Former Site of the British Asiatic Petroleum Company on Gulangyu Island

Former Site of the British Asiatic Petroleum Company on Gulangyu Island

The former site of the British Asiatic Petroleum Company on Gulangyu Island is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Fujian Province.

The former site of the British Asiatic Petroleum Company on Gulangyu Island is located on Gulangyu Island in Siming District, Xiamen City, dating back to the Republican era.

Description: In the early 20th century, the Asiatic Petroleum Company, established in London, UK, set up a branch on Neicuo’ao, Gulangyu. The company’s office building was constructed between the 1910s and 1920s as a two-story Western-style red-brick structure, along with a semi-underground damp-proof layer and a front courtyard. The building has a slightly square floor plan, facing southwest to northeast, with a four-sloped roof. A small protruding room on the front roof provides lighting, ventilation, and easy roof access. The steps, railings, and lower parts of the walls are built from granite, while the upper parts are made of red bricks. The windows come in various styles: the first-floor windows feature pointed arch triangles, double circular holes, and arched window bars resembling an eagle’s head, while the second floor has a pair of arched doors plus a circular opening, offering a unique design.

Protected area: An extension of 20 meters outward from all sides of the building.

In 2018, the former site of the British Asiatic Petroleum Company on Gulangyu Island was designated as part of the ninth batch of provincial-level cultural heritage sites by the People’s Government of Fujian Province.

Further reading:

· Ninth Batch of Provincial-Level Cultural Heritage Sites in Fujian Province