Xiamen (16 to 17 July 2024) - 鼓浪屿 (Gulangyu Island)

Our day began with the highly anticipated visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site – 鼓浪屿 (Gulangyu Island). We eagerly boarded the ferry from Xiamen cruise terminal and embarked on a short journey to this charming island, known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes.

Upon arrival, we checked into our accommodation, 书香庄园 (Shu Xiang Manor), a beautifully preserved mansion-turned-hotel. The staff greeted us warmly and offered freshly cut fruits, providing a refreshing respite from the intense summer heat. The hotel's historical charm and attentive service set a perfect tone for our island retreat.

Eager to explore, we set off to wander the narrow lanes and alleys of Gulangyu, marveling at the well-preserved heritage buildings and unique architectural styles. Among the notable structures that captured our attention were 番婆楼 (Former Consulate General of the United Kingdom), 八卦楼 (Bagua Building), and 天主堂 (Church of Our Lady of Lourdes). Each building told a story of Gulangyu's multicultural past, reflecting influences from Western colonialism to traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

番婆楼 (Former Consulate General of the United Kingdom): This grand building, with its colonial architecture, stands as a testament to the island’s historical significance as an international settlement. Its elegant design and intricate details highlight the blend of Western and Eastern architectural influences that are prevalent throughout Gulangyu. Unfortunately we didn't enter due to the high entrance fees required.

八卦楼 (Bagua Building): Known for its unique octagonal shape, this building is an architectural marvel. It incorporates traditional Chinese design principles with modern construction techniques, making it a standout landmark on the island. The building was free to visit but requires advance reservation. It was fully booked when we arrived, so we could only took some pictures on the outside.

天主堂 (Church of Our Lady of Lourdes): This beautiful Catholic church, with its Gothic Revival architecture, serves as a spiritual and cultural landmark on Gulangyu. The church’s stained glass windows and serene atmosphere offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets of the island.

Many of the smaller buildings were converted into museum, shops or restaurants. While many of them are free to enter to visit, a couple of them do require an entrance fee.

As we meandered through the island, we couldn't resist sampling some of the local street foods. 龙头鱼丸 (Longtou Fish Balls) offered a delightful taste of fresh shark’s meat fishball with fragrant meat filling, while 灌蛋(Guan Dan) is a unique egg dish with meat fillings inside the yolk of a poached egg. These culinary delights added to the sensory experience of exploring Gulangyu, showcasing the island's culinary diversity.

One of the highlights of the island is a visit to the famous 菽庄花园 (Shuzhuang Garden). This exquisite garden, originally a private villa built in 1913 by Lin Erjia, a wealthy Taiwanese businessman, is now a public park that seamlessly blends classical Chinese garden design with breathtaking seascapes.

The garden is divided into two main sections: Cangjian (藏海) and Bujianshan (补山).

Cangjian (藏海): This section, meaning "Hidden Sea," is designed to give visitors a sense of discovering the sea through the garden. It features winding paths, rock formations, and strategically placed pavilions that offer stunning views of the ocean. The design incorporates the natural landscape, creating a harmonious blend of man-made beauty and natural splendor. 

Bujianshan (补山): Meaning "Completing the Mountain," this section is characterized by its use of rocks and plants to create a mountainous landscape within the garden. The Twelve Caves (十二洞) in this area are a highlight, each uniquely named and offering a different perspective of the garden and sea. The pavilions and bridges here are meticulously crafted, providing picturesque spots to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The garden also features a Piano Museum, reflecting Gulangyu's nickname as "Piano Island" due to its rich musical heritage. The museum houses an impressive collection of antique pianos from around the world, adding a cultural dimension to the natural beauty of the garden.

We decided to skip one of the island’s main attractions, 日光岩 (Sunlight Rock), due to the intense summer heat. Sunlight Rock is the highest point on Gulangyu, offering panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea, but we opted to save this for a cooler visit.

During our visit, we discovered that Gulangyu was hosting the 第五届鼓浪屿音乐季 (5th Gulangyu Music Season), adding an extra layer of excitement to our stay. This annual music festival celebrates the island's rich musical heritage and attracts talented musicians from around the world. Each evening, live performances echoed through the island's streets and squares, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. The festival featured a diverse range of genres, from classical to contemporary, highlighting the island’s historical association with music.

We attended a beachside performance and were impressed by the setup and the quality of the singers. The stage was beautifully lit, with the sound of the waves providing a natural backdrop to the music. The feature performance on our day of visit was headlined by 醒耳人声乐团. They are a local cappella group known for their innovative and diverse vocal performances. The group combines traditional Chinese elements with modern a cappella techniques, creating a unique sound that resonates with both classical and contemporary audiences. We were treated to a string of beautifully remixed melodies of song including those of Stefanie Sun and Jay Chou.

Our visit to Gulangyu was a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration, providing a respite from the bustle of daily life. The island’s unique charm, coupled with its rich heritage and serene landscapes, left a lasting impression on us, and we look forward to returning someday to climb up the Sunlight Rock.

Where shall we go first??