Gulangyu Island（鼓浪嶼）

Gulangyu Island [nipic.com]

Located 600 meters to the southwest of Xiamen City, Gulangyu Island, or Drum Wave Islet, is an extremely beautiful island, nicknamed the "garden on the sea." Covering an area of 1.87 square kilometers (187 hectares), this small island is flooded by green trees and lovely flowers. Among the many scenic spots on the island, the most attractive ones are the Sunlight Rock and the Shuzhuang Garden.

The island is home to about 20,000 permanent residents, all of whom enjoy a comfortable and relaxed lifestyle. Only electric-powered vehicles are permitted on the island, so the environment is free from the noise and pollution of car engines.

The island was previously called Yuanshazhou Island and got its present name during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), because when the tide comes in, the waves pound the reef which sounds like the beating of a drum.

With the best of classical and romantic European-style architecture, the island truly deserves to be called a "museum of architecture." It is also known as the 'Cradle of Musicians' and 'Island of Music' because of its appreciation for music and the popularity of the piano.

Admission: 100 yuan(US$15.73)/person