Gu Lang Yu is a superb magical island off the coast of Xiamen in the Fujian Province of China. To reach it you take a ferry from Xiamen. It's a very different type of island and definitely worth a visit!
There is decent history on Gu Lang Yu, music and colonial wise. Indeed a few countries all influence the architecture on the streets of Gu Lang Yu. If you make it to Xiamen, most people head to Gu Lang Yu anyway and if you read on you'll see why it shouldn't be missed. An unusual part of your trip to Gu Lang Yu is the fact that to get there you have to pass through the island of Xiamen anyway! You can reach Xiamen by bus - I came from Shuyang Town and get a ferry from Xiamen seafront harbour direct to Gu Lang Yu.
How to get to Gu Lang Yu - take the ferry from the harbour front at Xiamen. It's easy to find and the cheapest ferry is not always a direct one - which adds to the journey since you get a great view of the harbour.
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 to see and do there? Here's a few top tips for Gu Lang Yu!
1. Head to Sunlight Rock - the high point of Gu Lang Yu - excellent views of the city of Xiamen. The price is 60 RMB which is a tad expensive but worth doing just for the view. It includes a small memorial hall as well and it gets busy at the top!
2. All the Colonial Buildings - these buildings all over the streets of Gu Lang Yu have influences from all over the world. The architecture can be seen bearing similarities to Britain, Japan, Holland, Italy and Spain! It's a real special thing to see and rare to get this in China.
3. The Cobbled Streets - these cool, pokey streets get busy at times but make for an excellent stroll, plenty of restaurants and cafes too.
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. The Music Influence - Gu Lang Yu is famous for its music. It has been nicknamed 'Piano Island' by locals and the Chinese. Lots of famous pianists come from Gu Lang Yu, which is incredible as its a very small island. When I was there I saw a free music parade and festival.
* You might also want to visit a museum, try the cable car ride, check out a Church (Protestant) and enjoy the gardens by the waterfront.
Where should you stay? On Gu Lang Yu, space is limited bu there is a hostel on one of the first main streets after you leave the ferry terminal. It's easy to find in fact.
So there you have it - a very brief but essential guide to the island of Gu Lang Yu in Fujian Province in China. Whether you choose it as just a day trip, or an overnight stop, you will enjoy it. It's just that little bit different to the China we are used to!
There is decent history on Gu Lang Yu, music and colonial wise. Indeed a few countries all influence the architecture on the streets of Gu Lang Yu. If you make it to Xiamen, most people head to Gu Lang Yu anyway and if you read on you'll see why it shouldn't be missed. An unusual part of your trip to Gu Lang Yu is the fact that to get there you have to pass through the island of Xiamen anyway! You can reach Xiamen by bus - I came from Shuyang Town and get a ferry from Xiamen seafront harbour direct to Gu Lang Yu.
How to get to Gu Lang Yu - take the ferry from the harbour front at Xiamen. It's easy to find and the cheapest ferry is not always a direct one - which adds to the journey since you get a great view of the harbour.
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 to see and do there? Here's a few top tips for Gu Lang Yu!
1. Head to Sunlight Rock - the high point of Gu Lang Yu - excellent views of the city of Xiamen. The price is 60 RMB which is a tad expensive but worth doing just for the view. It includes a small memorial hall as well and it gets busy at the top!
2. All the Colonial Buildings - these buildings all over the streets of Gu Lang Yu have influences from all over the world. The architecture can be seen bearing similarities to Britain, Japan, Holland, Italy and Spain! It's a real special thing to see and rare to get this in China.
3. The Cobbled Streets - these cool, pokey streets get busy at times but make for an excellent stroll, plenty of restaurants and cafes too.
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. The Music Influence - Gu Lang Yu is famous for its music. It has been nicknamed 'Piano Island' by locals and the Chinese. Lots of famous pianists come from Gu Lang Yu, which is incredible as its a very small island. When I was there I saw a free music parade and festival.
* You might also want to visit a museum, try the cable car ride, check out a Church (Protestant) and enjoy the gardens by the waterfront.
Where should you stay? On Gu Lang Yu, space is limited bu there is a hostel on one of the first main streets after you leave the ferry terminal. It's easy to find in fact.
So there you have it - a very brief but essential guide to the island of Gu Lang Yu in Fujian Province in China. Whether you choose it as just a day trip, or an overnight stop, you will enjoy it. It's just that little bit different to the China we are used to!
About the Author:
To read more stuff like Gu Lang Yu Island head to Jonny Blair's resourceful website Travelling Northern Irishman for continual travel stories and ideas.. Also published at Gu Lang Yu island in China.
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