Gulangyu Sunset - Chasing an Orange Sea Sunset and Experiencing Century-old Piano Island's Slow Life

24-hour Guide to Gulangyu Island: At 6am, when the first rays of sunlight pierce through the clouds onto Xiamen's waters, I was already queuing at the Xiamen-Gulangyu Ferry Terminal. Booking ferry tickets (CNY 35 round-trip) to Sanqiutian Pier through the "Xiamen Ferry" WeChat account three days in advance is the right way to start exploring Gulangyu while avoiding crowds. 6 Must-try Experiences 1️⃣ Chasing Light at Sunlight Rock Climbing the 108 steps to the top of Sunlight Rock (CNY 50 entrance fee) isn't easy, but when the sea breeze carrying salty air hits your face and you get a 360° view of red-tiled roofs, green trees, and the sparkling strait, you instantly understand why Zheng Chenggong chose this spot for his troops. The cliff inscription "The mountain gets better when your legs are tired" feels like a conversation with ancient visitors across centuries. 2️⃣ Listen to Waves at Shuzhuang Garden This "Maritime Jiangnan Garden" is designed as a maze with twelve grottoes. I wandered through the rockeries with my camera, discovering adorable zodiac stone sculptures around corners. The Piano Museum, connected by forty-four bridges, fills the air with piano music from old gramophones mixing with the sound of waves, reminding you of Gulangyu's claim to "highest piano density in Asia." 3️⃣ Wait for Sunset at Gangzaihou Beach After 6pm, Gangzaihou Beach becomes peaceful, with rocks and palm trees gilded by the setting sun. As the Twin Towers' silhouette is outlined by the evening glow and seagulls glide through the orange sky, camera shutters click amid gasps of amazement. I wrote "2025.04.06" in the sand, letting the waves gently erase it. Practical Information 📍 Transportation: Book ferry tickets 3 days in advance; Sanqiutian Pier is closest to main attractions 🎫 Tickets: CNY 90 combo ticket for 5 main attractions is more economical, half-price with student ID 📸 Photography: Queue for the best corner shots; recommended spots include Bagua Building's red dome and Gangzaihou Beach rocks 🍜 Food: Avoid Longtou Road food street; try time-honored "Shen's Rice Noodle Roll" (CNY 10) and "Ye's Mochi" (CNY 5) on Neicuoao Road Tips to Avoid Pitfalls ❌ Avoid ticket scalpers at the pier, use official channels only ❌ No motor vehicles on the island, wear flat shoes! ❌ Check seafood restaurant prices before sitting down; recommended "Lin's Fish Balls" (CNY 20/bowl) Accommodation Recommendation "Gulangyu Youting Guesthouse": Converted century-old villa, family rooms with children's facilities, from CNY 200 per person As dusk falls over Piano Island and street lights gradually illuminate, I sit on the second-floor terrace of "Zhang Sanfeng Tea Shop," watching moonlight climb up the red dome of Bagua Building. This island, steeped in sea breeze, tells its history through century-old buildings and weaves romance with piano music and waves. It deserves 24 hours of your time to walk slowly and savor thoroughly.