Provide the unique service for Panda volunteer project works, Have an intimate contact with Giant pandas. Learn about pandas and the efforts being made to conserve this endangered species on this 6-8 h......
search for a Trip
Gulangyu Island
Gulangyu Island, which lies a short way offshore from the city of Xiamen.
With the warm climate, good air quality, abundant beaches and laid-back lifestyle, Xiamen is one of the most pleasant places to visit and live in China: but a lot of the credit goes to its tourism magnet, Gulangyu.
The island, which is just under two kilometers square, is a five-minute ferry ride from Xiamen’s urbanized city center and is most famous for its beaches, seafood and a refreshing lack of automobiles, which are banned.
Gulangyu is nicknamed "Piano Island." With a population of around 25,000, the subtropical town contains more than 5,000 pianos and a 450-square-meter piano museum, showcasing more than 40 ancient pianos from around the world.
The other main draw of Gulangyu is the large number of colonial houses -- a legacy of having been an international settlement of 14 different countries in the 19th and early 20th century.During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the island was called 'Yuanshazhou Island'. It got its present name from the huge reef surrounding it. When the tide comes in, the waves pound the reef and it sounds like the beating of a drum. The island came to be named 'Gulang'. Gu in Chinese means 'drum', and Lang, 'waves'.
During the later Ming Dynasty, the troops of national hero Zheng Chenggong were stationed here. After the Opium War in 1842, 13 countries including Great Britain, France and Japan established consulates, churches, and hospitals, turning the island into a common concession. In 1942, Japan occupied the island until the end of the War of Resistance against Japan.
Gulangyu Island has about 20,000 permanent residents, all of whom enjoy a comfortable, relaxing life. Only electric-powered vehicles are permitted on the island, so the environment is free from the noise and pollution of combustion engines. Breathing the clean air, appreciating the ever-present green trees and lovely flowers, anyone here can feel like they are in heaven. With classical and romantic European-style architecture, the island truly deserves to be called the'Architecture Museum'. It is also known as the 'Cradle of Musicians' and 'Island of Music' because of its reputation for music appreciation.
The Island Ring Road, which circles the island, allows you to fully enjoy all the sights of this small, charming island.
Among the many scenic spots on the island, the most attractive are Sunlight Rock and the Shuzhuang Garden.
More Attractions
-
Wuyi Mountain area is often called the number one scenic wonder in Southeast China. An anci...... -
The island, which is just under two kilometers square, is a five-minute ferry ride from Xia...... -
Tulous structure, decoration and building technologies are rarely seen worldwide. Tulou, or......
Recommended Tours
1 Day Budget Chengdu Tour
1 day budget chengdu tours,only lunch, tour guide and tour ticket are included, experience real life of the city. ......
3 Days Jiuzhaigou Valley Train Tours
Three days daily package of Jiuzhaigou train tours, save budget from Jiuzhaigou air tours, easier and comfortable than traditional bus tours. ......
1 Day Mt Qingchengshan and Dujiangyan Dam Tour
One day classic tour to Qingchengshan and Dujiangyan Dam from Chengdu. It is one of the hot sales of Chengdu tour packages. ......
1 Day Mysterious Sanxingdui and Giant Panda Tour
One days tour to Sanxingdui museum and giant panda garden in Chengdu. It is the hottest Chengdu route with the top attractions of Chengdu. ......
1 Day Chengdu Giant Panda and Leshan Buddha Day Trip
Provide the classic one days tour in Chengdu, visiting Giant panda garden and giant buddha in Leshan in one day, convenient and easy for tourist.......
