Another of my incredible China adventures in recent times involved a visit to this crazy island known as Gu Lang Yu! Basically it's an island off the coast of the Fujian Province and is reached by ferry from the city of Xiamen, itself another interesting Chinese city which I have yet to write about separately!
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.
Getting there? - The only real option is to take the ferry - it leaves from the port of Xiamen - get yourself to the harbour and you can't miss it. There is a ferry that goes straight to Gu Lang Yu - i.e. directly across, the other option takes a detour and gives you a decent view of the city and the island.
This by the way is totally worth doing - you get longer on the boat and you get to relax and check out the views. It's was a bright "sunshiney" day when we were there and the views were exceptional. The ferry cost us 15 RMB each for a return (in March 2012), but the prices vary and I've heard you can get a free ride at off peak times if you stand. It gets busy.
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. Pretty Cobbled Streets - The pretty, lively cobbled streets are busy but enjoyable to walk down.
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. Music - there is a heavy music influence on Gu Lang Yu and it's famous for it. Famous pianists have hailed from this small island and there are regular music events and festivals worth watching.
* Aside from this there are museums, a cable car option, even a Protestant Church and some colonial dwelling places to see.
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.
Getting there? - The only real option is to take the ferry - it leaves from the port of Xiamen - get yourself to the harbour and you can't miss it. There is a ferry that goes straight to Gu Lang Yu - i.e. directly across, the other option takes a detour and gives you a decent view of the city and the island.
This by the way is totally worth doing - you get longer on the boat and you get to relax and check out the views. It's was a bright "sunshiney" day when we were there and the views were exceptional. The ferry cost us 15 RMB each for a return (in March 2012), but the prices vary and I've heard you can get a free ride at off peak times if you stand. It gets busy.
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. Pretty Cobbled Streets - The pretty, lively cobbled streets are busy but enjoyable to walk down.
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. Music - there is a heavy music influence on Gu Lang Yu and it's famous for it. Famous pianists have hailed from this small island and there are regular music events and festivals worth watching.
* Aside from this there are museums, a cable car option, even a Protestant Church and some colonial dwelling places to see.
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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