Xu Family Garden on Gulangyu Island

Xu Family Garden on Gulangyu Island

Hidden among the quiet foliage and colonial houses of Gulangyu, Xu Family Garden spans a large area, taking up the whole of No. 36-38 Lujiao Road. Viewed through the mottled tree shadows, the four-story structure features a striking red-and-white color scheme, with pillars, decorative pediments, and a gateway forming a traditional symmetrical design. The terrace is so broad it could accommodate an intimate party—though now home to local fishermen, all its once charming functions have faded. Wandering around, one door of Xu Family Garden stands out: a Gothic-style eagle with a human head perches atop the doorway, claws outstretched in a downward snarl. The geometric lines are clean and sharp, with a pattern resembling armor in the center, partially obscured by diagonal stripes. At the bottom, egg-yellow letters read “1935,” marking the building’s age. Constructed in the 1930s, the garden was owned by Filipino-Chinese businessman Xu Chunsheng. During the Cultural Revolution, the carved floral panels in the living room were painted black, after which the Xu family moved away, leaving no further traces.

Address: No. 36-38 Lujiao Road, Siming District, Xiamen

Type: Historical Architecture

Recommended Visit Duration: 10–20 minutes

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

No admission fee.