Xiamen Tours | Must-Visit Gulangyu Island at Least Once…

Gulangyu Island is situated at the mouth of the Jiulong River in Fujian Province, facing Xiamen Island across the Lukang Strait. Originally known as “Yuanshazhou,” it was called “Wulongyu” during the Southern Song Dynasty and renamed “Gulangyu” in the Ming Dynasty.

The island earned its name from a two-meter-high reef with a hollow cavity located on its southwestern beach. When the tide rises, waves relentlessly strike the reef, producing a sound resembling drumbeats. With its rich history and stunning scenery, Gulangyu has gained international acclaim as a comprehensive island-based cultural and tourist destination.

From the late Ming and early Qing dynasties to the post-Opium War era, when Xiamen became a treaty port, Gulangyu’s advantageous location, pleasant climate, and picturesque landscape attracted numerous foreign settlers and temporary residents. As a result, 90% of the island’s architecture today consists of residential buildings.

Over time, Gulangyu evolved from a traditional settlement into a historic international community characterized by the integration of diverse cultures. The island now preserves 931 historical buildings, gardens, natural landscapes, and historical road networks showcasing both local and international styles. These structures, varying in design and layout, reflect a harmonious blend of modern living concepts and traditional local culture.

Gulangyu enjoys a mild climate with abundant sunshine and favorable thermal conditions. Over 40% of the island is covered by green spaces, featuring a wide variety of trees, shrubs, vines, and ground cover plants, creating a vibrant and ecologically diverse environment.

Unique attractions such as Sunlight Rock, the Gulangyu Piano Museum, the Zheng Chenggong Memorial Hall, Bright Moon Garden, Yu Garden, Gulangyu Rock, and natural bathing beaches are either nestled against hills or built along the waterfront. Each site boasts distinct characteristics, drawing large numbers of visitors annually and infusing the island with dynamic vitality.