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.
I would recommend getting the slower, cheaper boat simply for the view - you can relax and enjoy the views of the harbour and if the weather is good, the city looks stunning. The ferry was 15 RMB return at the time we went almost a year ago, but there are cheaper and even free off peak times so look out for that!
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. Climb to Sunlight Rock - Climbing to the highest point of the island of Gulang Yu is recommended. Sunlight Rock is the English translation and the views are exquisite and the exercise of the climb up is also good for you. To get there basically follow signs for Sunlight Rock climb when you are on the island and you will find it, through the flurry of cobbled streets. Entrance to walk up there is a fee of 60 RMB which also includes a small memorial hall. It's a rip off and it's over-priced, especially for China, BUT I'd say do it as the view is spectacular as you can see.
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. 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.
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.
I would recommend getting the slower, cheaper boat simply for the view - you can relax and enjoy the views of the harbour and if the weather is good, the city looks stunning. The ferry was 15 RMB return at the time we went almost a year ago, but there are cheaper and even free off peak times so look out for that!
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. Climb to Sunlight Rock - Climbing to the highest point of the island of Gulang Yu is recommended. Sunlight Rock is the English translation and the views are exquisite and the exercise of the climb up is also good for you. To get there basically follow signs for Sunlight Rock climb when you are on the island and you will find it, through the flurry of cobbled streets. Entrance to walk up there is a fee of 60 RMB which also includes a small memorial hall. It's a rip off and it's over-priced, especially for China, BUT I'd say do it as the view is spectacular as you can see.
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. 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.
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
About the Author:
To read more stuff like Gu Lang Yu Island head to Jonny Blair's resourceful website Travelling Northern Irishman for continual travel stories and ideas.. Check here for free reprint license: Gu Lang Yu Island In China.
No comments:
Post a Comment