⛪ Union Church: Where Gulangyu’s Colonial Soul Whispers Through Time!

#summervacay Let’s visit **Union Church (协和礼拜堂)**, Gulangyu’s oldest Western-style church and a serene escape from the island’s bustling streets. Here’s your perfect guide: --- ### **⛪ Union Church Essentials** **📍 Location**: 38-40 Fujian Road, Gulangyu (near Trinity Church) **⏰ Hours**: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Occasionally closes for private events) **🎟️ Ticket**: Free (donations welcome) --- ### **🌟 Why Visit?** 1. **History**: Built in **1863** by British missionaries, it’s the **first church on Gulangyu**. 2. **Architecture**: Simple white facade with Gothic windows—a photogenic contrast to Fujian’s red-brick villas. 3. **Atmosphere**: Peaceful courtyard with banyan trees, often empty compared to Trinity Church. --- ### **🚶♂️ How to Get There** - **From Sanqiutian Pier**: 10-min walk southwest along Fujian Road (pass KCCA). - **Landmark**: Look for the **whitewashed building with a pointed arch entrance**. --- ### **📸 Must-See Features** - **Wooden Pew Interior**: Original 19th-century furnishings (if open). - **Bell Tower**: Silent now but once called worshippers to Sunday service. - **Hidden Courtyard**: Perfect for quiet reflection under ancient trees. --- ### **💒 Cultural Note** This church hosted **China’s first Protestant service in Hokkien dialect**—a fusion of East and West. --- ### **📅 Tips for Visiting** - **Best Time**: Weekday mornings (fewer visitors). - **Combine With**: Trinity Church (5-min walk) for a "church crawl." - **Photography**: Respect worshippers if services are ongoing (rare but possible). --- ### **🚶♂️ Suggested Route** Sanqiutian Pier → **Union Church** → Trinity Church → KCCA → Shuzhuang Garden.