UNESCO Gulangyu Island Full-Day In-Depth exploration: History, Villas, Music & Hidden Gems
This is more than a standard sightseeing tour of Gulangyu Island.
Beyond iconic spots like Shuzhuang Garden, this experience takes you deep into the quiet lanes and hidden corners of the island to discover its true beauty and stories.
Hidden gardens, Historic villas, and lesser-known streets rarely visited by tour groups.
Instead of rushing from landmark to landmark, this tour offers a slow-paced, immersive cultural experience, where history, architecture, and music come alive through stories.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Tourist's hotel lobby
- At tourist's hotel (in mainland Xiamen) Or we can meet as per tourist demands
Dongdu Ferry Terminal
Dongdu Ferry Terminal is one of the main departure points for ferries in Xiamen.
Gulangyu Island
Gulangyu, a UNESCO world culture heritage site, renowned as the “Island of Music.”
Known for its coastal beauty, historic architecture, and relaxed, car-free atmosphere. Just a short ferry ride from the city, the island features winding alleys, lush gardens, and old colonial-style villas that reflect its international past.
Historic villas and unique architecture
Historic villas and unique architecture, blending Chinese and Western influences
Hidden gardens, old houses, and lesser-known streets rarely visited by tour groups
Lunch
A relaxed lunch at a handpicked local restaurant, offering authentic dishes loved by locals.
Landmarks & Hidden corners: Shuzhuang Garden, Piano Museum
We’ll also continue exploring some lesser-known lanes, passing by historic landmark buildings, while still visiting the island’s most famous sights.
Shuzhuang garden features winding paths, rockeries, pavilions, and quiet courtyards, offering beautiful ocean views at every turn. Walking through it feels peaceful and poetic, reflecting the refined lifestyle and artistic taste of Gulangyu’s past.
Piano museum: Gulangyu is often called the “Island of Music,” and this museum reflects the island’s rich musical heritage and cultural exchange between China and the West. Visitors can learn about the history of piano development, see beautifully preserved instruments, and understand how music became an important part of everyday life on Gulangyu.
Ending Point
At tourist's hotel (in mainland Xiamen) Or we can meet as per tourist demands
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/82505/995c8b2d-43ad-43eb-afd9-ce70bd6fa6c3.png)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
-8-hour private guided tour by a certified local guide
-The entrance tickets to the Shuzhuang Garden and Piano Museum
-Round trip ferry ticket to Island
-Round trip transfer via taxi between port and hotel in downtown Xiamen
-Government taxes & fees
- Insurance
Personal expense
Sightseeing Bus on Gulangyu (for you and guide)
Food
Tour Important Information
This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
If you prefer to upgrade into a private car for the round-trip instead of taxi for the trip, please contact me in advance — the additional fee depends on the number of people and the type of vehicle.
Important message from the supplier
Please contact me if you want a 100% customized tour plan.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Daslie W.
Hi. 你好
Nice to meet you. I'm Daslie. Your Certified, Multilingual Experienced Tour Guide based in Xiamen, Fujian China, living in one of the city’s most popular tourist areas for over two decades. I know every corner, every snack stall, every local story.
Xiamen and its vicinity is full of life and colors — embraced by mountains and the sea, rich in history, charming architecture, and delicious local food & tea.
My Background & Expertise
· Certified English-Speaking Tour Guid
· Deep Passion for Chinese History and Culture
· Multilingual — EN /CN / Hokkien / Cantonese / JP (basic)
Whether you're eager to explore lesser-known and off-the-beaten-path destinations, or simply want to taste, hear, and feel the city like a local — I’ve got you covered.
Feel free to reach out anytime. I’d love to show you the most authentic, flavorful, and unforgettable side of Xiamen and its vicinity.
$271/ per group
More tours by Daslie W.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20810/34dde9a8-adc7-4868-84a4-75c16d1b881e.jpg)
Xiamen Layover Highlights day tour: UNESCO Gulangyu, Ancient Nanputuo temple & Shapowei Hidden Gems
Make the most of your layover with a journey through Xiamen’s ancient traditions and modern iconic highlights in ONE day. Start your morning at a thousand-year-old temple- Nanputuo. Then discover the hidden gems of the Old Port Area, rich with local life and coastal charm. Enjoy a local lunch, then head to the UNESCO Gulangyu Island- “Island of Music”. Wander through the world-famous Garden and Piano Museum. Combines sightseeing, culture, and local flavors into one unforgettable, efficient day!
Xiamen Layover Highlights day tour: UNESCO Gulangyu, Ancient Nanputuo temple & Shapowei Hidden Gems
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20796/7778c1e5-e11d-41dc-8cf1-dbcca45868c3.jpg)
Xiamen Hidden Gems Private tour: Temples, SeaViews, Old Alleys, Authentic Local Food,& Tea
Visit 1000-year-old Nanputuo Temple, discover Chinese Buddhist culture, experience rituals like incense offering& fortune stick reading. Feel the sea breeze as you enjoy picturesque coastal views and relaxing beach scenery unique to Xiamen. Get off the beaten path and discover hidden streets and authentic local life beyond typical tourist routes. Visit a historic Minnan residence and savor traditional Xiamen tea, experiencing the warmth and charm of local culture.
Xiamen Hidden Gems Private tour: Temples, SeaViews, Old Alleys, Authentic Local Food,& Tea
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21714/ea0cf78a-b8a4-4ca7-a7af-ba3e124bc04e.jpg)
Xiamen Private Food Tour: Authentic Local Food, Eye-Opening Seafood Market & Historic Arcade Streets
This private tour explores everyday Xiamen through food and history, visiting the Eighth Seafood Market and Zhongshan Pedestrian Road — where locals eat, shop, and live. You’ll taste classic Xiamen snacks at carefully selected local eateries, trying only each shop’s signature dish at a relaxed pace. This is not a typical tourist food tour, but a thoughtful local experience — perfect for travelers who want to eat well, eat smart, and experience Xiamen like a local.
Xiamen Private Food Tour: Authentic Local Food, Eye-Opening Seafood Market & Historic Arcade Streets
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21746/a933e11a-b33b-4a50-80e2-592861a22812.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/ced6510f-a04d-4a0e-9d8f-585c05ac8835.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/d3ab9cf7-3a8d-48d5-8f2a-f2d1e42a78b0.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/da85e62f-c206-4ac4-b5b2-5184e79661b1.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/4d2c8d6f-1c45-45ef-9b57-3a9efa4093cb.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/71948e91-e5c6-4b7c-a901-1c78f731fb88.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/36e83c32-3fa0-4a2b-96c5-0fc983245586.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/d530d4b9-55a1-4957-872b-8225756f74ff.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/84296009-0da2-4dad-85fc-04dbe1404b17.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/20e90181-f4b7-48d2-96d8-f7e1eb619fd7.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/1c921a15-2dc0-45c4-a5f4-f8aa77d1c399.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/086ca2a6-a9cb-4c23-83d8-900c6c390eb4.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/0801ac97-9ce7-409e-a329-46afcbca6dbc.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/4e33407b-a6c4-4bba-8ea1-3b77750553a3.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/33c28934-9507-4a3e-be59-172b2d849c96.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/c52991a3-0f69-4a97-94b0-640d9c1028ad.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/4fbd423b-5004-46a6-b671-6d19c8e29957.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/12d65c18-7795-440d-8014-c3eaee9b0621.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/5d7074c2-1e24-4f44-b8d0-9d5ae38ac38e.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/9ad0b320-5e88-4eba-8925-08f2b3714cda.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/35332a40-35e8-44ef-bf61-ecef636c9d7d.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/cf1d45d3-968a-44fc-8707-3b02e505b38f.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/6d714618-ec32-4e42-87ce-acc66b0966f4.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/12ea1baf-bcc9-4084-9a8f-5e099b27c53b.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/86e77c30-471a-436b-95c8-86e0d8ce942a.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/53bfd262-1d63-409f-a7d4-57c443f513da.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/a5be900f-fa0a-431f-848d-c6317bab4ac6.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/45fb37fc-6c3b-4b4e-a719-8fbc4e42537c.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/bf7582f6-c2d6-47e5-9a1d-7eddd05ff6a0.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/993a7dc7-156b-46d9-bfa0-929688269824.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/a362c42a-bbf2-492f-ba96-642734469644.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/9c7fbbb7-5db4-469b-b913-44380d39027b.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/c2ce7f0b-8517-40a4-8098-f14e8cd1a35d.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/e6d00671-962d-4560-8e2a-3b798eb2e06d.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/22ef59ea-566c-442e-9df5-e7942684f2c4.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/afb1ece4-23de-489f-b2f2-4e761e0a24bf.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/818515ec-0e5c-47d6-b847-01a71037daac.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/7101181e-84b5-4fe5-b73f-02109b1b2aa1.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/69068fcf-7e72-4b84-a6e4-6918b2509273.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/ae4f3091-e6fc-4622-8ffd-7a385714e5cb.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/441c3006-cbad-4d49-b553-206c9ac0628a.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/0bd8a2e9-8b52-4388-8ccd-dd4b18d82a41.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/f19a47f6-57db-403d-ac56-edec3ac9bf88.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/9cca9c92-83f4-4e1e-9fdf-a2abb923cd21.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/d4117b28-b14b-46b2-8f6b-a826437de239.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/163aacdb-8b2e-48c0-b4bb-8f6bc49f9ef7.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/d1d6f079-6b9d-43f8-a197-c735be55b9c4.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/63d07077-ba9c-4b8f-a281-0f810a8cd240.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22241/cbb92934-bbb9-46ee-a972-9ff2267a1bee.jpg)