Gulang Island Trip

Gulangyu Island is a pedestrian-only island off the coast of Xiamen, with around 20,000 residents living on it. Since the Island is classified as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site due to its scenic view, this has become a major tourist site in Xiamen, but also a popular destination for people to take wedding photos. Hence, it is not surprise to attract more than 10 millions of visitors annually.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ferry is the only transport that reaches Gulangyu Island. The 20mins ferry ride (7:10am–5:50pm) from the Xiagu Pier only costs 35 Yuan (£3.60) for a return ticket. Visitors would then have to take another ferry that drops off at Lun Du Ferry Terminal from 6pm onwards. Different to what the ferries look like in England, the China ones are more crowded and most of the passengers do not have seats for their journey; this explains why handles are provided. Also, because the Island is a “pedestrian-only” island, no cars or bicycles are allowed, so carriers could only transfer goods by a barrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although Gulangyu Island is a tourist site, convenience stores and supermarkets could rarely be seen. Even though vendor machines are located everywhere, all of them require to be paid by electronic money (e.g. WeChat Pay, Alipay), and those are mostly selling snacks and water; necessities are not being sold to meet the needs for the locals.

In addition, restaurants are very special here when compared to Europe. Food is freshly made after customers have picked their own seafood from the transparent tanks. If Chinese food is not preferred, there are also some western styles such as McDonald and KFC. On the other hand, there is a souvenir street selling a range of goodies such as tea, pineapple cakes, dried mangoes, dried fishes, pork jerkies and sweets; all of the shops provide free food which means our lunch could alternatively be replaced.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Cheuk Wai Au