Xiamen Gulangyu Island One Day Itinerary Your Perfect 2025 Guide & Map

Gulangyu Island Day Trip: Your Perfect One-Day Itinerary from Xiamen

If you’re visiting Xiamen, a day trip to Gulangyu Island is essential. This car-free island is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, historic colonial-era architecture, and musical heritage (it’s nicknamed “Piano Island”). This efficient walking guide will help you see the best of Gulangyu without getting lost or worn out.

Recommended One-Day Walking Route on Gulangyu Island for Your Xiamen Trip (Circular Scenic Route)

Start: Take the ferry from Xiamen to Sanqiutian Pier.
Route Order:

1. Gulangyu Organ Art Center – See one of Asia’s largest historic organs.
2. Bagua Building (Organ Museum) – Explore this red-domed landmark full of antique organs.
3. Ri Guang Yan – Climb to the island’s highest point for 360° views.
4. Shuzhuang Garden – Stroll through a beautiful seaside garden with a piano museum.
5. International Calligraphy Art Museum – View unique carved character art.
6. Gulangyu Photography Gallery – See historical photos of the island (Free entry).
7. Haoyue Garden – See the giant statue of the historical figure Zheng Chenggong.
8. Da De Ji Beach – Relax by the ocean with a great view of Xiamen.
9. Piano Pier – See the island’s original pier, shaped like a piano.
10. Gulangyu Foreign Cultural Relics Museum – Discover artifacts from Beijing’s Palace Museum.
    End: Return to Sanqiutian Pier for your ferry back to Xiamen.

This well-planned route takes you past all the key sights in a logical, efficient order.

Key Attractions & Tickets

1、Ri Guang Yan
The highest point on Gulangyu, offering the best panoramic views.
Tip: Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Admission: ¥50

2、Shuzhuang Garden
A beautiful classical seaside garden, originally a wealthy merchant’s home.
Don’t Miss: The charming Piano Museum inside the garden.
Admission: ¥30

3、Haoyue Garden
A seaside park featuring a giant statue of Zheng Chenggong, a 17th-century military leader.
Great for: Photos with the impressive statue and ocean backdrop.
Admission: ¥10

4、Bagua Building (Organ Museum)
A striking red-domed landmark building with a collection of antique organs.
Interesting Fact: The building’s design is based on the Eight Trigrams (Bagua).
Admission: ¥30

5、Gulangyu Organ Art Center
Home to a massive, century-old organ with an awe-inspiring sound.
Perfect for: Music lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
Admission: ¥25

6、The Palace Museum Gulangyu Branch
An outpost of Beijing’s famous Palace Museum (Forbidden City).
Features: Western artifacts collected by China’s emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Admission: ¥25

Essential Travel Tips

Book Ferry Tickets ONLINE in Advance： This is crucial! Tickets often sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. Book through official channels to secure your spot.

Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes： Gulangyu is a pedestrian-only island. You’ll be walking all day, so supportive footwear is a must.

Consider the Combo Ticket： If you plan to visit most of the paid attractions listed above, a combo ticket is more economical than buying individual entries.

Stay Hydrated and Protected： The island can be warm and sunny. Carry a water bottle (refillable at shops) and use sunscreen and a hat.

Check Opening Times： Verify the operating hours for museums and attractions, as they can change, especially outside peak season.

Enjoy Getting Lost： While this itinerary is efficient, some of Gulangyu’s charm lies in its quiet side streets. Don’t be afraid to explore a little!