Gulangyu Island - Xiamen's Main Tourist Destination Part 2/2

If you haven't able to read Part 1 Click HERE.

Sunlight Rock

The summit of Gulang known as the Sunlight Rock is the highest point on the island was also a favorite spot among domestic and foreign visitors.  

Getting on top is not difficult and you are rest assured that you will be climbing up and enjoying the beautiful scenery. A few unique sculptures you'll gonna meet along the way. You can take a rest or take some photos with a few of the bronze cast sculptures or take some sip. Added to the thrill are some narrow rock passages which give you a feel of like walking an ancient passage.

Birds Eye-View  of Gulangyu Island seen from Sunlight Rock.

The peak offers a unique 360 view of the islet. The stairway is pack-up with tourist, so make sure you hang up or holds the side hand rail for added safety. Also, a common thing in Xiamen to see lots of photographer who offer their services to take nice photos (in case you forget your camera) even at these heights and you notice a few of them. 

It is a bit colder during winter in the top for sure and average wind gust is 20kph or so at the top. 

Entrance fee to the sunlight rock will cost a bit of CNY60 per person. However, along the way, there are lots beautiful scenery that will capture your imagination as well as for photography. You can pay an all-in ticket to all sceneries for as much as CNY 100 per pax. However, i recommend paying for just one at a time, just a tip.

Another revered spot is the Xiamen's Piano Museum which houses over 100 pianos from US, Europe, and Australia. The largest collection in Asia was a brainchild of an overseas Chinese merchant named Mr. Youyi. 

Xiamen's Piano Museum

Given Gulangyu's musical heritage, the museum also caters more than one hundred priceless musical lamps. 

A view from the Piano Museum.

The two hall museum is situated on a hill top overlooking the sea and the Shuzhuang Garden. A perfect place to recollect. 

On the streets, local artist are seen performing and selling their musical outputs. A common scenery in Gulangyu, you could find a lot of them with their banners and a wide array of original song collections. Mind you, they have the talent and i don't know why it is difficult for them to rise up in the Chinese musical industry. Maybe it is a good starting point for them to let the people know about their musical preference.

Local artist marketing his song collections.

The Victorian designs are predominant throughout Xiamen and Gulangyu as a result of China's loss in the First Opium War as well as the Treaty of Nanking in 1842.

Building architecture in Gulangyu

Xiamen became a treaty port and 13 countries have established there consulate as well as churches, hospitals and houses. Gulangyu became an international settlement during the 1900's, hence results to a mixture of Western and Asian unique architectures. 

Visiting the island during evening to have a glimpse and feel of what a native Chinese settlement looks like at night is a great idea. You will enjoy the magnificent lighting on the streets as well as in major attractions locations. A romantic place for couples.

Rice mixed - main course

Your Xiamen tour wouldn't be completed if you have not tasted there authentic Island's cuisine.  Gulangyu has attracted a massive domestic tourist and eating options galore. I’m not well adapted to the cold freezing temperatures in China, but I tried myself to scour the place for some unique local taste. I haven’t eaten rice for days and I am losing weight so im ready to jump off the table and order something warm and delicious, of course with rice as seen on the image just to keep up with the cold environment.

We have tried a few and most are noodles, however there is one big shell which cost CNY80 and tasted like sour with bit of curry and a mixture of pepper and something, plus noodles. I didn’t know that there still that noodles deepen below.  And yes, I've seen that a lot of people are taking orders of this and they love it, but for us, we had enough and I am bit full and I am not accustomed to the weird taste.

Giant shell delicacy - CNY 80.

We end up walking leisurely, taking some night street photos and bought some local delicacies and souvenirs before hitting back to the ferry station.

There is one problem in Xiamen, the locals aren’t accustomed to speak simple English. I noticed also that the younger generations are trying their best to speak the universal language. One seller got our attention as she was trying her best to communicate with us. She offers free taste of the product and showed us the best flavors.  That closes the deal. We had our product and we are both happy. These are unique scenarios as they mostly  encounter locals rather than non-Chinese speaking tourist. Even on the taxi, it is a bit difficult to talk to the driver; you need someone to speak and understand a bit of English. Oh! Before I forgot, it might be better for you to learn the basics or get an app for your smart phone and learn the basics- it comes handy and really, really beneficial. If not, do not fret, you can always do a bit of sign language. Hehehe :) 

For more pictures please check out the slideshow below :)

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