Hello everyone. In my previous article, I shared the struggles foreign travelers face when purchasing tickets in China. I briefly mentioned an episode on Gulangyu Island, but this is actually a very charming spot that’s absolutely essential when visiting Xiamen. So today, I’d like to introduce you to how to get to Gulangyu Island (鼓浪嶼) and its attractions as Part 1.
Gulangyu Island: Where History and Modernity Intersect
Gulangyu Island is a small island floating just about 600 meters from the center of Xiamen. With an area of 1.88 square kilometers, it’s very compact. However, this tiny island contains numerous Western-style buildings constructed from the 19th to early 20th centuries, and it was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2017.
What’s particularly impressive is the landscape of orange and pale pink colonial mansions. In contrast to the high-rise buildings towering over mainland Xiamen, cars are prohibited here, and the cobblestone streets have a unique tranquility. It’s a mysterious space that feels like you’ve traveled back in time.
The Appeal of Easy Access to Exotic Atmosphere
The greatest appeal of Gulangyu Island is undoubtedly its excellent accessibility. Just 15 minutes from Xiamen. With the feeling of “just popping over there,” you can step into a space with a completely different atmosphere.
The island is just the right size for walking around, and you can comfortably visit the main tourist spots in half a day to a full day. Walking through narrow alleys, you’ll encounter architecture you can’t see on mainland Xiamen: colonial mansions with European street corner atmosphere, colorful walls with decorative railings, and arched windows.
Additionally, retro and stylish cafes and souvenir shops are scattered throughout, allowing you to enjoy shopping and rest while exploring. You can slowly walk along cobblestone streets where cars don’t pass, savoring the exotic streetscape.
Ferry Transportation: Important Points to Note
Now, let me explain specifically about access to Gulangyu Island. As I mentioned briefly in my previous article, purchasing ferry tickets requires some attention.
Xiamen Ferry Terminal
First, the ticket machines at the port are exclusively for those with Chinese identification cards, and unfortunately, foreign travelers cannot use them. You must purchase tickets at a staffed counter. What’s important here is the counter’s opening hours. They start at 7 AM, so if you’re planning early morning sightseeing, keep this time in mind when planning your activities.
In my case, I purchased a round-trip ticket all at once. The tickets are small paper slips, so you need to be careful not to lose them, but there’s peace of mind in securing your return ticket in advance. You’ll need your passport when purchasing, so don’t forget it.
A Refreshing 15-Minute Mini Cruise
Once you have your ticket, it’s time to board. When you head to the ferry terminal, you can already see Gulangyu Island spread out before you. For a cruise that’s only about 15 minutes, the ship is surprisingly large, like a Disneyland attraction. But this is undoubtedly public transportation.
In fact, many island residents use this ship for commuting to work and school. Discount fares and season ticket systems for residents are so well-established that it’s become an indispensable part of local transportation.
Many locals also use it. In fact, tourists might stand out more during early morning hours!
The interior is clean and comfortable. Through the large windows, you can enjoy the unique scenery where old and new intersect: Gulangyu Island’s streetscape with its impressive orange buildings, and behind it, Xiamen’s skyscraper clusters.
What surprised me was that I felt almost no rocking motion. Even though it’s a short distance, some people might worry about seasickness, but you’ll probably be fine. Though it’s only a 15-minute boat ride, the journey itself with refreshing sea breezes can be enjoyed as part of the sightseeing experience.
Spacious interior with virtually no rocking
The contrast between the Gulangyu Island scenery spread out in front and the high-rise buildings of Xiamen visible behind is spectacular. The sight of two different eras’ streetscapes entering your view simultaneously might be unique to this region.
View of Gulangyu Island side
Incidentally, the ship has two levels, and the second floor has rows of seats. If standing on the first floor becomes tiring, you can sit on the second floor while enjoying the sea breeze. Though for a boarding time of only about 15 minutes, your feet probably won’t get tired.
After about 15 minutes, we arrive at the island. This is where the real sightseeing begins. As soon as you arrive at the port, cobblestone streets are bustling with people, and you immediately start feeling excited. In Part 2, I’d like to introduce in detail how I actually explored the island, what the recommended spots are, and important points to note when exploring the island as a foreigner.
We arrived at the island’s port in about 15 minutes!
Next Episode Preview
In the next middle part, I’ll introduce the island’s highlights and recommended walking routes. What kind of experiences can you have on this historic island that’s also registered as a World Heritage site? I hope to share plenty about the wonderful spots I found in the retro and stylish streetscape. Stay tuned!
Read Part 2 here
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