The Palace Museum Gulangyu Foreign Cultural Relics Museum

The Palace Museum Gulangyu Foreign Cultural Relics Museum

The Palace Museum is a comprehensive museum established on the foundation of the imperial palaces of the Ming and Qing dynasties and their abundant court collections. It is China’s largest museum of ancient culture and art. During the Ming and Qing periods, foreign delegations frequently visited China for cultural exchanges, and Western craftsmen and artisans were recruited to serve the imperial court, resulting in the display and widespread use of a large number of exotically styled handicrafts and daily treasures within the palace. These foreign relics accumulated over time, gradually forming a unique foreign landscape within the Chinese court and leaving behind historical traces of cultural exchanges between China and other countries (regions) over the past 500 years.

Gulangyu is a famous scenic spot in Xiamen, Fujian, located in the southwest corner of Xiamen Island. The island covers an area of 1.88 square kilometers. It gets its name from a reef on the southwestern side of the island that, when struck by waves during high tide, makes a sound resembling the beating of a drum — hence the name “Gulangyu” (Drum Wave Islet). The beautiful Gulangyu features picturesque scenery, melodious piano music, and a rich cultural heritage. From the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, Gulangyu served as a uniquely distinctive window for foreign exchange in southeastern China. Its diverse architectural styles, landscaped gardens, material remains, as well as the blend of traditional Chinese culture, local culture, and diverse foreign influences, collectively represent the essence of cultural exchange, mutual learning, and integration between China and the coastal regions of East and Southeast Asia. With its deep sense of history and unique charm, Gulangyu fully showcases its international character.

The Palace Museum Gulangyu Foreign Cultural Relics Museum was jointly established by the Xiamen Municipal Government and the Palace Museum. The project is located at the former site of the “Rescue Hospital and Nurses’ School” on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen City. It aims to showcase a large collection of foreign cultural relics from the Palace Museum in the internationally renowned “Exhibition of World Architecture” that is Gulangyu. This allows the island’s exotic-style architectural heritage to complement the royal collection of foreign treasures. Gulangyu faces the blue sea and looks across to Kinmen Island in Taiwan. The enduring Western-style historic buildings blend harmoniously with the mountains, coconut groves, and beaches, creating a vibrant and picturesque scene. The museum integrates historic architecture, cultural heritage, and natural landscapes, bringing the history of Sino-Western cultural exchanges during the Ming and Qing periods to life in the context of today’s global “Belt and Road” initiative. It also allows audiences from China and abroad to enjoy the beauty of art that transcends national boundaries.

The Palace Museum Gulangyu Foreign Cultural Relics Museum covers an area of 11,000 square meters, with a building area of 5,180 square meters. Most of the relics on display have been stored in the Palace Museum’s collection and have never been shown to the public before. The types of relics on exhibit include lacquerware, pottery, porcelain, glassware, enamelware, metalware, textiles, paintings, books, sculptures, furniture, clocks, scientific instruments, and more. These items come from various countries and regions such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Italy, Austria, the United States, Bulgaria, Japan, and Korea. The relics are mainly from the old imperial collections of the Qing court, with some acquired through public donations or private contributions. The time span ranges from the 16th century to the early 20th century, with the majority dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Time Needed

2 hours

Transportation

Located at the former site of the Rescue Hospital, not far from the Santai Tian Wharf. It takes about five minutes to walk from Santai Tian Wharf.

Admission

The ticket price is 50 RMB per person (excluding special exhibitions).

Discounted tickets for students, retired cadres, and other eligible groups are subject to on-site announcements.

Opening Hours

Open year-round. Opening hours may be extended or shortened during statutory holidays. Please pay attention to announcements. Except for statutory holidays and the summer vacation period (July 4 to August 24), the museum is closed all day on Mondays.

Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00–17:00

Location

No. 80, Guxin Road, Gulangyu, located at the former site of the Rescue Hospital, not far from the Santai Tian Wharf. It takes about five minutes to walk from Santai Tian Wharf.

Gulangyu Subdistrict: Siming District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province

This subdistrict covers an area of 1.91 square kilometers, with a registered population of 15,373. It governs two communities: Longtou and Neicuo. Gulangyu Subdistrict is a neighborhood office under Siming District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province. Its jurisdiction covers the entire area of Gulangyu Island, spanning 1.91 square kilometers with a registered population of 15,373. The subdistrict administers two communities: Longtou Community (eastern part) and Neicuo Community (western part). Before 2003, the area now known as Gulangyu Subdistrict was part of Gulangyu District, which had no subordinate streets or towns. ... More details on Gulangyu Subdistrict ++