Xiamen Gulangyu Island | Discover Three Hidden Scenic Treasures

On the azure waves of Xiamen Bay, Gulangyu Island rests like a jade gem fallen to earth, quietly blending a century of culture with the rhythm of mountains and sea. Away from the crowded main streets, let me guide you to explore three hidden cultural treasures. Shuzhuang Garden 🎼 7 Gangzaihou Road ⏰Summer 8:00-18:00/Winter closes at 17:30 🎫30 yuan | 🚶15-minute walk from Piano Wharf This seaside private garden is famous for "bringing the sea into the courtyard"—pass through the moon gate, and suddenly ocean waves greet you, with garden and sea becoming one. 📸Recommended photo spots: ❶ Forty-four Bridges: Winding stone bridges extend into the sea, with Sunlight Rock reflected on the water like an ink painting ❷ Piano Museum: Choose the 14:30 session to hear the player piano perform "Waves of Gulangyu," as light filters through stained glass onto the keys 🌿Tips: Garden paths wind around, so wear comfortable shoes; try Ye's Mochi at the garden exit for afternoon tea—the soft, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the sea breeze. Haoyue Garden ⛩ 3 Zhangzhou Road ⏰Summer 8:00-18:00/Winter closes at 17:30 🎫10 yuan | 🚢8-minute walk from Sanqiutian Wharf The 15.7-meter statue of Zheng Chenggong is not just a landmark but holds a secret: 🗡the sword tip points to the Kan position of the Eight Trigrams, said to ward off typhoons. Three highlights in the garden: ▪️ Ming Dynasty Stone Structures: Pure white stone columns intertwined with flame trees, with bluestone slabs glistening after rain ▪️ Sea-viewing Corridor: Around 18:00, orange sunset glow spreads across the flying eaves of Haitiantang ▪️ Fudinggu Well: The tradition of tossing coins to make wishes has continued for centuries 🌅Secret moment: One hour before closing, when few tourists remain, listen to the tides and watch egrets by the stone railings—like stepping into a Ming Dynasty painting. Haitiantang 🏯 38 Fujian Road ⏰8:30-17:30 🎫78 yuan | 🚌10-minute walk from Neicuo'ao Wharf The only axially symmetrical building complex on Gulangyu Island conceals "three wonders of Chinese-Western fusion": ❶ Gate Tower Eaves: Beneath the Southern Fujian swallow-tail ridge hide Greek Corinthian column capitals ❷ Tile Secret Language: 72 red tiles in the front courtyard form an invisible Taiji pattern; walking the "dragon vein line" requires completing it in an odd number of steps ❸ Two Intangible Cultural Heritage Treasures: 10:00 Glove Puppet Show: The performance "Zheng Chenggong Reclaims Taiwan" is always full 15:00 Nanyin Chamber: Experience the thousand-year-old music with kung fu tea 📜The Architecture Hall displays Lin Erjia's manuscripts; his concept of "hiding the sea and borrowing scenery" profoundly influenced Gulangyu's gardens. Travel Tips 🎒 🔸Ticket deals: Combined ticket for three attractions is 108 yuan, with extra discounts for student ID 🔸Best photo time: 9:00-11:00 when light is soft, perfect for photography 🔸Crowd-avoiding route: Haoyue Garden → Shuzhuang Garden → Haitiantang (reverse tour) 🔸Hidden delicacy: Lin's Fish Balls at the Haitiantang exit, bouncy shark soup with seaweed jelly The beauty of Gulangyu lies in the whispers between eaves and waves, in the dialogue between piano melodies and ancient houses. Slow down your pace to truly understand this thousand-year-old garden on the sea.