Been once was a foreign enclave, Gulangyu Island, all the hotels and hostels here have developed a quite western and relaxing style. Among them many were rebuilt on the basis of those foreign embassy buildings. Together with those cafe bars and scenic sites, accommodations on this island itself is a very pleasant experience already.
Budget Options Hotels and Hostels
1.Xiamen Gulangyu Huatian Ancient House Boutique 鼓浪屿花田古厝民宿
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (unofficial)
- Address: No. 126, Neicuoao Road, Siming District, Xiamen厦门市思明区内厝澳路126号
- Off-Season Price: ~US$25/night
A cozy guesthouse in a renovated traditional Southern Fujian house, steps from Gulangyu’s bustling food street. Clean rooms with basic amenities (AC, free Wi-Fi) and a small courtyard for relaxation. English-speaking hosts offer island tips, and breakfast includes local snacks like peanut soup. Perfect for budget travelers wanting central access to shops and cafes.
Nearby Attractions
- Shuzhuang Garden: Easily accessible from the B&B, Shuzhuang Garden boasts exquisite gardens and a piano museum, offering visitors a rich cultural atmosphere and natural beauty.
- Sunlight Rock: Gulangyu's iconic landmark and the highest point on the island, offering panoramic views of Gulangyu and Xiamen Island, including the spectacular city skyline and captivating ocean views.
- Gangzaihou Beach: Close to the beach, visitors can enjoy the sunshine and beautiful coastal scenery. You can even see the Petronas Twin Towers in the distance, making it a great spot for photos and selfies.
2.Boat House Old Villa Guesthouse 鼓浪屿船屋老别墅客栈
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (unofficial)
- Address: 48 Guxin Road, Gulangyu Island, Xiamen 厦门市鼓浪屿区鼓新路 48 号
- Off-Season Price: ~US$35/night
A unique boat-shaped villa built in 1920 by American architect John Ullman. Rooms feature vintage furnishings and shared balconies. The guesthouse offers free tea in the garden and cultural talks. Its distinctive architecture and quiet location make it a memorable budget choice for history enthusiasts.
Nearby Attractions
- Most Photogenic Corner:Located at 44 Guxin Road, this landmark has become an internet sensation due to its use as a filming location. Its red walls, green trees, and vintage street signs create a striking contrast, making it a perfect spot for capturing artistic masterpieces. (Approximately a 2-minute walk / 50 meters)
- HSBC Mansion Historic Site:This century-old building, perched on a cliff, features a circular viewing corridor overlooking the Lujiang River and the Xiamen Island skyline. At night, it illuminates beautifully, showcasing the fusion of history and modernity. (Approximately a 3-minute walk / 100 meters)
- Swallowtail Mountain Ecological Park:This is one of the island's rare pristine mountain forest parks. The trails to the summit offer panoramic sea views. The lush vegetation and fresh air make it a great spot for morning exercise or an evening stroll. (Approximately an 8-minute walk / 500 meters)
Midrange Options Hotels and Hostels
1.Heitan Hotel Gulangyu 鼓浪屿黑檀酒店
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: 23-25 Guxin Road, Gulangyu Island, Xiamen
- Off-Season Price: ~US$62/night
Housed in a restored 19th-century building, this boutique hotel combines East-West architectural influences. Rooms feature minimalist decor, king-sized beds, and rainforest showers. The 24-hour front desk assists with island tours, while the rooftop terrace offers sunset views. A 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal, it’s ideal for travelers seeking style and affordability .
Nearby Attractions
- Global Architecture Exposition:The hotel is surrounded by old villas in styles from various countries, including British, French, and German. Gothic spires, Baroque reliefs, and Minnan red-brick houses coexist, making it known as an "architectural museum" and a perfect place to stroll and experience this multicultural encounter. (Approximately a 5-minute walk/300-meter walk)
- Organ Museum:Tucked away in the Bagua Building, it showcases a rare pipe organ and regularly hosts classical music performances. The building's dome and spiral staircase are also a popular photo spot. (Approximately a 3-minute walk/200-meter walk)
- Sanqiutian Wharf:One of the island's main transportation hubs, the ferry ride to Xiamen Island takes approximately 20 minutes. The wharf is densely populated with shops, making it a great place to quickly restock supplies or take the island-wide electric cart. (Approximately a 10-minute walk/800-meter walk)
Linggan Linghai 1919 Seaview Villa Hotel 鼓浪屿灵感・临海 1919 海景别墅酒店
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: Near Sunlight Rock, Gulangyu Island, Xiamen
- Off-Season Price: ~US$90/night
A historic hillside villa offering panoramic sea views. Rooms feature private balconies and traditional teakwood furniture. The hotel serves garden-style breakfasts and arranges cultural workshops. Its quiet location near Sunlight Rock provides a peaceful retreat while remaining close to key attractions .
Nearby Attractions
- Sunlight Rock:Gulangyu's highest point offers 360-degree panoramic views of the island and Xiamen Bay. Watch the sunrise in the morning and the sunset in the evening. The cliff carvings on the rock record centuries of history. (Approximately 5 minutes/300 meters walk)
- Shuzhuang Garden:Located by the sea, this Jiangnan garden cleverly blends the Canghai Garden and Bushan Garden. It houses a piano museum displaying dozens of antique pianos, and the garden trails connect pavilions and towers with the ocean view, creating a breathtaking view at every step. (Approximately 8 minutes/500 meters walk)
- Gangzaihou Beach:The island's most popular beach, with fine sand and clear water, offers a close-up view of the Xiamen Twin Towers skyline. It's perfect for surfing, sunbathing, or an evening stroll. (Approximately 10 minutes/600 meters walk)
Top End Options Hotels and Hostels
1.Gulangyu Huangyan 36 Hotel 鼓浪屿晃岩 36 号酒店
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: 36 Huangyan Road, Gulangyu Island, Xiamen 厦门市鼓浪屿区晃岩路 36 号
- Off-Season Price: ~US$200/night
Housed in a century-old colonial mansion, this SLH member offers 9 exquisitely designed suites with private terraces and outdoor bathtubs. The hotel provides 24-hour butler service, free airport transfers, and cultural tours. Its prime location near Sunlight Rock ensures stunning views and easy access to attractions. Ideal for travelers seeking opulence and heritage charm .
Nearby Attractions
- Sunlight Rock:The hotel is located near the eastern slope of Sunlight Rock, offering direct views of the rock's summit from the garden. The scenic entrance is just a few minutes' walk away, making it a convenient base for viewing the sunrise from the island. (Approximately a 2-minute walk / 100 meters)
- Ma John Stadium:Named after the "Chinese Sports Pioneer," Ma John, this century-old stadium retains its original running track and stands and still hosts events, allowing visitors to experience Gulangyu's sports culture. (Approximately a 1-minute walk / 50 meters)
- Piano Museum:Located in Shuzhuang Garden, the museum houses over 40 antique pianos, including the world's earliest square piano and a Gulangyu-made "Haydn" piano. Classical music is performed daily. (Approximately a 10-minute walk / 700 meters)
Linhs Mansion Gulangyu 鼓浪屿林氏府公馆酒店
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: 11-19 Lujiao Road, Gulangyu Island, Xiamen 厦门市鼓浪屿区鹿礁路 11-19 号
- Off-Season Price: ~US$180/night
Comprising five historic Western-style villas built in 1895, this UNESCO-listed property blends vintage elegance with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy personalized butler service, heritage-themed activities, and access to the private Lin Family Museum. The rooftop bar offers panoramic sea views, while rooms feature antique furnishings and luxury amenities .
Nearby Attractions
- Haoyue Park:This seaside park, centered around the 15.7-meter-tall statue of Zheng Chenggong, faces the Taiwan Strait. Pavilions and terraces within the park connect to a coastal promenade. At night, the moonlight reflects off the ocean, creating a tranquil and picturesque scene. (Approximately a 15-minute walk/1 km)
- Yuyuan Garden:Built in memory of Dr. Lin Qiaozhi, the "Mother of Ten Thousand Infants," the garden features a white marble statue of her. Shaded by lush trees, the garden offers a tranquil and elegant experience, showcasing the cultural care and historical memory of Gulangyu Island. (Approximately a 10-minute walk/600-meter walk)
- Zheng Chenggong Memorial Hall:Housing over a thousand artifacts and historical materials, it details Zheng Chenggong's historical achievements in reclaiming Taiwan. The building, built in a Minnan-style courtyard, offers a blend of cultural experiences and garden landscapes. (Approximately a 12-minute walk/800-meter walk)
Gulangyu Huangjia Garden Hotel 鼓浪屿黄家花园酒店
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (locally recognized)
- Address: Near Sanqiutian Wharf, Gulangyu Island, Xiamen 厦门市鼓浪屿区三丘田码头附近
- Off-Season Price: ~US$83/night (¥599)
A landmark villa complex with a century-long history, this hotel offers garden-view suites and family-friendly facilities. Highlights include Intangible cultural heritage experiences, a vintage-style tea room, and shuttle service to the pier. Its proximity to Sanqiutian Wharf makes it convenient for exploring the island’s eastern attractions .
Nearby Attractions
- Shuzhuang Garden:The hotel is located on the north side of the garden, accessible by walking through a path lined with century-old banyan trees. The garden's "Hidden Sea" design cleverly leverages the ocean view. The Piano Museum and the Twelve Caves rockery complex are popular spots for family fun and photography. (Approximately 10 minutes/600 meters walk)
- Xiamen Underwater World:China's first underwater cave-style underwater world, featuring Asia's largest cylindrical tank, offers visitors a chance to see sharks, penguins, and other marine life. An underwater tunnel provides an immersive deep-sea experience. (Approximately 15 minutes/1 kilometer walk)
- Longtou Road Commercial Street:The island's bustling pedestrian street is home to popular snacks like Zhang San Feng Milk Tea and Ye's Mochi. Cultural and creative shops renovated from traditional Minnan houses line the streets. At night, the area is ablaze with lights, brimming with the vibrant atmosphere of life. (Approximately 8 minutes/500 meters walk)
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