Xiamen Day Tour: Gulangyu Island + Zhongshan Road + Eighth Seafood Market + Island Ring Road
This morning, you need to meet your guide in the hotel lobby at the agreed time. Then we will drive you to the port and take a 20-minute ferry to Gulangyu.
Gulangyu is one of the most beautiful islands in Xiamen, Fujian. In 2017, it was inscribed on the World Heritage List as a "Historic International Settlement" and is one of the must-visit destinations in Fujian. The island has 931 existing historical buildings blending Chinese and Western styles, including Gothic churches, Baroque consulates, and Minnan red-brick ancient residences, known as the "International Architecture Expo." Moreover, the island has the highest per capita piano ownership in China, boasts China's first piano museum and the world's largest organ museum, and has nurtured many internationally renowned musicians, earning it the titles "Island of Music" and "Island of Pianos." In addition, motor vehicles are prohibited on the entire island, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. You can leisurely stroll and enjoy the picturesque island scenery, fully savoring the elegant charm of the "Garden on the Sea."
Today's tour of Gulangyu offers two different route options: ① Cultural and Historical Architecture Tour: taking you to visit old buildings of different styles and learn the historical stories behind them; ② Leisure and Entertainment Tour: letting you fully enjoy the island scenery, with a customized route based on your travel preferences and pace.
Gulangyu Optional Route ①: Cultural and Historical Architecture Tour (about 4 to 5 hours in total)
Stops along the way: Sanqiutian Pier (one of Gulangyu's earliest piers) → Chuanwu (the only villa on Gulangyu designed in the shape of a ship, also a rare ship-shaped villa worldwide) → Bagua Tower (China's only and the world's largest organ museum; the architecture blends ancient Greek, ancient Roman, Islamic, and Minnan styles; known as "Gulangyu's Little White House" for its red dome and grand appearance, it is Gulangyu's most striking landmark) → Yang Family Garden (one of Gulangyu's ten famous villa complexes, known as "Gulangyu's Versailles") → Fanpo Tower (built by Philippine overseas Chinese Xu Jingquan; the architecture blends Rococo style with Minnan craftsmanship, with bright colors) → Trinity Church (Gulangyu's earliest and largest Christian chapel, with a rare Greek cross symmetrical design) → Golden Melon Tower (also known as Huang Cimin Villa, one of Gulangyu's ten villas and one of its most representative historical building complexes, famous for its Byzantine-style "golden melon" dome and Chinese-Western design) → Dafudi (one of Gulangyu's earliest existing residential buildings, a typical Minnan traditional red-brick residence) → Siluo Dacuo (a representative Minnan traditional red-brick residence, Gulangyu's oldest existing residential complex) → Chu Family Garden (one of Gulangyu's relatively intact overseas Chinese villas) → Huang Family Garden (Gulangyu's largest and most luxurious private residence, known as "China's No. 1 Villa," where many national dignitaries have stayed) → Shuzhuang Garden (known as "the No. 1 Mansion on the Sea," with a rare design of hiding the sea and supplementing the mountain; its piano museum houses many piano treasures) → Haitiantang Gou (one of Gulangyu's ten villas, a model of Chinese roofs over Western walls, where you can watch Nanyin performances) → Huang Rongyuan Hall (Gulangyu's most romantic and exquisite villa, also China's first national-level record museum) → Catholic Church (Gulangyu's most beautiful church and Xiamen's only surviving Gothic church) → return to the pier.
Tips: Due to much walking, comfortable shoes are recommended for a better experience.
Gulangyu Optional Route ②: Leisure and Entertainment Tour (about 3 to 4 hours in total)
If you want to spend a leisurely holiday on Gulangyu and follow your heart, you can tell the guide your travel preferences, and they will recommend suitable ways and routes to explore Gulangyu.
If you prefer a quiet atmosphere with fewer people, you can stroll along Bishan Road, admire century-old buildings shaded by green trees and the distinctive Chinese-Western scenery; you can also go to Moonlight Rock to overlook the island's red rooftops and Xiamen's city skyline; or simply walk into an old villa and enjoy a cup of rich coffee, savoring a peaceful moment.
If you are interested in museums, we recommend Gulangyu Piano Museum, Organ Museum, China Record Museum, Palace Museum Gulangyu Gallery of Foreign Artifacts, and International Lettering Art Museum. If you love natural scenery, we recommend Sunlight Rock, Dadeji Seaside Bathing Beach, and Shuzhuang Garden. If you want to be immersed in music, we recommend Gulangyu Concert Hall and Pipe Organ Art Center to listen to a melodious performance. If you are keen on specialty foods, we recommend Longtou Road and Fujian Road to taste delicious Minnan cuisine.
Notes
1. You can explore Gulangyu on foot or by sightseeing bus (50 yuan/person).
2. Most outdoor attractions on Gulangyu are free, but some attractions or buildings may require additional fees for entry.
After touring Gulangyu, you will take a ferry back to Xiamen. Upon arrival, you can stroll along Zhongshan Road, Xiamen's most representative century-old street, and experience the rich old Xiamen charm. Zhongshan Road is China's only commercial pedestrian street that directly leads to the sea. The street retains a large number of complete Nanyang arcade buildings and historical relics, known as the "living fossil of modern Xiamen history." Here, you can immersively admire the ancient Nanyang architecture, taste authentic specialty snacks, and watch wonderful intangible cultural heritage performances such as Nanyin and puppet shows. Alternatively, you can walk into the alleys near Zhongshan Road to explore local life in Xiamen and taste Minnan-style foods such as satay noodles and oyster omelets. Seafood is a highlight of Xiamen cuisine. You can visit the nearby Eighth Seafood Market, see uncommon seafood varieties, and taste local seafood. (PS: If you decide to dine at the Eighth Market, be sure to negotiate prices before purchasing seafood to avoid any misunderstandings.)
Finally, you can leisurely drive along the Island Ring Road, known as one of "China's most beautiful coastlines," and enjoy the picturesque sea highway scenery. Along the way, you can take in the subtropical coastal scenery of "blue sea and golden sand reflecting the red road, palm flower seas accompanying sculptures." If you want to fully enjoy the charming island scenery, you can stop and slowly appreciate places such as Yefengzhai (one of Xiamen's iconic seaside attractions, with a distant view of Kinmen Island), Baicheng Beach (in the evening, you can photograph the Twin Towers and the orange sea in the same frame), Huangcuo Beach (Xiamen's best sunrise viewing spot), and Zengcuoan (China's most artistic fishing village).
After the tour, this wonderful and unforgettable 1-day Fujian Xiamen journey will come to an end. Our driver will take you to the airport/train station for your next destination.
🍽️ Lunch included
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