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.
The slow boat is arguably better as it gives you a great view of the city and the bonus being it's also cheaper. At the time we went it was 15 RMB for a return trip, but this does vary and I've even heard it can be free on one of the decks at an off peak time if you stand up.
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. 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!
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. 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.
* Aside from this there are museums, a cable car option, even a Protestant Church and some colonial dwelling places to see.
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.
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
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.
The slow boat is arguably better as it gives you a great view of the city and the bonus being it's also cheaper. At the time we went it was 15 RMB for a return trip, but this does vary and I've even heard it can be free on one of the decks at an off peak time if you stand up.
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. 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!
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. 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.
* Aside from this there are museums, a cable car option, even a Protestant Church and some colonial dwelling places to see.
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.
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
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