Gulangyu Island Guide 2026: Transportation, Attractions, Hotels, Food Recommendations

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When it comes to must-visit attractions in Xiamen, Gulangyu tops the list. This beautiful, culture-steeped little island offers not only stunning scenery and fantastic food, but also a wealth of distinctive historic architecture—a vacation haven where Eastern and Western influences come together.

We’ve put together the ultimate guide to exploring Gulangyu Island, with detailed transportation options, the top five must-visit attractions, ticket info, and our favorite food and hotel recommendations. Check it out and start planning—so you’ll be all set for your future trip!

Gulangyu Overview

Gulangyu Island, Xiamen

Gulangyu sits southwest of Xiamen's main island, a distinctive little island that was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. Covering about 1.87 square kilometers, it takes its name from the drumlike sound of waves crashing against the rocks. In the late Qing era it was designated a foreign concession, and by the late 19th century it had become a treaty port. Today, the island preserves more than 400 buildings that blend Chinese and Western styles, along with 13 consulates, all imbued with a European flair, earning it the nickname "a World Architecture Expo".

Plus, you can climb up for sweeping views and explore plenty of museums, craft shops, creative boutiques, and eateries. This year, Gulangyu was also named one of Trip Best’s 2025 Top 50 global spots for water fun and beating the heat—definitely one of Xiamen’s must-visit attractions.

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Content

Address

Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian Province

Opening Hours

24 hours

Suggested duration of visit

1 day

Gulangyu Transportation

Xiamen's Gulangyu Island Travel Guide

To get from downtown Xiamen to Gulangyu, the only option is by ferry, and the crossing takes about 20 minutes. On the way over, you can choose to disembark at Sanqiutian Pier or Neicuo’ao Pier; for the return, you can board at either Sanqiutian or Neicuo’ao. Note that "Cruise Center Xiamen–Gulangyu Pier (Dongdu Pier)" and "Xiamen Ferry Terminal (Hall 2)" are for visitors, while "Xiamen Ferry Terminal (Hall 1)" is for residents only—so don’t mix them up. We recommend arriving at the pier 25–30 minutes early to allow time for security checks and boarding procedures.

Boarding Piers and Route Options

Flight time

Round-trip ferry ticket prices

Notes

Cruise Center Xiagu Pier → Gulangyu Sanqiutian Pier / Neicuo'ao Pier

08:10–17:30

Boats depart at 10 and 30 minutes past the hour

Standard ferry ticket from AUD 7 (¥35)

Comfort Ferry Ticket from AUD 10 (¥50)

Luxury ferry tickets starting at AUD 12 (¥60)

Ideal for daytime visitors

Sanqiutian Wharf is close to the Organ Museum, Underwater World, and Longtou Road Food Street

Neicuo'ao Pier is close to Gulang Rock, Qinyuan Garden, and Meihua Beach

Xiamen Ferry Terminal (Hall 2) → Gulangyu Sanqiutian Wharf

17:50–23:45

Every 30–40 minutes

Standard ferry ticket from AUD 7 (¥35)

Comfort Ferry Ticket from AUD 10 (¥50)

Deluxe ferry ticket from AUD 12 (¥60)

Ideal for nighttime visitors

No ticket needed: Children under 6 years old or under 1.2 meters tall can ride the boat for free
Child ticket: Children aged 6–14 or between 1.2 and 1.5 meters tall are eligible for a 50% discount

Getting Around on Gulangyu Island

Sightseeing electric cart

Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency

Gulangyu is a pedestrian-only island where motor vehicles are not allowed, so getting around is mostly on foot. A loop around the island is about 6 kilometers, with plenty of slopes along the way. If you’d like a more relaxed visit, you can hop on the island’s sightseeing electric carts. Just note that there are relatively few pick-up and drop-off points; they mainly connect the ferry piers to the major sights and generally don’t enter the small alleys, so most sightseeing is still done on foot.

  • Ticket purchase locations: Ticket offices at Sanqiutian Pier or Neicuo'ao Pier
  • Opening hours: ​Daily 9:00-18:00
  • Pick-up points: The main boarding and drop-off stops include Sanqiutian Pier, Neicuo'ao Pier, and Shuzhuang Garden.

Ticket price:

  • Island loop full-route ticket: ¥ 50/person, the route goes Sanqiutian Pier → Yanwei Mountain Ecological Park (passing by) → Neicuo'ao Pier → Gulang Villa (passing by) → Shuzhuang Garden (transfer stop) → back to Sanqiutian Pier.
  • Distance-based fares: Depending on how far you travel, fares range from ¥ 10 to ¥ 40.
  • Sanqiutian Pier→Yanwei Mountain Ecological Park for ¥ 10 (AU$ 2)
  • Sanqiutian Wharf→Neicuo'ao Wharf costs ¥ 20 (AU$ 4)
  • Sanqiutian Pier→Gulang Villa for ¥ 30 (AU$ 6)
  • Sanqiutian Pier→Shuzhuang Garden for ¥ 40 (AU$ 8)

No ticket needed: Children under 1.4 meters tall can ride for free; children 1.4 meters and above must purchase a full-price ticket.

Gulangyu Island Tickets

Trip.com offers a variety of Gulangyu Island ticket-and-service bundles for purchase, including Ferry Ticket + Guided Tour, attraction tickets, and audio commentary, so you can pick the combo that matches your travel style. Many options even come with discounts to help you save more.

Ticket types

Ticket types

Price

Ferry ticket (required to get onto the island)+guided tour

Gulangyu Round-Trip + In-Person Guided Commentary Service Adult (Regular Ferry)

AUD 11

Gulangyu Island round-trip ferry ticket (regular passenger ferry) + join-in group guided tour service (complimentary in-depth tour at the Former British Consulate) (Adult)

AUD 8.50

Official Tickets to the Top Attractions

Sunlight Rock+Shuzhuang Garden+Haoyue Park+Bagua Building+International Lettering Art Museum Five-Attraction Combo Ticket(Adult)

AUD 17

Shuzhuang Garden (Adult)

AUD 6

Sunlight Rock (Adult)

AUD 10

Bright Moon Garden(Adult)

AUD 2

International Engraving Gallery (Adult)

AUD 1

Tickets for other attractions on the island

Xiamen Underwater World (multiple options available)

AUD 22

Shell Fantasy World (multiple options available)

AUD 10

Record Museum (Adult)

AUD 11

Hi Heaven (multiple options available)

AUD 16

Celebrity Wax Museums 4-Venue Combo Pass

AUD 32

Celebrity Wax Museum XR: The Lost Jurassic Exhibit

AUD 20

Attraction Guide

Private Expert Guide Service

AUD 26

3-4 hours with a live guide + afternoon tea + 30-minute on-location photo shoot (includes 5 complimentary photo negatives)

AUD 30

Combo ticket for attractions on the island (ferry ticket not included)

Underwater World+Hi Heaven (Adult)

AUD 37

Private live tour guide

Gulangyu Island Gold-Certified Guide Private Chinese-language In-Person Guided Commentary Service (admission and ferry tickets not included)

AUD 109

*The prices above are for reference only; they may change based on exchange rates and availability. Please check the latest fares yourself.

Gulangyu Island Reviews

4.5/5
5501 reviews
4/5
Friendly staff. Staff always with smile face. Very polite.
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5/5
All tourists must buy tickets here. Remember, after buying your ticket, you still need to go to the counter to exchange it for a full ticket before boarding the boat.
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5/5
The individual buildings are registered with UNESCO, and the island is beautiful. The weather is hot, so walking is difficult; definitely take the shuttle. I thought I was going to die from exhaustion because I didn't take the shuttle.
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4/5
The scenery was picturesque, but the weather was too hot.
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5/5
Gulangyu Island is a famous tourist attraction in Xiamen. Free from the noise of cars, you can stroll through its streets and alleys and admire its unique blend of Chinese and Western architecture. Climb Sunlight Rock for panoramic sea views, and head to Longtou Road to sample local snacks and buy souvenirs. It's a leisurely and romantic destination, perfect for a family trip.
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Gulangyu Island Attractions

Gulangyu Island Attraction #1 Sunlight Rock

Sunlight Rock

Sunlight Rock, also called "Huangyan" or "Longtou Mountain," is the highest point on Gulangyu Island at about 92.7 meters above sea level, and it’s the island’s most famous sightseeing spot and photo-op favorite. This massive granite boulder has a commanding perch; climb the stairs to the summit and, from the viewing deck, you can gaze out over all of Gulangyu, Xiamen Island, and Xiamen Port with sweeping, wide-open views. It’s also a fantastic place to catch sunrise and sunset.

Sunlight Rock Reviews

4.6/5
1082 reviews
4/5
🛘 Riguangyan 🛘 🕖 Operating Hours: 08:30–19:00 🛘 Riguangyan (日光岩) on Gulangyu is the highest point on the island (approximately 92.7m above sea level) and is a representative scenic viewpoint of Xiamen. It is so famous that there is a saying: “If you come to Xiamen, you must climb Riguangyan.” Attractions * 🌅 360-degree view overlooking Gulangyu and downtown Xiamen * 🪨 Giant granite rocks and cliffs * 🌳 Lush forest paths * 📸 Gulangyu’s best photo spot * ⛵ Views of the sea, ferries, and the Xiamen skyline ⚠️ If you are traveling with parents: Riguangyan tends to have many stairs. Just before the summit, there is a series of narrow and steep stairs, so it may be somewhat difficult for parents in their 70s. It is said that the bus does not stop at Longdu Road. I understand that you must get off at Shuzhang Garden from Sanququan Wharf and walk to the entrance. 🎫 Admission Fee * Adults: 50 yuan 👴 65 years and older * Free admission for those 65 and older * You can enter for free by presenting a valid ID, such as a passport. However, since there are many stairs to the summit, it is advisable to consider the physical strain involved. 🛘 If your parents find it difficult to climb the stairs, it is more efficient for you to go alone while they rest at Longdu Road or stay at a cafe. Approx. Time Required ⌚️ * 🚶 Yongdu-ro → Ilgwangam Entrance: Approx. 10–15 minutes * 🎫 Entry and Climb to the Summit: Approx. 15–20 minutes * 📸 Enjoy the view and take photos at the summit: 10–15 minutes * 🚶 Descent: Approx. 10–15 minutes * 🚶 Return from Ilgwangam → Yongdu-ro: Approx. 10–15 minutes ➡️ Total Time Required: Approx. 1 hour ~ 1 hour 20 minutes
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5/5
I was able to purchase my ticket online after arriving at the gate and use it right away. It was hot, but it was worth the effort to climb up. The view was spectacular.
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5/5
The stairs are steep, but the view is nice.
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5/5
quick n easy booking..instant confirmation
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4/5
The driver contacted me via WeChat around 8 PM the night before to confirm the pick-up time from the hotel the next day! Our first stop from Xiamen was Yongding Tulou, a drive of about 2.5 hours! Our second stop was Yunshuiyao, a drive of about 50 minutes! The return trip to Xiamen after the visit took about 3 hours, possibly longer due to traffic! The two local guides provided thorough explanations and I recommend purchasing this tour!
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Gulangyu Island Attraction #2 Shuzhuang Garden

Shuzhuang Garden

Exploring Shuzhuang Garden lets you soak up its superb landscape artistry and rich historical and cultural heritage—it's one of Gulangyu Island’s must-visit sights. Built in 1913, the garden was originally the private villa of Taiwanese magnate Lin Erjia (courtesy name Shu Zang). In 1956, his family donated it to the state, and it later became a public attraction. The garden’s many scenes are thoughtfully arranged; its architecture blends Minnan style with Western flair. Set right by the sea, it’s distinctive and breathtaking, and is divided into two main sections, "Canghai Garden" and "Bushan Garden," each featuring five signature viewpoints. In addition, the on-site Piano Museum houses nearly a hundred rare antique pianos.

Shuzhuang Garden Reviews

4.7/5
585 reviews
5/5
🌺 Shuzhuang Garden 🌺 🌺 You can use a buggy car (sightseeing electric vehicle) from Longtou Road to Shuzhuang Garden. * Departure: Sanqiutian Buggy Car Stop near Longtou Road * Arrival: Shuzhuang Garden Buggy Car Stop * Travel Time: Approx. 10–15 minutes * Fare: Approx. 40 yuan/person one-way, or approximately 50 yuan/person for the circular route (subject to change based on operating policy). 🕝Operating Hours: 08:30–19:00 🌺 As one of the representative attractions of Gulangyu, it is a traditional Chinese garden where the sea and the garden harmonize beautifully. It is also a great place to visit with your parents. 🌿 History of Shuzhang Garden * It was built in 1913 as a private villa for Lin Erjia, a wealthy Taiwanese businessman. * It was later donated to the state and is currently open to the general public. * Its most distinctive feature is the design that integrates the garden and the sea into a single landscape. 🌊 Must-See Places ① 44 Bridges * Shuzhang Garden's representative photo zone. * These bridges wind over the sea, making for truly beautiful photos. ② Piano Museum * Visited with the Shuzhang Garden admission ticket. * Various antique pianos are on display, and you can understand why Gulangyu is called the "Island of Pianos." ③ Twelve Caves * A maze-like space consisting of small caves and rocky paths. * Parents may find it somewhat uncomfortable, so entry is not mandatory. ④ Sea View * From various parts of the garden, you can see downtown Xiamen and the sea at a glance. * The scenery is especially beautiful if you visit late in the afternoon. ⏰ Visiting Hours * You can look around leisurely in about 1 to 1.5 hours. * If you plan to take a lot of photos, you should expect about 2 hours. 💰 Admission Fee The individual admission fee for Shuzhuang Garden is 30 yuan for adults. (🌟 This ticket also allows entry to the Piano Museum.) If you are visiting with your parents, please also refer to the discount and free admission eligibility. * 🎫 Adults: 30 yuan * 👵 70 years and older: Free (present ID such as passport) * 👴 60–69 years: Half price (15 yuan) has been applied in some cases.
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4/5
It's nice that you can take a paid shuttle for a loop, get off wherever you want, and explore every nook and cranny. The restaurants seem just okay, though. The tourist attractions are well-maintained.
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5/5
Although the Lin family residence in Banqiao was not as large as the ancestral home in Banqiao, it was cleverly built along the sea.
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5/5
The most intoxicating thing about this body of water is the dual character it displays in the alternation of day and night. During the day, it is like an innocent girl, elegant and tranquil. The sunlight shines through the clouds, casting soft spots of light on the water, and the breeze blows, bringing a burst of freshness. The willow branches on the shore gently brush the water, as if they are whispering to the lake. This is a kind of beauty that makes people feel inner peace, as if all their worries can be washed in this clarity. and when night fell, it swayed into a noble lady. At the beginning of the lantern, thousands of lanterns decorated it with splendor. The tower in the distance looks majestic and sacred against the lights. The lake surface turns into a huge mirror, taking in this splendid night view. The light and shadow are intertwined, like a dream. The innocence of the day and the nobility of the night blend perfectly in this body of water. This kind of beauty cannot be fully described in words. Only by immersing yourself in it, from the dim morning light to the deep night, can you truly appreciate this double charm that spans time.
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5/5
Hidden on the southeastern coast of Gulangyu Island, Shuzhuang Garden perfectly embodies the wisdom of "hiding the sea and supplementing the mountain" in garden design. The Forty-Four Bridges meander along the coastline, their twists and turns offering a different perspective of the sea at every step. At high tide, the water overflows the bridge's foundation, making it seem as if one is walking on the sea. The Twelve Grottoes of the artificial mountain resemble a maze of zodiac animals, where one can stumble upon different views as they wander through. The Piano Museum, nestled deep within the garden, displays century-old pianos, their melodious notes occasionally wafting through the air. It perfectly blends the island scenery, the garden's ingenuity, and the musical atmosphere, creating an unforgettable experience.
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Gulangyu Island Attraction #3 Bright Moon Garden

Bright Moon Garden

Haoyue Garden is a historic landmark on Gulangyu Island, created to honor the national hero Zheng Chenggong. The statue park covers about 20,000 square meters. Ming-dynasty-style architecture pairs beautifully with sea-and-mountain views, and a colossal granite statue of Zheng Chenggong stands atop Fuding Rock, rising 15.7 meters and weighing about 1,617 metric tons. In the park’s main square stands a large group sculpture hailed as a Xiamen icon, "Rattan Shields Driving Out the Invaders," which vividly recreates the spectacular scene of Zheng Chenggong commanding vast armies to drive out the Dutch and reclaim Taiwan. You’ll also find the South Stele Corridor and North Stele Corridor, among others, each showcasing Zheng Chenggong’s commanding, storm-stirring heroism from different angles and in different forms.

Bright Moon Garden Reviews

4.6/5
219 reviews
5/5
Very convenient; tickets can be purchased on-site and used immediately. The Zheng Chenggong statue inside Haoyue Garden is magnificent, and from within the park, you can see the Xiamen Twin Towers, a landmark building, with blue skies, white clouds, and a gentle sea breeze—a very pleasant tourist experience.
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5/5
This attraction is worth visiting!
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5/5
Amazing view. If you go to Gulangyu Island, you should definitely stop by.
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4/5
Come visit us. The cool breeze is nice.
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Gulangyu Island Attraction#4 Gulangyu Island Organ Museum

Gulangyu Island Organ Museum

The Gulangyu Organ Museum is housed inside the Bagua Mansion on Gulangyu Island, a European-style domed building. The venue isn’t large, but it showcases over 5,000 organs from different eras and styles. Its star attraction is the "Norman & Beard" pipe organ, standing 6 meters tall and made up of 1,350 pipes—music lovers shouldn’t miss it. On the first floor you’ll find many historic organs from around the world, most of them made in France and Spain. In the museum’s back garden, you’ll also see several stone-carved artifacts—items seized by customs from smugglers.

Gulangyu Attraction #5 International Engraving Art Museum

International Engraving Art Museum

The International Engraving Art Museum sits directly opposite Shuzhuang Garden, housed in a small seaside building with ocean views. The three-story gallery spans just over 500 square meters. Inside, you’ll find hundreds of works from China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia. Most pieces were selected for the 2004 5th National Engraving Art Exhibition and the 8th International Engraving Art Exhibition, a testament to the art form’s exceptionally high standards. Admission is only about HK$5.78, making it one of Gulangyu’s best-value attractions.

Gulangyu Island Food

Gulangyu Island Food#1 Dragon Head Fish Ball Shop

Dragon Head Fish Ball Shop

Image source: Ctrip Gourmet Forest

Dragon Head Fish Ball Shop sits at the mouth of a narrow alley. Open since 1981, it's a longstanding institution known for one of Gulangyu's signature snacks. This is the only shop; there are no branches. The fish balls are made fresh on the spot with no additives; they're snowy white and tender, available as a mix of large and small, stuffed or unstuffed, and they're fresh and flavorful.

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Address

183 Longtou Road, Gulangyu

Opening hours

08:30-20:30

Signature dishes

Handmade shark meatballs, fish ball soup

Gulangyu Island Food#2 Yip's Mochi

Yip's Mochi

Image source: Trip moments@Gulangyu

Ye’s Mochi is a century-old spot that still serves from a little wooden stall—charmingly traditional—with a steady stream of visitors lining up every day. The mochi is coated in black sesame and crushed peanuts, soft, chewy, and delightfully sweet—an absolute must-try dessert on Gulangyu.

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Address

145 Longtou Road, Gulangyu

Opening hours

10:00-19:00

Signature dishes

Black Sesame and Peanut Mochi

Gulangyu Food #3 Shen's Hokkien-Style Rice Noodle Rolls

Shen's Hokkien-Style Rice Noodle Rolls

Photo credit: Trip.com Gourmet List

Shen Family Minnan Rice Noodle Rolls is a beloved old-timer on Gulangyu Island, and there’s almost always a long line. Minnan-style rice noodle rolls are different from the Hong Kong–style version: the wrappers are thin, the fillings generous, and they’re paired with a special house-made sauce. Every roll is steamed to order and incredibly tender and silky. The sauce is topped with crispy fried shallots, preserved radish, cilantro, and more, giving it a distinctly local flavor.

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Address

57 Fujian Road, Gulangyu Subdistrict

Opening hours

07:30-22:00

Signature dishes

Hokkien-Style Rice Noodle Rolls

Xiamen's Gulangyu Island Hotels and Lodging Recommendations

Recommended Hotels on Gulangyu Island #1 Yuhai Ludao Garden Hotel (Gulangyu Sanqiutian Pier Branch)

From AU$ 70
  • Address: No. 55, Sanming Road, Gulangyu, Siming District, Xiamen
  • Rating: 9.7 / 10
  • Award: Trip.Best No. 1 among Gulangyu Island featured 4-star hotels

Gulangyu Island Hotel Recommendation #2 Gulangyu Huangyan 36 Hotel

From AU$ 574
  • Address: No. 36, Huangyan Road, Gulangyu, Siming District, Xiamen
  • Rating: 9.9 / 10
  • Award: Trip.Best No. 1 among Fujian local-style hotels

Gulangyu Hotel Pick #3 Gulangyu Gulang Villa Hotel (Neicuo'ao Pier Branch)

From AU$ 95
  • Address: No. 14, Gusheng Road, Siming District, Xiamen, 361002
  • Rating: 9.5 / 10
  • Award: Trip.Best No. 2 among Fujian villa hotels

More Gulangyu Island Lodging Recommendations

Gulangyu Scenic Area
Xiamen
| 0.01km from downtown

Looking to the left, there is the sea and the Twin Towers landmark on the opposite bank of Xiamen Island. To the right, there is the GuLangYu landmark Sunlight Rock. The view is level with the dignity of Trinity Church, located in such a unique and rich island setting. LingGan An Island is quietly and elegantly located in the heart of the island at 50 AnHai Road.
This old building, with a century-old history, now has a new modern appearance in a balanced combination of old and new, continuing its history. The antique exterior walls, the unique blue exterior windows of GulangYu, old wood, stones, and the warm lights that illuminate the space form a warm greeting: Welcome home.
The balance of LingGan An Island is also reflected in the comfortable and thoughtful accommodation services - with an emphasis on sleep quality in the beds, attention to detail in meeting various needs, and a rich experience in food and beverages. This allows guests to experience a soothing journey of the senses.
LingGan An Island welcomes you to explore and experience this peaceful island resort.

Gulangyu Scenic Area
Xiamen
| 0.02km from downtown

The Yuhai Little White House Hotel is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to discover the city. The Yuhai Little White House Hotel is an ideal choice for travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Xiamen.

The hotel is only 11km from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport and 11km from Xiamen Gaoqi Railway Station, giving guests a number of convenient transportation options. In addition, Zhenhai Rd Metro Station is just a short walk away. There's plenty to do nearby, with Gulangyu Organ Art Center, Shuzhuang Garden and Fanpo Building all within a short distance.

When guests have some time on their hands they can make use of the onsite facilities.

When it comes to Xiamen hotels, the Yuhai Little White House Hotel is highly regarded for its excellent facilities. This hotel is particularly popular with those traveling with families.

Gulangyu Scenic Area
Xiamen
| 0.07km from downtown

The Heyuan Daifeng Guesthouse provides a great place for travelers to relax after a busy day. The Heyuan Daifeng Guesthouse is an ideal choice for travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Xiamen.

Traveling to the hotel is easy with Xiamen Railway Station located approximately 7km away and Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport roughly 13km away. With Gulangyu Beach, Most Beautiful Corner and World Architecture Expo all within a short distance, there is no shortage of things to do in the area.

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings.

Our guests consider this hotel to have excellent service. This hotel is a popular accommodation for guests traveling with families.

Gulangyu Scenic Area
Xiamen
| 0.09km from downtown

FAQs about Gulangyu Island

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Hi, I am Zora from Shanghai, I've explored many spots across China, and also taken me further abroad including Australia, Malaysia, Finland and so on. For me, travel is about connecting deeply with each place. As a true travel enthusiast, I love diving deep into all the travel hacks, from booking secrets and ride-hailing discounts to travel promotions. I'm here to share every trick I know, guaranteed to help you save big and travel smart. Let's explore the world cleverly together!

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