Gu Lang Yu is a superb magical island off the coast of Xiamen in the Fujian Province of China. To reach it you take a ferry from Xiamen. It's a very different type of island and definitely worth a visit!
Gu Lang Yu has fascinating history, splendid views, colonial architecture and quirky restaurants, cafes and shops. It is very touristy and very busy but it is definitely worth checking out. It might be a cliche, but try your best not to miss it when you're in Xiamen (although remember your journey is your own so you don't have to listen to me!!). The oddest part of this bit of travelling is actually that Xiamen the city is on an island itself. Having arrived in Xiamen by bus (from Shuyang Town) we then walked around, had our lunch and headed on a ferry to another Chinese Island, this one is Gu Lang Yu!
How to get to Gu Lang Yu - take the ferry from the harbour front at Xiamen. It's easy to find and the cheapest ferry is not always a direct one - which adds to the journey since you get a great view of the harbour.
I would recommend getting the slower, cheaper boat simply for the view - you can relax and enjoy the views of the harbour and if the weather is good, the city looks stunning. The ferry was 15 RMB return at the time we went almost a year ago, but there are cheaper and even free off peak times so look out for that!
What to see and do there? Here's a few top tips for Gu Lang Yu!
1. Climb to Sunlight Rock - Climbing to the highest point of the island of Gulang Yu is recommended. Sunlight Rock is the English translation and the views are exquisite and the exercise of the climb up is also good for you. To get there basically follow signs for Sunlight Rock climb when you are on the island and you will find it, through the flurry of cobbled streets. Entrance to walk up there is a fee of 60 RMB which also includes a small memorial hall. It's a rip off and it's over-priced, especially for China, BUT I'd say do it as the view is spectacular as you can see.
2. The Colonial Style Architecture - Gu Lang Yu is unique for China - it includes building designs from the UK, Netherlands, Japan, Spain, China and a host more countries. This range of architecture makes it pretty to look at.
3. The Cobbled Streets - these cool, pokey streets get busy at times but make for an excellent stroll, plenty of restaurants and cafes too.
You will notice how Gu Lang Yu differs from mainland China particularly in the street layout, style and architecture. Enjoy your walk round it and take it all in - it's a novelty in China!
4. Music - there is a heavy music influence on Gu Lang Yu and it's famous for it. Famous pianists have hailed from this small island and there are regular music events and festivals worth watching.
* Aside from this there are museums, a cable car option, even a Protestant Church and some colonial dwelling places to see.
Where to stay? There's actually a hostel which is quite obvious to see on one of the main streets - I'd say it's probably the cheapest option for overnight stays.
That's basically it - Gu Lang Yu! Head over for a day trip and see it, or spend a night there and enjoy the restaurants and bar life after dark. It's a splendid place to visit and extremely different to parts of the main Fujian Province
Gu Lang Yu has fascinating history, splendid views, colonial architecture and quirky restaurants, cafes and shops. It is very touristy and very busy but it is definitely worth checking out. It might be a cliche, but try your best not to miss it when you're in Xiamen (although remember your journey is your own so you don't have to listen to me!!). The oddest part of this bit of travelling is actually that Xiamen the city is on an island itself. Having arrived in Xiamen by bus (from Shuyang Town) we then walked around, had our lunch and headed on a ferry to another Chinese Island, this one is Gu Lang Yu!
How to get to Gu Lang Yu - take the ferry from the harbour front at Xiamen. It's easy to find and the cheapest ferry is not always a direct one - which adds to the journey since you get a great view of the harbour.
I would recommend getting the slower, cheaper boat simply for the view - you can relax and enjoy the views of the harbour and if the weather is good, the city looks stunning. The ferry was 15 RMB return at the time we went almost a year ago, but there are cheaper and even free off peak times so look out for that!
What to see and do there? Here's a few top tips for Gu Lang Yu!
1. Climb to Sunlight Rock - Climbing to the highest point of the island of Gulang Yu is recommended. Sunlight Rock is the English translation and the views are exquisite and the exercise of the climb up is also good for you. To get there basically follow signs for Sunlight Rock climb when you are on the island and you will find it, through the flurry of cobbled streets. Entrance to walk up there is a fee of 60 RMB which also includes a small memorial hall. It's a rip off and it's over-priced, especially for China, BUT I'd say do it as the view is spectacular as you can see.
2. The Colonial Style Architecture - Gu Lang Yu is unique for China - it includes building designs from the UK, Netherlands, Japan, Spain, China and a host more countries. This range of architecture makes it pretty to look at.
3. The Cobbled Streets - these cool, pokey streets get busy at times but make for an excellent stroll, plenty of restaurants and cafes too.
You will notice how Gu Lang Yu differs from mainland China particularly in the street layout, style and architecture. Enjoy your walk round it and take it all in - it's a novelty in China!
4. Music - there is a heavy music influence on Gu Lang Yu and it's famous for it. Famous pianists have hailed from this small island and there are regular music events and festivals worth watching.
* Aside from this there are museums, a cable car option, even a Protestant Church and some colonial dwelling places to see.
Where to stay? There's actually a hostel which is quite obvious to see on one of the main streets - I'd say it's probably the cheapest option for overnight stays.
That's basically it - Gu Lang Yu! Head over for a day trip and see it, or spend a night there and enjoy the restaurants and bar life after dark. It's a splendid place to visit and extremely different to parts of the main Fujian Province
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