Gulangyu is one of the most famous attractions in Xiamen, famous for its unique island scenery and historical buildings.
Flowers bloom all year round on the island, the coast is tortuous, the rocks are undulating, various buildings are dotted, and the sound of pianos can be heard faintly in the deep alleys. It enjoys many reputations such as “Garden on the Sea”, “Piano Island”, “International Architecture Expo”, and “China’s Most Beautiful City”.
Gulangyu has different charms at different times of the day. The sunshine and colorful clouds decorate this beautiful island with different colors. At dawn, the sun rises from the sea level, breaking the dullness of dawn. From the first ray of sunshine rising in the east, you can feel the literature and beauty of Gulangyu accompanied by the sound of waves. The sparkling waves are sprinkled on the vast sea, and the outlines of the sea and the island gradually become clear. Between the light and shadow of light and dark, Gulangyu is as beautiful as a painting. The sunset of Gulangyu must be a scenery that cannot be missed. The sky above the sea changes from bright white to gorgeous red, adding a touch of retro warm tones to Gulangyu. The sea water shimmers against the backdrop of the setting sun, and the entire sky is as colorful as Monet’s impressionist paintings. The island under the night sky is more charming, with flashing lights, crescent moon hanging high, and warm yellow lights, rendering the softness of the night. There is no whistle, no noise of the crowd, and everything is quiet at the same time.
In Gulangyu, in addition to appreciating the art of light, you can also listen to the art of sound. After watching the sunset at the seaside, listening to the waves hitting the reefs, and the whistle of the cruise ship shuttling through the bay, you will get to know this island for the first time. Going further into this island, music can always be found everywhere in the streets and alleys, the lingering southern music, the melodious sound of Western music, which is the daily melody frequently heard in the residents’ houses. Accompanied by the sounds of nature, the chirping of insects and birds, and the rustling of ancient trees by the wind, it seems to be the sonata born with this island.
The beauty of history is of course not to be missed. The formation of a place’s cultural atmosphere can be traced back to the historical stories carried by the city. Therefore, if you feel the beauty and unique style of Gulangyu Island, you may wish to further explore the stories behind this island, which will make your travel experience more profound. Nothing can better and more concretely show the history of the continuous collision and integration of heterogeneous cultures on the island for more than a hundred years than the architecture of Gulangyu Island. The red brick and tile house of the doctor’s house, the consulate in historical images, the Nanyang plot solidified in the old villa… The island is home to thousands of buildings of different styles, combining Chinese and Western styles, which give the island another kind of beauty.
Whether you are a lover of beautiful scenery or a lover of literature and art, Gulangyu is worth visiting to experience its unique charm in person.
