Gulangyu Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its colonial architecture, car-free streets, and musical heritage. The ferry terminal at Dongdu is the departure point for visitors.

About Gulangyu Island Ferry Terminal

Gulangyu Island (also spelled Kulangsu) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's most unique destinations—a tiny, car-free island of just 1.88 sq km where colonial mansions, churches, and gardens from 13 different countries create an extraordinary architectural museum. The island was an international settlement from the mid-19th century, and the well-preserved Western-style buildings now house boutique hotels, cafes, art galleries, and small museums.

The island is famous as the 'Piano Island' for having the highest density of pianos per capita in China, with piano music drifting from open windows as you explore the narrow lanes. Sunlight Rock (Riguang Yan), the island's highest point at 93 meters, offers panoramic views of Xiamen's skyline across the water. Shuzhuang Garden combines Chinese and Western landscaping styles with stunning ocean vistas. Beaches on the south side provide swimming spots, and the entire island can be explored on foot in half a day.

Nearby Landmarks

Sunlight Rock Shuzhuang Garden Piano Museum Gulangyu Organ Museum Gangzaihou Beach

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $4-6 (25-40 CNY) to ferry terminal
Time 25-35 minutes to terminal

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (Ferry from Dongdu Terminal)

Cost $1 (4 CNY) ferry
Time 20 minutes
Frequency Every 20-30 minutes, 7:10 AM - 5:30 PM (summer until 6:30 PM)

Step-by-Step Directions

Take a taxi or BRT to Dongdu International Cruise Terminal (not the old Zhongshan Road terminal, which is for locals only). Buy ferry tickets at the terminal or via the Xiamen Ferry app. Ferry takes 20 minutes.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $4-6 (25-40 CNY) to ferry terminal 25-35 minutes to terminal Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train $1 (4 CNY) ferry 20 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The last ferry from Dongdu to Gulangyu departs around 5:30 PM for tourists (local residents have later ferries). Return ferries from Gulangyu run until about 6:30 PM for tourist routes. Overnight stays on the island are possible at boutique hotels.

Luggage Tips

You will carry luggage on and off the ferry and through the island's pedestrian lanes. Pack light or store excess bags at the ferry terminal or your Xiamen hotel. Gulangyu has no vehicles, so everything moves on foot or by electric cart.

Accessibility

Ferries have step-free boarding at dock level. Gulangyu's lanes are mostly paved but hilly with some stairs. The main routes between the ferry dock, Shuzhuang Garden, and Sunlight Rock are the most accessible paths. Many older buildings have steps.