Xiamen Gulangyu Tourism

Welcome to the Gulangyu Island

  • Are Tickets for Gulangyu Island Easy to Buy?

    Gulangyu Island, a renowned tourist destination in Xiamen, attractstourists from all over the world with its unique blend of Victorian, traditional Chinese, and colonial architecture, as well as its beautiful beaches and lush gardens.Every year, millions of visitors flock to this idyllic island to take in its breathtaking views, explore its charming streets, and soak up its rich cultural heritage. However, one question that often arises is whether the tickets for Gulangyu Island are easy to buy.

    The answer to this question is not straightforward, as several factors come into play. Firstly, it is essential to understand that the tickets for Gulangyu Island are subject to strict real-name registration management. This means that tourists must provide valid identification documents when purchasing tickets, and the tickets cannot be changed or refunded once purchased. Therefore, tourists need to ensure that they can board the ferry at the designated time and place.

    In terms of ticket prices, they are relatively transparent. The round-trip ticket price for ordinary tourists is 35 yuan, while military disabled ticket holders and children between 1.2-1.5 meters tall can enjoy a half-price discount. This clear pricing mechanism helps tourists plan their trips more effectively.

    However, the ease of purchasing tickets can vary depending on the time of year. During peak tourist seasons, such as national holidays and summer vacation, the demand for tickets increases significantly, leading to a shortage of tickets. In these cases, tourists may find it challenging to purchase tickets, especially if they do not plan in advance.

    To purchase tickets, tourists can choose from various channels, including the official website, WeChat public account, and ferry terminal ticket office. The official website and WeChat public account offer advance booking services, allowing tourists to reserve their tickets in advance. This is particularly useful during peak seasons when tickets sell out quickly. Tourists can also purchase tickets on the spot at the ferry terminal ticket office, but this method carries the risk of not being able to board the ferry if tickets are sold out.

    To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended that tourists plan their trips in advance and purchase tickets as early as possible, especially during peak seasons. Additionally, tourists should keep their identification documents handy when purchasing tickets and boarding the ferry to avoid any last-minute complications.

    In conclusion, while the process of purchasing tickets for Gulangyu Island may seem complex, with careful planning and preparation, tourists can easily secure their tickets and embark on a memorable journey to this enchanting island.

  • Gulangyu Cuisine Guide

    1. Fish balls

    There are countless fish ball shops on the island, and the Gulangyu fish ball shop on Longtou Road is the best. Q is strong, the filling is good, maybe because of my first lunch, I shook my head and praised it. Another leading fish ball shop is said to have appeared on CCTV, with a large number of customers, but the taste is different from the previous one. The fish balls are relatively loose, slightly salty, but fresher, and are highly sought after by their own fans.

    1. BBC Private Pancake

    First, let me give you a heartwarming full score. I dare not be interested in the pies in state-owned stores. Anyone who sees a surge of tourists will not taste too good. This cake is made by the parents themselves. They stir fry the filling one day in advance and make the cake the next day. It is made and sold on the spot, with various fillings available in limited quantities for one yuan each. I tried black bean paste, meat filling, and pumpkin, all of which are worth eating again. Similarly, BBC’s special French fries are paired with spaghetti sauce, and latte is also good. A hot drink called Maserati combines the flavors of milk tea and ginger tea, priced at 22 yuan per cup. (BBC: 143 Longtou Road)

    1. Ye’s sesame cake

    The only shop on the island that is allowed by the government to set up a temporary stall is the Ma Ci, which was passed down from the father of the Ye family. Now it’s the son of the Ye family who stands guard every evening and sells it at a price of 1 yuan each. It’s a bit like Shanghai’s Double Brewing Dumplings, but the inside is wrapped in peanut kernels, the outside is sesame powder, and the middle dumpling is very soft. The business keeps going every day. (Ye’s mochi: located in the center of Longtou Commercial Street, near Xinhua Bookstore)

    1. Noodle paste

    The food of the working masses is rice noodle soup with pepper powder, which is a bit sticky. There is duck blood in it, which is just so so. You can also choose refueling sticks and Soy egg. It costs 3 yuan per bowl. (No. 198 Longtou Road)

    5.Hai Li Jian

      Just like the oil pillars in Shanghai, which are relatively large and wrapped in flour.

    1. Xiamen Gulangyu, Riguangyan, mudflat, sailing for 3 days and 2 nights

      Day 1: Meal: Self care Accommodation: Xiamen

      Pick up at Xiamen Airport or Xiamen Station and check into the hotel. (Reminder: If Xiamen North Station or pick-up exceeds 23:00, an additional fee of 15 yuan per person will be charged.)

      As long as you walk out of the hotel, you can go to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, a bustling and bustling commercial street in Xiamen, where you can taste the local specialties of Xiamen, such as Sea worm jelly jelly, peanut soup, burning immortal grass, burning meat dumplings, sand tea noodles, and so on.

      Day 2: Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Xiamen

      08:00 Xiamen Siming District/Huli District Hotel free pick-up, take a bus to the dock to meet and take a boat.

      At 09:00, take a boat to transition to the national 5A level tourist attraction, Gulangyu Island, which enjoys the reputation of “Garden on the Sea and Hometown of Music” (approximately 20 minutes by boat)

      Visit the “US Consulate” and “Internet Celebrity Corner” check-in sites along the International Architecture Expo Line at 09:30. Appearance: HSBC Bank, Sanhe Palace Cliff Carvings, Octagonal Tower, Organ Museum, Color Viewing Tower, Huishen Hall (white corner internet famous check-in spot), Fanpo Tower, Sany Hall, Huang Cimin Villa, Shiluo Dacuo, Mayohan Guangchang, Minnan Holy Book Company Site, Catholic Church, Huang Rongyuan Hall, Concord Chapel, Japanese Consulate. Experience the architectural atmosphere of Gulangyu Island and listen to the stories behind each building.

      12: Go to Longtou Road at 00 to enjoy a delicious lunch and taste local cuisine. Please take care of yourself!

      13: Enjoy the coastal scenery along Lujiao Road, and across the coast are the Zhongshan Road, Twin Towers, Yanwu Bridge, Xiamen University, and other attractions in the city. Appearance [Haoyue Garden] Zheng Chenggong statue, iconic internet celebrity check-in on Gulangyu Island. Yuyuan was built in memory of Dr. Lin Qiaozhi, a Chinese obstetrics and gynecology expert. Appearance: British Consulate.

      14: 00 [Shuzhuang Garden] was originally a private garden owned by Taiwanese wealthy businessman Lin Erjia. The garden features multiple attractions, facing the sea and backed by Sunshine Rock. You will find that you have never seen the sea along the way. When you turn out of the Moon Cave Gate, suddenly “the sea is wide and the sky is wide”, and the sea rushes towards you. This technique of hiding first and then revealing it will make you particularly surprised.

      14: The swimming pool has a gentle beach with fine sand and shallow water. The sea area is wide and clean, and the shore is surrounded by dense forests with excellent conditions. Not only are there many swimmers in summer, but there are also many swimmers in winter. Children/couples can play and stroll here.

      15: As the saying goes, ‘If you don’t climb Sunrise Rock, you won’t be in Xiamen.’. Ri Guang Yan is the leading scenic spot on Gulangyu Island. Ri Guang Yan is composed of two giant stones standing against each other, one vertically and one horizontally, and becomes the peak of Long Tou Shan. Standing at the peak, you can see the scenery of the entire island.

      16: 40 [Free Activities] Gulangyu Island is also a romantic place, with beautiful scenery and delicious food everywhere. There is an internet famous snack street here, where the sticky aroma of Shen Family Intestine Noodles fills the air, and the chewy and energetic Q&D of Lin’s Fish Balls, etc. You can easily stroll and enjoy the food and scenery here to your heart’s content!

      17: The tour of the 40 Sea Garden is coming to an end. Gather by boat and disembark from the island, enjoying the world’s closest cross sea martial arts bridge to sea level, as well as the beach near the coastline (Xiamen University Baicheng), the roundabout road, and more. The night scenery along the way is breathtaking, ending a pleasant day’s journey.

      Day 3: Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Accommodation: Xiamen

      Pick up and depart from various hotels in the urban area of Xiamen Island;

      In the morning, follow the coach to set out from a small fishing village in Xiamen. There are endless mudflat, curved fishing boats, and oyster fields lined up. Fishermen live here; Put on the fishing boots, put on the hat, put on the fishing basket, wear gloves, and hold the shovel to rush to the mudflat;

      Listen to the coach’s science popularization, across from the Kinmen Islands;

      Directly hitting the wild clams grazed by fishermen at sea with the naked eye;

      Next, go to ‘Fencing Fishing’ and experience the fishing methods that fishermen have been using for thousands of years;

      As the tide recedes, various types of marine products remain in the fishing nets, including crabs, fish, monsters, and shrimp;

      Everyone has a chance to catch their eye, keep an eye on the seafood, take action in advance, carry the harvest to the restaurant for free processing and enjoying seafood meals;

      The original seafood meal has been upgraded to a seafood big pot

      A combination of live seafood such as shells, fresh shrimp, sea bass, squid flowers, crabs, etc.

      Don’t make a dead seafood big pot.

      Add three additional side dishes to satisfy your ocean taste buds, with unlimited rice. And the restaurant has also been upgraded to a ‘sea view restaurant’ with a panoramic view of the sea, making the dining environment more comfortable.

      Go to the dock and follow the tide as it rises and falls. Drop the ‘ground cage’, send the rope, make your own sign, and wait for the sea crab to follow the secret bait. The sea crab crawls in, but there is no way back. Wait for the sea cargo and return with a happy mood after receiving the cage.

      Schedule [Sailing Out], shake off all worries, fatigue, and confusion in the vast sea that accommodates hundreds of rivers, and shake them off in the long white waves behind the sailboat. The beautiful and charming scenery of Wuyuan Bay, the blue paradise where the sea and sky blend together, and the passion and charm of water sports experienced firsthand by raising and pulling sails. The route passes through the White Dolphin Conservation Area, and if you are lucky enough, you can also catch a glimpse of the white dolphins. After the flight experience lasts about 1 hour, return to the hotel.

    2. 2-day Pure Play Tour of Gulangyu Island, Riguangyan, Yunshui Yaotulou

      first day:

      08:00 Xiamen Siming District/Huli District Hotel free pick-up, take a bus to the dock to meet and take a boat.

      At 09:00, take a boat to transition to the national 5A level tourist attraction, Gulangyu Island, which enjoys the reputation of “Garden on the Sea and Hometown of Music” (approximately 20 minutes by boat)

      Visit the “US Consulate” and “Internet Celebrity Corner” check-in sites along the International Architecture Expo Line at 09:30. Appearance: HSBC Bank, Sanhe Palace Cliff Carvings, Octagonal Tower, Organ Museum, Color Viewing Tower, Huishen Hall (white corner internet famous check-in spot), Fanpo Tower, Sany Hall, Huang Cimin Villa, Shiluo Dacuo, Mayohan Guangchang, Minnan Holy Book Company Site, Catholic Church, Huang Rongyuan Hall, Concord Chapel, Japanese Consulate. Experience the architectural atmosphere of Gulangyu Island and listen to the stories behind each building.

      12: Go to Longtou Road at 00 to enjoy a delicious lunch and taste local cuisine. Please take care of yourself!

      13: Enjoy the coastal scenery along Lujiao Road, and across the coast are the Zhongshan Road, Twin Towers, Yanwu Bridge, Xiamen University, and other attractions in the city. Appearance [Haoyue Garden] Zheng Chenggong statue, iconic internet celebrity check-in on Gulangyu Island. Yuyuan was built in memory of Dr. Lin Qiaozhi, a Chinese obstetrics and gynecology expert. Appearance: British Consulate.

      14: 00 [Shuzhuang Garden] was originally a private garden owned by Taiwanese wealthy businessman Lin Erjia. The garden features multiple attractions, facing the sea and backed by Sunshine Rock. You will find that you have never seen the sea along the way. When you turn out of the Moon Cave Gate, suddenly “the sea is wide and the sky is wide”, and the sea rushes towards you. This technique of hiding first and then revealing it will make you particularly surprised.

      14: The swimming pool has a gentle beach with fine sand and shallow water. The sea area is wide and clean, and the shore is surrounded by dense forests with excellent conditions. Not only are there many swimmers in summer, but there are also many swimmers in winter. Children/couples can play and stroll here.

      15: As the saying goes, ‘If you don’t climb Sunrise Rock, you won’t be in Xiamen.’. Ri Guang Yan is the leading scenic spot on Gulangyu Island. Ri Guang Yan is composed of two giant stones standing against each other, one vertically and one horizontally, and becomes the peak of Long Tou Shan. Standing at the peak, you can see the scenery of the entire island.

      16: 40 [Free Activities] Gulangyu Island is also a romantic place, with beautiful scenery and delicious food everywhere. There is an internet famous snack street here, where the sticky aroma of Shen Family Intestine Noodles fills the air, and the chewy and energetic Q&D of Lin’s Fish Balls, etc. You can easily stroll and enjoy the food and scenery here to your heart’s content!

      17: The tour of the 40 Sea Garden is coming to an end. Gather by boat and disembark from the island, enjoying the world’s closest cross sea martial arts bridge to sea level, as well as the beach near the coastline (Xiamen University Baicheng), the roundabout road, and more. The night scenery along the way is breathtaking, ending a pleasant day’s journey.

      the second day:

      Departing at 07:50, take a tourist air-conditioned bus across Haicang Bridge and head to Zhangzhou Niuqitou Nankeng Shuyang Town before heading to Nanjing Tulou Scenic Area.

      (The journey to Tulou is relatively long, and a rest stop will be arranged during the round-trip. Along the way, you will pass by a service station to rest or use the restroom for about 10 minutes. If you do not use the restroom, you can stay in the car or get off to take a walk and absorb fresh air. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.)

      11: Lunch upon arrival at 20- Tulou farmhouse style meal

      12: After lunch, the first stop is Hegui Building, one of the key national cultural relics protection sites, the Earthen Building in Fujian Province “World Heritage Declaration Site”, which was built in the 10th year of Yongzheng in the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of 1547 square meters, it is the highest Tulou in Nanjing. This earthen building was built on a swamp, using over 200 pine trees for piling and paving. The entire building is like a large ship anchored on the swamp, and although it has been standing firm and stable for more than 200 years, it remains well preserved.

      12: The second stop of the 40 foot tour is Yunshuiyao Ancient Town – Yunshuiyao Ancient Town is an ancient village with a long history. The scenery here is beautiful, and the ancient path is built along the river. Looking at it, you can see the beautiful and graceful ancient banyan trees. This place is also the filming base for the movies “Yunshuiyao”, “Lu Binghua”, and “Often Returning Home”. We stayed at this scenic spot for about half an hour for sightseeing! Experience the real-life filming of the movie – feel the transcendent feeling brought to us by the millennium cloud and water rumors. Listen to the legendary stories of cloud and water rumors

      13: The third stop of the tour is Huaiyuan Tower, built in the first year of the Xuantong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1909). It faces north and south, covers an area of 1384.7 square meters, has 4 floors, and is 14.5 meters high. It is the most exquisite and well protected double ring circular earthen tower in terms of architectural craftsmanship. The most eye-catching feature of Huaiyuan Tower is the ancestral hall located at the core of the inner courtyard, which is also the place where family children study, known as the “Si Shi Room”. The “Si Shi Room” is a delicate and delicate “four frames and three rooms” upper and lower hall building, covering an area of 190 square meters. The indoor carved beams and painted rafters are simple and natural, with horizontal tablets on couplets and thick scroll.

      14: Gather at the parking lot of the 30 Shuyang Town Scenic Area Service Center and take a tourist bus back to Xiamen

      18: Arrived in Xiamen at 00, ending a pleasant journey.

    3. One-Day Guide to Gulangyu Island

      Gulangyu Island, a beautiful isle in Xiamen, is a perfect destination for a one-day trip. Start your journey by taking a ferry from Xiamen city center, which offers a scenic 20-minute ride. Upon arrival, head to the Sunlight Rock, the highest point on the island, for breathtaking views of Xiamen and the sea.

      Next, explore the Shuzhuang Garden, a lovely blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, and the Piano Museum, home to a collection of antique pianos that will delight music lovers. For lunch, stroll through the snack street and try local delicacies like fish balls, seaweed noodles, and oyster omelets.

      In the afternoon, wander around the island’s charming streets, visit the Wind Organ Museum, and enjoy street performances. Towards the evening, relax on the beach or return to the Sunlight Rock to watch the sunset.

      Remember to carry your ID card, as it’s needed for boarding. Enjoy your day on this beautiful “Garden on the Sea”!

    4. Foreign tourists on Gulangyu Island has increased by 71%

      In recent days, the introduction of the 240 – hour visa – free policy has had a remarkable impact on Xiamen, especially on Gulangyu Island.

      Gulangyu is a world – renowned destination known for its beautiful architecture, rich cultural heritage, and unique charm. Before the implementation of the extended visa – free policy, although it already attracted some foreign tourists, the number was relatively limited. However, with the policy in place, things have changed significantly.

      The 240 – hour visa – free policy allows foreign tourists from 54 countries to stay in the relevant areas for up to 10 days without the hassle of visa application. This long – enough stay period gives tourists the freedom to fully explore Gulangyu. They can leisurely stroll along the small alleys, admire the colonial – style buildings, visit museums, and listen to the melodious Nanyin.

      As a result, the number of foreign tourists on Gulangyu has increased substantially. In particular, the daily average growth rate of foreign tourists has reached an astonishing 71%. This growth not only brings more economic benefits to the local tourism industry but also promotes cultural exchanges. Local hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops are all benefiting from this boom. More and more international visitors are eager to taste local delicacies such as seafood and Shacha noodles, and buy handicrafts as souvenirs.

      The local government and tourism departments also play an important role. They have increased the promotion of Gulangyu overseas, highlighting its unique tourist attractions under the visa – free policy. At the same time, they are also constantly improving the service quality for foreign tourists, such as providing multi – language guides and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of tourist areas.

      Moreover, this policy also encourages more foreign tourists to come to Gulangyu for non – tourism – related activities. Some may come for business meetings related to cultural exchanges or international cooperation projects.

      In conclusion, the 240 – hour visa – free policy has become a powerful driving force for the development of Gulangyu’s tourism industry. It has not only increased the number of foreign tourists but also enhanced the international influence of Gulangyu, making it more and more prominent on the global tourism map. It is expected that in the future, with the continuous improvement of related policies and services, Gulangyu will welcome more and more foreign friends.

    5. The Sanchuitian Wharf in Xiamen’s Gulangyu Island has resumed navigation

      The Sanchuitian Wharf in Xiamen’s Gulangyu Island has resumed full operations starting December 31, 2024. This renovation project, significantly enhancing the wharf’s operational capacity, was undertaken by China Communications Construction Guangzhou Dredging Co., Ltd. The existing facilities were outdated and unable to meet the growing tourist demand, leading to overcrowded waiting areas and long queues. The project aimed to improve the berthing capacity and overall waiting environment, optimizing the visitor experience.

      Despite challenges such as tight schedules, complex procedures, limited construction space, and high safety and environmental standards, the project team optimized construction plans and utilized satellite positioning and remote monitoring systems to ensure safety and progress. A technical team developed a new concrete preparation and construction technique for the offshore wharf, addressing material transportation issues and maintaining concrete quality throughout the process.

      The renovated wharf now features a new 90-meter-long pontoon, 1.5 times the length of the original, making it the largest on Gulangyu. The total berth length has been extended to 118 meters, increasing passenger throughput from 11.14 million to approximately 16 million visitors annually. This upgrade significantly boosts the wharf’s capacity and efficiency, enhancing Gulangyu’s transportation capabilities and tourism quality.