Gulangyu Island is situated southwest off Xiamen Island, facing the city center across the 600-meter-wide Lujiang Channel.

This 1.87-square-kilometer island has a population of approximately 16,000. Originally known as “the Round Sandbar” or “the Round Islet”, Gulangyu Island was renamed “the Five-Dragon Islet” during the Southern Song Dynasty and took its current name during the Ming Dynasty from the drumming sounds created by the waves hitting the reefs at high tide.

Dubbed a “garden on the sea”, the island is blessed with a pleasant climate and is green all year around. The tranquility of the motor-free streets, the enchanting landscape, and the luxuriant foliage on Gulangyu Island makes it the crown jewel of Xiamen’s tourist appeal. Major attractions on the island include the Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, Bright Moon Park, Undersea World, Yu Garden, Wave Drumming Rock, and natural beaches.

 
Being a former international settlement, Gulangyu Island is unique in its well-preserved diverse architectures. The island is also nicknamed “the Piano Island” for the many celebrated pianists it has produced and for its rich musical heritage.