Gulangyu Island is located to the southwest of Xiamen, Fujian Province, and covers an area of 1.87 square kilometers. It is on China's list of National Scenic Spots and has been dubbed ‘Garden on the Sea’, ‘Living Architecture Museum,’ and ‘Piano Island’. The latter name comes from it having more pianos per square meter than any other place in China. It is a charming destination full of time-honored buildings, hospitable locals, and delicious seafood.

The island was once colonized by Europeans who built remarkable mansions. When they eventually left, they abandoned their homes and their pianos – hence the name ‘Piano Island’. Visitors can enjoy the sound of tinkling ivories, which gives the island a distinct romantic charm, making the visitor feel as if they are in a musical heaven.

During the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1279-1368) dynasties, Gulangyu was named Yuanshazhou Island. But some time during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) it changed its name to Gulangyu, which means ‘drum wave islet’. It was named due to the noise the waves make when they hit the rocks. This sound is awe-inspiring, and can make visitors feel like they are alone with the power of nature.

Gulangyu Island has about 20,000 permanent residents, all of whom enjoy a comfortable, relaxing life. Visitors can see them catching fish, relaxing in the central square, or even whiling away the hours playing mahjong. It can make the visitor feel as if they are part of a normal, functioning community, as well as a paradise by the sea.

Among the many scenic spots on the island, the most attractive are Sunlight Rock and the Shuzhuang Garden. There is also Haoyue Park, Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong) Memorial Hall, Seaworld, a Waxwork Museum, Koxinga’s statue, Gangzihou Bathing Beach, and the Piano Museum. Sunlight Rock is the highest point on the island at over 90 meters. Visitors should also not miss the Zigzag Bridge which can be found on the island’s southern shore. There are many pavilions dotting the bridge, with names such as 'Watching Anglers', 'A Thousand Waves' and 'Moon in Water'. Visitors can feel as if they are walking on the sea, especially when the tide is in.

After this, it is a good idea to take a boat ride. An 8 kilometer cruise passes by Monkey Island, Baozhuyu (Pearl) Island, and Huoshaoyu Island (or ‘Burning Island,’ so named because it is an extinct volcano). In the evening, tourists can chat with locals by the shore, or relax with a cool drink in one of the many cafes. It feels as if all of the stresses of city life suddenly disappear.