Discover century-old Western-style buildings around every corner—Enjoy a delightful "lost in history" tour of Gulangyu’s classic architecture

▲Gulangyu’s buildings are staggered across varying elevations, creating a dynamic three-dimensional feel. (Photo by reporter Chen Ruizhong, the same below)

By Chen Ruizhong, Xiamen / Reported

Arches, reliefs, and round stone pillars—the charm exuded by these old houses rich in Western architectural elements often makes them popular backdrops for photos. If you enjoy admiring these quaint buildings, a visit to Xiamen should definitely include a stroll around Gulangyu.

▲Viewing Gulangyu’s night scenery from the ferry.

Gulangyu, formerly known as Yuanshazhou, is a small island covering less than 2 square kilometers and located less than 1 kilometer from downtown Xiamen. After the Opium Wars, due to its superior natural environment, Gulangyu attracted many foreigners to work and reside here. Starting from 1844, a total of 13 countries established consulates on Gulangyu, and multiple nations constructed churches, schools, and other buildings.

▲Every building on the island gives the illusion of being abroad.

In addition to these public buildings, residents at the time also built many stunning houses on Gulangyu. Later Chinese residents further constructed a large number of Western-style or Sino-Western fusion residences. Over the years, Gulangyu became filled with Western architectural elements and diverse styles of buildings, totaling thousands of century-old structures. Even more recent constructions often retain the vintage retro style, leading to Gulangyu being hailed as the “gathering place of global architecture.”

▲Some historic houses have been converted into hotels and are not open to the public.

Also, since admiring the architecture is one of the main joys on Gulangyu—and the island isn’t very big—locals often recommend going on a“lost-in-history tour”, where you don’t limit your route. Simply wander through the streets and alleys, and you’ll frequently stumble upon delightful surprises: Shuzhuang Garden, Bagua Building, Sanyi Church, the British Consulate... everywhere offers photo-worthy moments.

▲The romantic vibe of Gulangyu also makes it a popular spot for couples to shoot their wedding photos.

There’s a fun saying on Gulangyu: “A house with a hundred years of history isn’t even considered old yet.” Indeed, while wandering the streets of Gulangyu, you’ll come across elegantly detailed Western mansions, many marked with construction dates from the 19th century—transporting you through a time tunnel of architectural history.

▲From the shorelines of Gulangyu, you can admire the night view of Xiamen in the distance.

Many young women also dress up in floral dresses and straw hats to visit Gulangyu, immersing themselves in its rich exotic atmosphere. Even more couples come here for wedding shoots, leaving behind sweet memories. Although not all of these mansions are open to the public, simply observing the intricate stone carvings and ornate facades allows you to imagine the grandeur Gulangyu once held, as seen through these residences that blend classical and modern styles.

▲The variety of architectural styles on the island has earned Gulangyu the reputation as the “gathering place of global architecture.”

In the past, thanks to its unique leisurely and tranquil atmosphere, Gulangyu was ranked No. 1 as “China’s Most Beautiful Urban Area”by China National Geography Magazine in 2005.However, with the rapid development of the tourism industry on the island, more modern shops and an influx of tourists have brought a strong commercial vibe to the main streets. Still, if you slow down and wander “lost” through the streets, you can still find quiet corners where you can fully enjoy the beauty of the architecture.