One of the Ten Must-Do Things on Gulangyu: Collect Unique Stamps Around the Island
Before arriving, it’s a good idea to bring a small, cute, and portable notebook. When visiting shops, cafes, and homestays, ask the owners to stamp it for you. You can also buy a notebook at some of the island’s miscellaneous goods stores, but you might have already visited several shops by the time you find one, forcing you to backtrack. So, bringing your own notebook is recommended. Stamp-collecting experience: I collected over 20 stamps on Gulangyu. Many interesting little shops offer stamps — some are placed near the entrance for easy access, like Zhang San Feng’s, where you can just help yourself. Others are tucked away, so you’ll need to ask the owner, but most will oblige if they have them, such as Mi Tang.
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The stamps from Nora and Pei Nuo resemble their shop sign — a cute cat. On the right is the stamp from Gulangyu Tourist Distribution Center.
Two of the Ten Must-Do Things on Gulangyu: Stroll Along the Beach and Feel the Sea Breeze
Those familiar with Gulangyu know that it’s synonymous with leisure. Here, you must slow down — rushing through will only cause you to miss the island’s beauty. On the sandy beaches by the sea, you’ll find people reading, digging in the sand, taking walks, sunbathing, or simply sitting with a coconut for the entire afternoon.
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On Gulangyu, time is truly meant to be wasted.
Three of the Ten Must-Do Things on Gulangyu: Find Your Favorite Little Shop
Gulangyu’s diverse array of shops is definitely one of the island’s highlights, and browsing them is an essential activity. From bubble tea shops and grocery stores to dessert shops, bakeries, and bookstores — which one will become your favorite? You’ll have to visit them in person to decide.
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Nora and Pei Nuo is one such shop where you can get a stamp. They have cats, a lovely display window that changes daily, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a cat.
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This one is probably known to almost everyone — the famous Zhang San Feng Bubble Tea.
Four of the Ten Must-Do Things on Gulangyu: Send a Beautiful Postcard
If you love Gulangyu, share that love with your friends by sending a postcard that smells of the sea, writing down feelings unique to Gulangyu. It’s no exaggeration to say Gulangyu is probably home to the most beautiful postcards in the country. Here, artistic, boutique, fresh, and personalized postcards abound, dazzling my eyes. I bought a whole bag of them, and in the end, I couldn’t bear to send some of them — I ended up keeping them all.
Sending postcards has been taken to the extreme here, with options like delayed delivery, scheduled sending, and regular postage — it’s practically a model for postcard mailing excellence.
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There’s also a touch of sentimental, boutique-style flair that comes with sending postcards.
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Postcards often double as navigational tools, featuring many of Xiamen’s historic buildings and old streets.
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Sending a postcard to your future self is a brilliant idea.
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Various shops sell all kinds of beautiful postcards in creative ways. How could you not fall in love with Gulangyu?
Five of the Ten Must-Do Things on Gulangyu: Attend a Free Concert
In Gulangyu’s early days, the abundance of churches, church schools, and church hospitals meant many people played musical instruments. Organs and pianos were widely introduced, and by the early 1950s, there were over 500 pianos on the island, nurturing numerous pianists and musicians. That’s how Gulangyu earned the nickname “Piano Island.” Even today, music continues to play a significant role here. When visiting, aside from listening to the waves crash, don’t miss the wonderful music. The Gulangyu Concert Hall hosts free concerts and performances almost daily — be sure to check the performance schedule posted at the entrance. What could be more delightful than enjoying a concert on this beautiful island, feeling the pulse of the island? Especially when the concerts are free.
Six of the Ten Must-Do Things on Gulangyu: Keep Eating Local Snacks
The food and snacks on Gulangyu are a delight for everyone, including me. In addition to Fujian specialties, you’ll find plenty of imported treats, like pizza, mango yogurt, and Zhang San Feng Bubble Tea. The island’s most classic local snacks include fish balls, tung balls, shrimp roe noodles, oyster omelets, pastries, dried meat, and meat floss. Most of these shops are concentrated on Longtou Road, though you’ll find some scattered elsewhere too. If you’re not in a rush, take your time exploring.
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Many shops on Longtou Road serve fish balls. As a non-local, I tried a few and found them all quite good.
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Highly recommend trying star fruit — just cutting it open is a feast for the eyes.
Seven of the Ten Must-Do Things on Gulangyu: Stay Overnight at a Unique Homestay
Gulangyu is full of family-run guesthouses, many housed in old buildings that exude quaint charm while showing signs of the years gone by. Stay on the island, wait for the daytime bustle to fade, and enjoy the tranquility after nightfall. Gulangyu’s distinctive guesthouses and inns are mainly located in the dock area, historical building zone, seaside district, and hillside area. Each zone’s guesthouses and inns have their own characteristics, offering different experiences of Gulangyu.
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Mushroom is a famously renowned inn on Gulangyu.
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A homestay inside an old building. There are many such inns on Gulangyu — take your time looking for one.
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A small horse outside a unique homestay. I vaguely remember this little shop has a quiet and lush green courtyard.
Even if you’re not staying overnight, the owner welcomes you to come in and sit for a while.
Gulangyu Wharf Area
Staying in the Wharf Area: The Gulangyu Wharf Area is convenient for transportation and densely packed with unique shops, but the downside is that it can be rather noisy. During the day, you might see many tour group flags, so it’s not recommended for those who prefer peace and quiet.
Wharf Area Range: Fuzhou Road – Longtou Road – Guxin Road – Anhai Road – Quanzhou Road
Wharf Area Accommodations: Nana Coastal Resort Inn, Mushroom Coffee Inn, Gulangyu Lufei International Youth Hostel
Gulangyu Historical Architecture Area
Staying in the Historical Architecture Area: This area is dotted with old villas, historic buildings, and quaint courtyards left from earlier times, featuring red tiles, blue bricks, and Roman columns that tell of Gulangyu’s former prosperity. Staying here allows you to enjoy tranquility and also share in the stories left behind by time.
Historical Architecture Area Range: Yongchun Road – Huangyan Road – Fujian Road – Fuxing Road – Luji Road
Historical Architecture Area Accommodations: Nayia Inn, Gulangyu International Youth Hostel
Gulangyu Seaside Area
Staying in the Seaside Area: The seaside area of Gulangyu does not refer to the ferry terminal. There are no crowds of tourists here, but there are coconut groves, tree shadows, and clean beaches. Finding an inn here to stay quietly, watching the sea and waiting for spring blossoms is not out of reach.
Seaside Area Range: Gusheng Road – Guanhai Road
Seaside Area Accommodations: Wanghaiyuan, Qili Xiangshe
Gulangyu Hillside Area
Staying in the Hillside Area: Sometimes you have to climb higher to reach more distinctive views. On Gulangyu’s winding paths, as you walk among blooming flowers with no tourists around—just birds chirping—you’ll find that Gulangyu’s charm lies not only by the sea but also in the hills. So staying in the hillside area is also a great choice.
Hillside Area Range: Guxin Road – Bishan Road – Jishan Road
Hillside Area Accommodations: Boat House Inn, Huatang Inn
Eight of the Ten Must-Do Things in Gulangyu: Encounter a Free-Spirited Island Cat
There are so many cats on Gulangyu, and most of them have unique personalities. No wonder some joke that there are too many notable cats on Gulangyu to count on one hand. Examples include Zhang San Feng, Baby Cat, Nora, Piero, and more. How could you say you’ve been to Gulangyu without meeting one of its cats?
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Cats are also a highlight of Gulangyu. This one was spotted in a snack shop, curiously looking at me.
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A cat that regularly shows up at the shop’s entrance quickly draws a crowd, then becomes shy.
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Look at this one, the cat in the shop window—you’ve got quite the “spark” in your eyes.
Nine of the Ten Must-Do Things in Gulangyu: Find Your Favorite Little Path
Exploring paths in Gulangyu is truly a joyful experience. The stone-paved trails wind through the hills, lined with historic buildings and adorned with bougainvillea. They twist and turn at different heights, yet embody the true laid-back spirit of Gulangyu. When walking these paths, there’s no need to rush or have a destination—surprises are guaranteed. With no cars or bicycles on the island, only electric delivery carts, strolling here is completely safe.
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In Gulangyu, walk slowly, explore slowly, and eventually find that favorite little path of yours.
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Beyond the bustling Longtou Road, Gulangyu remains vast, waiting for you to slowly discover.
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At the end of a path, there may be just a lonely streetlamp.
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Some adorable greenery placed along a small path.
Stroll Along Gulangyu’s Circular Coastal Road
The coastal ring road on Gulangyu Island was newly developed in 1987. It starts from the Ferry Square, passes by major garden scenic spots, and returns to the Ferry Square from the west, completing a full loop around the island. It not only forms a scenic attraction in itself but also allows visitors to enjoy the breathtaking views of the blue sky and sea while taking in the island’s natural scenery. Moreover, it connects many of the island’s attractions, offering ever-changing vistas and boundless inspiration.
Highlights of Exploring Gulangyu
1. You may encounter local vendors carrying loads on shoulder poles along the road, usually selling wax apples and passion fruits. Feel free to try some. Especially the passion fruit—it’s uncommon in northern China.
2. Observe the life of locals. Many residents still live on Gulangyu. If you get the chance, chat with them—this is a great way to learn about the island.
3. Capture the beautiful sights of Gulangyu. As you walk along the paths, picturesque mailboxes, bougainvillea, and kapok flowers all make for great photo opportunities. These everyday scenes are also the most beautiful aspects of Gulangyu.
4. The ring road has a different feel from the smaller paths on the island—try to experience both.
The Tenth Must-Do on Gulangyu: Listen to the Sound of a Flower Blooming
The beauty of Gulangyu is embraced by the sea and adorned by flowers. In Xiamen and on Gulangyu, there are flowers year-round, adorning the landscape in every season. Especially for someone like me, a visitor from the north, I am deeply captivated by Gulangyu’s blossoms, constantly searching and capturing them with my camera. So on Gulangyu, take some time for yourself—to appreciate a single flower and quietly listen to the sound of it blooming.
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A kapok flower fallen by the roadside—this is the color of Xiamen, truly beautiful.
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Purple little flowers, hanging in clusters—who can tell me what they’re called?
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A nameless little flower by the roadside. I’ve found that on Gulangyu, as long as you take the time to look, beautiful scenery is hidden everywhere.
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