Gulangyu Island
Gulangyu Island
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
We offer accommodation, travel guides and transportation (including ferry tickets) from/to Gulangyu Island. Please call us, email us or check our website for more information.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Xiaodong WSingapore, Singapore41 contributionsIt is a good place however do not buy all the historical place tickets as you can’t finish in a afternoonFairly Good Experience We need to take a boat to Kulangsu. When we arrived there were 5 historic places we could go to, we had a tour guide and the experience was great. However, you need to walk a lot and for all the places you need to buy tickets because the place is quite big and you need a lot of time spent on it. So don't buy all the ticket.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 March 2024
- jackcer cHong Kong, China6 contributionsVery beautiful islandI went there with my family this year. Gulangyu is not very big and the weather was very good. We went to the highest mountain, which is called: 日光岩 ，The scenery is beautiful. I installed FlashGet Kids on my children's phones, so I can know where they are. The fish balls in Gulangyu are delicious and cheap. There are many buildings on the island, which have a retro feel, and there are very clean beaches. It feels more suitable for vacation than Hawaii. Next time I have time, I will go to Gulangyu Island again.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 14 August 2024
- geo3Calgary, Canada2,142 contributionsQuite attractiveThis was done on a tour (Laurus Travel of Vancouver) and with a Guide (Mr. Gin, sorry don't know his first name, but he was excellent), so I avoided all the hassle other reviewers have noted with getting tickets for the ferry, etc. It's an interesting island to wander around, seeing all the old buildings from the 1800s or early 1900s, some very European in architectural style and some with architecture that is a combination of European and Chinese influences. The landscaping on the island, at least in the areas we visited, was beautiful. In addition to the visiting the piano museum/Shuzhuang garden, and a historical museum (sorry, don't know the name), we also saw a puppet show which was excellent! All in Chinese, of course, but since it was primarily slapstick it didn't matter, and the puppeteers were superb. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the theatre, but it might be worthwhile asking tourist information about it, as this was worth seeing. Tickets for that need to be bought ahead of time.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 23 August 2024
- JYao55Makati, Philippines389 contributionsGulangyu Island is a must visit !We visited the island after more than 5 years. The commercial center has expanded noticeably and there are more shops offering products and services. They’ve still been able to preserve the beauty of the island. Old houses are still retained in pristine shape . The weather there was a bit too humid that night we were there. The ferry ride was quick and orderly and we were able to find seats . All in all, a pleasant afternoon /evening was had by all.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 21 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
5,729 reviews
Excellent
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Average
569
Poor
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Terrible
51
Travel16
China59 contributions
July 2021 • Friends
This was a good choice for a day trip. Lovely architecture and a nice walk around. Food options were very pricey. The puppet show at the museum was not worth the time. The beach was clean with soft sand. The buggy ride around the island is worth the reprieve from the hot summer sun.
Written 13 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
omega123
Singapore, Singapore7,758 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
A number of old buildings probably built around 1920 - 1930s were in bad shape while others were converted to homestay/hotel and restaurant. It is an expensive place to spend money but good to walk as there is a strict ban of motorized vehicles
The way to get to this island is by ferry from the Xiamen ferry terminal. The tickets are RMB30 or 80 type and both is a return ticket, so do not lose the ticket The former sold out very fast and as a foreign visitor it is zero chance of getting it. The latter is more comfortable, air-conditioned and has seats. The RMB30 is standing on lower deck and seated on upper.
The bad part is the return journey as there is no separated, all jammed onto a single pier. It is like running away from the war, Chinese saying 兵慌马乱， 各自逃命。
Avoid the period between 6-8pm.
The way to get to this island is by ferry from the Xiamen ferry terminal. The tickets are RMB30 or 80 type and both is a return ticket, so do not lose the ticket The former sold out very fast and as a foreign visitor it is zero chance of getting it. The latter is more comfortable, air-conditioned and has seats. The RMB30 is standing on lower deck and seated on upper.
The bad part is the return journey as there is no separated, all jammed onto a single pier. It is like running away from the war, Chinese saying 兵慌马乱， 各自逃命。
Avoid the period between 6-8pm.
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonhkny
Hong Kong, China22,252 contributions
Nov 2023
Gulangyu is the most famous attraction in Fujian. The UNESCO-recognized island is full of historic mansions that reflect Xiamen's cosmopolitan history. That said, many of the houses are in disrepair. The whole island is also very touristy with hordes of tour guides chasing after visitors. Shops and restaurants mainly cater to Chinese tourists. The ferry ride from Xiamen to Gulangyu is crowded, chaotic and horrible. Reservation in advance is almost mandatory but foreigners are almost impossible to get the tickets online. Only the eastern part of the island is slightly more impressive while the western part is simply an unremarkable residential community. It may be a hyped-up attraction in China, but foreigners have better options in the country e.g. Shamian in Guangzhou.
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karin H
Shenzhen, China935 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
And explore. It’s difficult to just pick one place and say you must go there. My simple advice, take the whole day to walk around and go to very place, even when they als for entrance fee. From great views over Xiamen to ancient history when this was a commercial outpost, many things to see. Don’t forget the piano museum, even if you are not a music lover the displayed instruments are fabulous.
Written 18 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paulineang
Shanghai, China3 contributions
July 2020 • Family
Gulangyu is an island just a short ferry ride across from Xiamen. Around 15 minutes ferry ride which was very convenient. Just make sure you book your tickets before the day of departure. And collect it at time of visit. We book ours via a yellow APP called ‘ma feng wo’. Only one ferry terminal is running during our visit due to the pandemic. So make sure you check prior to visit. We are holding foreign passports but residing in China. No problem getting the tickets. Thought I’d mention it here because that was the first question on our minds. We were afraid they were only open for locals at this moment and only allowed local IDs. Ferries are all on time. No delays. Do purchase a route map on the ferry itself. It was very helpful for us. It’s an only pedestrian island so prepare to do a lot of walking. And it’s kind of a hilly island. Not flat. So going up slopes can be a little tiring but still fun. Lots to eat and lots to see. Spend some time at the sandy beach. Beach is relatively clean and beautiful. Gulangyu island is considered a touristy place. But we could still find a lot of authenticity.
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philipos
10 contributions
Jan 2020
Good place to go! Just avoid public holidays... too many people and too much noisy. You can take a boat from Xiamen port, it needs just 20 minutes to arrive in that tropical little island! It is not place for swimming etc but it is beautiful and it worth to go!
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
geo3
Calgary, Canada2,142 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
This was done on a tour (Laurus Travel of Vancouver) and with a Guide (Mr. Gin, sorry don't know his first name, but he was excellent), so I avoided all the hassle other reviewers have noted with getting tickets for the ferry, etc.
It's an interesting island to wander around, seeing all the old buildings from the 1800s or early 1900s, some very European in architectural style and some with architecture that is a combination of European and Chinese influences. The landscaping on the island, at least in the areas we visited, was beautiful.
In addition to the visiting the piano museum/Shuzhuang garden, and a historical museum (sorry, don't know the name), we also saw a puppet show which was excellent! All in Chinese, of course, but since it was primarily slapstick it didn't matter, and the puppeteers were superb. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the theatre, but it might be worthwhile asking tourist information about it, as this was worth seeing. Tickets for that need to be bought ahead of time.
It's an interesting island to wander around, seeing all the old buildings from the 1800s or early 1900s, some very European in architectural style and some with architecture that is a combination of European and Chinese influences. The landscaping on the island, at least in the areas we visited, was beautiful.
In addition to the visiting the piano museum/Shuzhuang garden, and a historical museum (sorry, don't know the name), we also saw a puppet show which was excellent! All in Chinese, of course, but since it was primarily slapstick it didn't matter, and the puppeteers were superb. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the theatre, but it might be worthwhile asking tourist information about it, as this was worth seeing. Tickets for that need to be bought ahead of time.
Written 23 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielvyjel
Prague, Czech Republic57 contributions
July 2020
It's not easy to enter this place as you need to take the ferry which cost some money, where you need to que. There is nothing iconic but you can just enjoy walking around narrow streets, have some great mango juice and seefood. I would avoid any holiday or weekend time, that might be crowded.
Written 11 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Xiaodong W
Singapore, Singapore41 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Fairly Good Experience
We need to take a boat to Kulangsu. When we arrived there were 5 historic places we could go to, we had a tour guide and the experience was great. However, you need to walk a lot and for all the places you need to buy tickets because the place is quite big and you need a lot of time spent on it. So don't buy all the ticket.
We need to take a boat to Kulangsu. When we arrived there were 5 historic places we could go to, we had a tour guide and the experience was great. However, you need to walk a lot and for all the places you need to buy tickets because the place is quite big and you need a lot of time spent on it. So don't buy all the ticket.
Written 10 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline94123
San Francisco, CA12 contributions
Dec 2021
When we were there a 48h PCR covid test was required to visit the island. When we got there we felt like we had the island to ourselves. The island is charming, like a small time capsule of colonial Xiamen. Highly recommended!
Written 26 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, may i know if there are lockers for storing suitcase in 鼓浪嶼? Thank you.
Written 4 November 2024
My husband and I will be in Xiamen with a cruise. Since the excursion to Gulangyu Island is no longer on the list of excursion I would like to know if anyone can recommend a local guide or tourist agent who can arrange a private (full day) excursion of Gulangyu Island and Xiamen.
Thank you.
Written 11 December 2019
Thank you very much for this useful information ! I did not realize it is that easy to ge on your own to Gulangyu. I read that the ferry was a problem and took some time to be able to get on one. You do not seem to have had this problem. It it is indeed that easy we will probably try this on our own. There is still one thing that I would like to kno, is a visa required for Xiamen and Gulangyu Island ? The cruise cy says we do and the local tourist agents say no. So we are a little confused. Did you bay your ferry ticket in local currency ? Since we only have 1 stop in China we do not intend to change money for the local currency.
Thank you in before hand for letting me know.
Anne
Written 15 December 2019
You mentioned about booking tickets online. I have a group of 11 people spending the day there from a cruise. I am worried that with the cruise ship, the ferry to Gulangyu will be very crowded, and i really would like to reserve our tickets ahead. Can you possibly tell me what is the best way to do so? Thank you so much!
Written 30 October 2019
You need to have the local APP for the ferry and AliPay and can book online
Written 11 November 2019
Hello! I am visiting XIamen during the start of September and it already seems so difficult to pre-arrange things there. It has become apparent to me that one has to pre-book tickets for the ferry that takes you to Gulangyu island. I really cannot understand how this is possible since there is no website for that. Could you explain how you did it?
Written 19 August 2018
I only can suggest to go early as possible to get the tickets at the counter.
I never tried to make an reservation in advanced, but I guess it’s possible by CTRIP but it might be only in chinese language available.
Written 20 August 2018
I am going to xiamen in coming February 2018. Planing to go 鼓浪屿. But can anyone advice me how to get there ? Any bus ticket sold in the airport ?
Written 13 December 2017
First, my advice is never go on the weekends, any season. I have family in Xiamen and went with them the first time on a weekend and I backed out (to everyone's relief) when I saw the queue. Family were obviously there for me. I tried again by myself on a Monday and booked one night stay for Tuesday. Second, there are many windows and foreigners must go to the allocated windows because it is a higher fare (even Chinese citizens who do not have a Xiamen ID pay a higher fare), however it is not immediately obvious which one is for foreigner so find a security person, show them your passport and they will direct you to the right window. In general, local people are very nice. Third, be sure to take as early of ferry to the island as possible. I got there for the 3 pm ferry on a Monday and it was still a long queue to board and standing room only but better than weekends when we had to fight to even get into the terminal. Leaving the island, take the ferry before 11 ish or so. Travel very light, there is no place for luggage on the ferry, not enough seats, and people push, run, shove, cut, etc. Just stay put, look ahead, and don't give an inch. Don't get upset, this is the way it is, Chinese have had to fight for everything they have and therefore, it is normal and people don't mean to be rude. Lastly, forget the low roads by the boulevard, it is very commercial, same foods, products, etc. Take the high roads up and be sure to visit the Piano Museum at the very top of Gulangyu.
Written 27 January 2018
Hi! When did you buy your ferry tickets? And.. how early is early to avoid the crowds? :)
Written 1 October 2017
hi, usually i went this place at evenings the ships have a regular plan (i am not sure how many times per hour).
Dont afraid the crowded , you are in China and you should be inside the nice population of China.
Written 11 October 2017
I will be going to Gulangyu in December. Does anyone know if there is halal food available on the island? I would need to buy beforehand if there isnt. Thanks!
Written 29 September 2017
We did not look for Halal while we were there. There are all kinds of restaurant there and I am sure Halal food is being served. Any of the lanzhou noodle places follow halal food standards and they are all over China!
Written 29 September 2017
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