The amazing island of Gu Lang Yu in China is totally worth a visit. It's an island on the coastal side of the Fujian Province attached to the city of Xiamen. All very remarkable - to reach Gu Lang Yu you can take a ferry from Xiamen.
Gu Lang Yu has colonial history. It's got a musical flair too! In order to actually get to Gu Lang Yu you first need to get to Xiamen, itself an island. The odd thing is that as soon as you get to Xiamen, you will then board another ferry over to Gu Lang Yu, that is, if you want to go there! You can stay in Xiamen of course, it's a big city. But Gu Lang Yu is honestly worth a ferry ride across to.
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.
I would recommend getting the slower, cheaper boat simply for the view - you can relax and enjoy the views of the harbour and if the weather is good, the city looks stunning. The ferry was 15 RMB return at the time we went almost a year ago, but there are cheaper and even free off peak times so look out for that!
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. The Colonial Style Architecture - Gu Lang Yu is unique for China - it includes building designs from the UK, Netherlands, Japan, Spain, China and a host more countries. This range of architecture makes it pretty to look at.
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!
Gu Lang Yu is very different to mainland China - just by walking through it you get to appreciate a few of the finer things in life - the amazing architecture. Take your time to walk and admire - this type of street design maybe common in Europe but not in China!
4. Musical Island - often nicknamed Piano Island, Gu Lang Yu has lots of musical influences, in fact it's famous for its music - lots of Chinese musicians hail from here. Many of them are famous.
* 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.
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!
Gu Lang Yu has colonial history. It's got a musical flair too! In order to actually get to Gu Lang Yu you first need to get to Xiamen, itself an island. The odd thing is that as soon as you get to Xiamen, you will then board another ferry over to Gu Lang Yu, that is, if you want to go there! You can stay in Xiamen of course, it's a big city. But Gu Lang Yu is honestly worth a ferry ride across to.
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.
I would recommend getting the slower, cheaper boat simply for the view - you can relax and enjoy the views of the harbour and if the weather is good, the city looks stunning. The ferry was 15 RMB return at the time we went almost a year ago, but there are cheaper and even free off peak times so look out for that!
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. The Colonial Style Architecture - Gu Lang Yu is unique for China - it includes building designs from the UK, Netherlands, Japan, Spain, China and a host more countries. This range of architecture makes it pretty to look at.
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!
Gu Lang Yu is very different to mainland China - just by walking through it you get to appreciate a few of the finer things in life - the amazing architecture. Take your time to walk and admire - this type of street design maybe common in Europe but not in China!
4. Musical Island - often nicknamed Piano Island, Gu Lang Yu has lots of musical influences, in fact it's famous for its music - lots of Chinese musicians hail from here. Many of them are famous.
* 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.
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!
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