Gu Lang Yu is a superb magical island off the coast of Xiamen in the Fujian Province of China. To reach it you take a ferry from Xiamen. It's a very different type of island and definitely worth a visit!
There is decent history on Gu Lang Yu, music and colonial wise. Indeed a few countries all influence the architecture on the streets of Gu Lang Yu. If you make it to Xiamen, most people head to Gu Lang Yu anyway and if you read on you'll see why it shouldn't be missed. An unusual part of your trip to Gu Lang Yu is the fact that to get there you have to pass through the island of Xiamen anyway! You can reach Xiamen by bus - I came from Shuyang Town and get a ferry from Xiamen seafront harbour direct to Gu Lang Yu.
Getting there? - The only real option is to take the ferry - it leaves from the port of Xiamen - get yourself to the harbour and you can't miss it. There is a ferry that goes straight to Gu Lang Yu - i.e. directly across, the other option takes a detour and gives you a decent view of the city and the island.
This by the way is totally worth doing - you get longer on the boat and you get to relax and check out the views. It's was a bright "sunshiney" day when we were there and the views were exceptional. The ferry cost us 15 RMB each for a return (in March 2012), but the prices vary and I've heard you can get a free ride at off peak times if you stand. It gets busy.
What to see and do there? Here's a few top tips for Gu Lang Yu!
1. Make the climb to Sunlight Rock - this is the peak of the island and is totally sensational for the views! It's an easy walk up and the entrance price of 60 RMB also includes entry to a memorial hall. It is a bit over priced but worth seeing the view!
2. Colonial Style Buildings - Gu Lang Yu features a bizarre varied range of Colonial Style Buildings. For some unknown reason it reminded me of Macau in parts. There are British, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese and Chinese style buildings showing a diverse influence on this island. There is probably not another place in China that is like this (I class Hong Kong and Macau as separate to China).
3. The little cobbled streets - narrow, busy and with plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep you amused. It doesn't even feel like you're in China!
Just by walking round Gu Lang Yu you will appreciate the finer things in life - such as how pretty and wonderful the street architecture and layout is. Although this type of thing may be common in Europe, it's almost unheard of in parts of China. Walk slowly and take it all in!
4. The Music Influence - Gu Lang Yu is famous for its music. It has been nicknamed 'Piano Island' by locals and the Chinese. Lots of famous pianists come from Gu Lang Yu, which is incredible as its a very small island. When I was there I saw a free music parade and festival.
* Aside from this there are museums, a cable car option, even a Protestant Church and some colonial dwelling places to see.
Where should you stay? On Gu Lang Yu, space is limited bu there is a hostel on one of the first main streets after you leave the ferry terminal. It's easy to find in fact.
That's basically it - Gu Lang Yu! Head over for a day trip and see it, or spend a night there and enjoy the restaurants and bar life after dark. It's a splendid place to visit and extremely different to parts of the main Fujian Province
There is decent history on Gu Lang Yu, music and colonial wise. Indeed a few countries all influence the architecture on the streets of Gu Lang Yu. If you make it to Xiamen, most people head to Gu Lang Yu anyway and if you read on you'll see why it shouldn't be missed. An unusual part of your trip to Gu Lang Yu is the fact that to get there you have to pass through the island of Xiamen anyway! You can reach Xiamen by bus - I came from Shuyang Town and get a ferry from Xiamen seafront harbour direct to Gu Lang Yu.
Getting there? - The only real option is to take the ferry - it leaves from the port of Xiamen - get yourself to the harbour and you can't miss it. There is a ferry that goes straight to Gu Lang Yu - i.e. directly across, the other option takes a detour and gives you a decent view of the city and the island.
This by the way is totally worth doing - you get longer on the boat and you get to relax and check out the views. It's was a bright "sunshiney" day when we were there and the views were exceptional. The ferry cost us 15 RMB each for a return (in March 2012), but the prices vary and I've heard you can get a free ride at off peak times if you stand. It gets busy.
What to see and do there? Here's a few top tips for Gu Lang Yu!
1. Make the climb to Sunlight Rock - this is the peak of the island and is totally sensational for the views! It's an easy walk up and the entrance price of 60 RMB also includes entry to a memorial hall. It is a bit over priced but worth seeing the view!
2. Colonial Style Buildings - Gu Lang Yu features a bizarre varied range of Colonial Style Buildings. For some unknown reason it reminded me of Macau in parts. There are British, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese and Chinese style buildings showing a diverse influence on this island. There is probably not another place in China that is like this (I class Hong Kong and Macau as separate to China).
3. The little cobbled streets - narrow, busy and with plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep you amused. It doesn't even feel like you're in China!
Just by walking round Gu Lang Yu you will appreciate the finer things in life - such as how pretty and wonderful the street architecture and layout is. Although this type of thing may be common in Europe, it's almost unheard of in parts of China. Walk slowly and take it all in!
4. The Music Influence - Gu Lang Yu is famous for its music. It has been nicknamed 'Piano Island' by locals and the Chinese. Lots of famous pianists come from Gu Lang Yu, which is incredible as its a very small island. When I was there I saw a free music parade and festival.
* Aside from this there are museums, a cable car option, even a Protestant Church and some colonial dwelling places to see.
Where should you stay? On Gu Lang Yu, space is limited bu there is a hostel on one of the first main streets after you leave the ferry terminal. It's easy to find in fact.
That's basically it - Gu Lang Yu! Head over for a day trip and see it, or spend a night there and enjoy the restaurants and bar life after dark. It's a splendid place to visit and extremely different to parts of the main Fujian Province
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