen Travel | Guide to Buying Gulangyu Ferry Tickets

For first-time visitors to Gulangyu Island, here’s how to purchase ferry tickets.
While landing on the island is free, you must book round-trip ferry tickets in advance. The only official booking channels are the “Yu Jian Xiamen” WeChat/Alipay mini-program, or the official “Gulangyu Kulangsu” mini-program (which supports an English interface).

• Daytime Departure Point: We recommend departing from Dongdu Passenger Terminal (Address: No. 2 Donggang Road, Huli District, Xiamen).
• Nighttime Departure Point: Xiamen Ferry Terminal operates for nighttime services (5:50 PM – 6:30 AM) (Address: No. 15 Lujiang Road, Siming District, Xiamen).

Xiamen Travel | The Ultimate Gulangyu Citywalk Route

✅ Must-Visit Spots on the Gulangyu Citywalk Route

1. Bagua Building (Octagonal Building): An iconic landmark on Gulangyu, housing the Gulangyu Organ Museum. Free visits can be booked in advance.
2. The Most Beautiful Corner (No. 56 Anhai Road): The most famous (corner) on the island. Sunlight filtering through creates beautiful shadows – a personal favorite spot for great photos.
3. Sunlight Rock: The highest point on Gulangyu and a core attraction. Offers a panoramic view of the entire island and the Xiamen waterfront. Ticket: 50 RMB/person.
4. Shuzhuang Garden: A private garden built by Lin Erjia, a wealthy(gentleman). Nestled against the hill and by the sea, it’s often called the “Suzhou-style garden by the sea.” Ticket: 30 RMB/person.
5. Dadeji Beach: An excellent spot for photos with Xiamen’s landmark, the Twin Towers, in the background.
6. Catholic Church: Originally the Spanish and French consulates. This Gothic-style building is a popular location for wedding photos – great for capturing stunning shots with the architecture.

Xiamen Travel | Gulangyu Food Guide

Stick to time-honored local snacks. Must-tries include: Ye’s Mochi (glutinous rice dessert), Lin’s Fish Balls, Huang Sheng Ji Dried Meat, and Shen Jia Suzhou-style Rice Noodles.
Avoid seafood stalls soliciting customers near the main scenic spots and overpriced网红 (internet-famous) shops. If you crave seafood, head back to Xiamen Island and visit the Bashi (Eighth) Seafood Market for a better experience.

Xiamen Travel | Other Important Tips for Gulangyu

1. Must Bring Your Passport: You can use your passport to swipe through the gates directly; no need to exchange for a paper ticket.
2. Sun & Temperature Protection: The UV rays are strong by the seaside, so be sure to bring sunscreen. There can be a significant temperature difference between morning and evening, so packing a light jacket is advisable.
3. Payments: International credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, etc.) are accepted at many places. However, some smaller shops may only take cash, so it’s a good idea to have some small denomination RMB on hand.
4. Tourist Information: Multilingual volunteer services (English, Japanese, French, etc.) are available at the ferry terminals if you need assistance or information.