Understand

Gulangyu is a picturesque island with a population of around 15,000. What sets it apart is the absence of cars and motorcycles, creating a peaceful environment for visitors. The island is adorned with ex-colonial buildings and shops catering to tourists. While its scenery is delightful, the large influx of Chinese tourists, often arriving in large tour groups, can at times detract from the island's charm. Nevertheless, Gulangyu offers a pleasant and unique experience in China, making it ideal for a short stay.

Get in

To get to the other side of the harbor, hop on a quick, five-minute ferry ride. For just 35 yuan, you can get a return ticket. Hang on to your token—that's your ticket! They also have a cheaper 8-yuan option, but it's only available to locals since October 20th, 2014. If you're a tourist, you'll need to head to the new tourist wharf, which is about 20 minutes north. Don't worry, there's a bus (bus 51) that will take you there from the other side of the road where the local ferry terminal is. It'll cost you 35 yuan for the ferry ticket. Keep in mind, there are limited tourist tickets available each day. From 6pm to 6am, you can buy tourist tickets from the local ferry terminal, but only locals are allowed to board the ferry from there. Tourists will still need to pay 35 yuan and leave from the new North terminal, which tends to have thousands of people in line during the day. Yeah, it's a bit of a hassle, but these new rules were put in place because there were just too many people wanting to visit. Oh, and as tempting as it may be, please don't try to swim across the harbor. It's a busy stretch of water, and boats won't be expecting swimmers. The main ferry from Xiamen to Gulangyu stops running at midnight, but don't worry, there's a second ferry from the same terminal that runs every hour throughout the night. This one stops at a smaller terminal on Gulangyu. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also take a speedboat. They offer a thrilling, break-neck speed ride across the same route as the regular ferry. So take your pick!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Dim Sum - A collection of small bite-sized portions of various Chinese dishes, which can include dumplings, spring rolls, barbecued pork buns, and egg tarts. These are often served as a brunch or pre-lunch meal, accompanied by tea.

Peking Duck - A whole roasted duck that is a specialty of Beijing, known for its thin, crisp skin, rich, tender meat, and flavorful fat. The duck is typically served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce.

Kung Pao Chicken - A stir-fried dish made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables (usually bell peppers and onions), and chili peppers, all coated in a spicy, savory sauce. It's a staple in Sichuanese and broader Chinese cuisine.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing