Get Lost in the Poetic Time of the Piano Island

Gulangyu Island, known as the "Garden on the Sea," is one of the most representative travel destinations in Xiamen. It is not only a World Cultural Heritage site, but also a "Piano Island" full of artistic atmosphere. The red-brick old villas, winding streets and alleys, and the romance of the sea waves and piano music make this place the dream destination for many people. I. Preparation 1. Transportation - How to get to the island: Gulangyu Island is separated from Xiamen Island by the sea, so you need to take a ferry to get there. - Tourist routes: Xiamen International Cruise Center (Xiamen-Dongdu) → Sanqiutian Pier/Neicuo'ao Pier (daytime); Xiamen Ferry Terminal → Sanqiutian Pier (nighttime). - Ticket purchase: Book in advance through the "Xiamen Ferry+" mini program (tickets are hard to get in peak season). A regular ferry ticket costs CNY 35 per person for a round trip. A regular ferry ticket is enough, and you don't need to buy a ticket for the return trip. - Transportation on the island: Motor vehicles are prohibited on Gulangyu Island, so you have to walk or take an electric car (CNY 50 per person for the island tour). 2. Best time to travel - Spring and autumn (March to May, October to November): The weather is pleasant, and you can avoid typhoons and the scorching heat. - Winter (December to February): There are fewer people, and you can enjoy a slow-paced life. II. Must-visit attractions 1. Sunlight Rock - The highest point of Gulangyu Island, where you can overlook the whole island and the coastline of Xiamen. It is recommended to visit in the early morning or before sunset to avoid the crowds and enjoy the sunrise or sunset. - Ticket: CNY 50 2. Shuzhuang Garden - A private garden that combines Jiangnan-style gardens and coastal scenery, with a piano museum (free guided tours at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, etc.). - Ticket: CNY 30. 3. Haoyue Garden - The site of the giant statue of Zheng Chenggong, with a seaside plank road suitable for taking photos and a distant view of the Xiamen Twin Towers. - Ticket: CNY 10. 4. World Architecture Expo - The core charm of the island, with century-old villas that combine Chinese and Western styles. Recommended route: - Bagua Building (home to the Organ Museum) → Hi Heaven (Nanyang-style architecture) → Huang Family Garden (filming location of "Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land") → Catholic Church (popular place for wedding photos). 5. Street wandering - Longtou Road (food gathering place), Bishan Road (quiet and artistic), Guxin Road (popular corner for photos), Jishan Road (old banyan trees and stone steps)... Every path is full of surprises. III. Food recommendations 1. Local snacks - Satay noodles: Lin's Satay Noodles, Longtou Road street shop. - Oyster omelet: Lianhuan Oyster Omelet (Xiamen Island) + Gulangyu Island time-honored brand. - Tushen jelly: Served with mustard sauce, cool and refreshing. - Mochi: Ye's Mochi (a mobile stall that only accepts cash). 2. Popular shops - Zhang Sanfeng Milk Tea: Signature milk tea + cat-themed cultural and creative products. - Miss Zhao's Shop: Pineapple cakes, mooncakes, and other gifts. - Shen's Min Nan Rice Noodles: A popular shop with long queues, serving tender and delicious rice noodles. Useful tips 1. **Wear comfortable shoes**: You will walk more than 20,000 steps a day, and there are many stone roads and slopes. 2. **Mosquito and sun protection**: The island is densely vegetated and has many mosquitoes; the UV rays are strong in summer, so bring a hat and sunscreen. 3. **Stamp book culture**: Many shops offer free stamps, so buy a notebook to collect memories of Gulangyu Island. 4. **Avoid the crowds**: The island is very crowded during holidays, so it is recommended to visit on weekdays or before 8 am. The beauty of Gulangyu Island lies in slowing down, listening to the stories of every brick and tile, and feeling the gentle sea breeze brushing over the piano keys.