Magical island of Gulang Yu

Magical island of Gulang Yu

by Jonny Blair

Another of my incredible China adventures in recent times involved a visit to this crazy island known as Gu Lang Yu! Basically it's an island off the coast of the Fujian Province and is reached by ferry from the city of Xiamen, itself another interesting Chinese city which I have yet to write about separately!

Gu Lang Yu has fascinating history, splendid views, colonial architecture and quirky restaurants, cafes and shops. It is very touristy and very busy but it is definitely worth checking out. It might be a cliche, but try your best not to miss it when you're in Xiamen (although remember your journey is your own so you don't have to listen to me!!). The oddest part of this bit of travelling is actually that Xiamen the city is on an island itself. Having arrived in Xiamen by bus (from Shuyang Town) we then walked around, had our lunch and headed on a ferry to another Chinese Island, this one is Gu Lang Yu!

Getting there? - The only real option is to take the ferry - it leaves from the port of Xiamen - get yourself to the harbour and you can't miss it. There is a ferry that goes straight to Gu Lang Yu - i.e. directly across, the other option takes a detour and gives you a decent view of the city and the island.

This by the way is totally worth doing - you get longer on the boat and you get to relax and check out the views. It's was a bright "sunshiney" day when we were there and the views were exceptional. The ferry cost us 15 RMB each for a return (in March 2012), but the prices vary and I've heard you can get a free ride at off peak times if you stand. It gets busy.

What is there for me to see and do on Gu Lang Yu? - Despite being a small island, this is a great island and here are my top sightseeing tips:

1. Climb to Sunlight Rock - Climbing to the highest point of the island of Gulang Yu is recommended. Sunlight Rock is the English translation and the views are exquisite and the exercise of the climb up is also good for you. To get there basically follow signs for Sunlight Rock climb when you are on the island and you will find it, through the flurry of cobbled streets. Entrance to walk up there is a fee of 60 RMB which also includes a small memorial hall. It's a rip off and it's over-priced, especially for China, BUT I'd say do it as the view is spectacular as you can see.

2. Colonial Style Buildings - Gu Lang Yu features a bizarre varied range of Colonial Style Buildings. For some unknown reason it reminded me of Macau in parts. There are British, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese and Chinese style buildings showing a diverse influence on this island. There is probably not another place in China that is like this (I class Hong Kong and Macau as separate to China).

3. The little cobbled streets - narrow, busy and with plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep you amused. It doesn't even feel like you're in China!

You will notice how Gu Lang Yu differs from mainland China particularly in the street layout, style and architecture. Enjoy your walk round it and take it all in - it's a novelty in China!

4. Music - there is a heavy music influence on Gu Lang Yu and it's famous for it. Famous pianists have hailed from this small island and there are regular music events and festivals worth watching.

* There are also museums, colonial residences, a cable car ride, a Protestant church and a waterfront garden as well.

Where to stay on Gu Lang Yu? - There's a hostel on Gu Lang Yu which is difficult to miss, it's on one of the main streets when you arrive by ferry and is prominent. It's a Hostelling International - it's probably the cheapest option on the island.

That's basically it - Gu Lang Yu! Head over for a day trip and see it, or spend a night there and enjoy the restaurants and bar life after dark. It's a splendid place to visit and extremely different to parts of the main Fujian Province



To read more stuff like <a href="http://tinyurl.com/a6gnwtn">Gu Lang Yu Island</a> head to Jonny Blair's excellent website <a href="http://tinyurl.com/bda83t9">Travelling Northern Irishman</a> for continual travel stories and tips.. This article, <a href="http://www.uberarticles.com/home.php?id=1773451&p=68737">Magical island of Gulang Yu</a> is available for free reprint.


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