Gulangyu

Introduction

Gulangyu is a tiny island covering 1.8 sq km and is located just 500 meters (1,640ft) across the water from the southwest of Xiamen. It only takes 10 minutes by boat to reach Gulangyu. The island became a foreign enclave following the Treaty of Nanking in 1842.

The attractive 19th century buildings have been well preserved and the island overflows with trees, shrubs and flowers. There are no motor vehicles on Gulangyu and it is known in China as the Garden on the Sea. Gulangyu is also called the Island of Music as local residents have a great love of music. On an island with a population of 20,000 it is said that 500 households own pianos.