Cars and other dirt-coughing vehicles are banned in Gulangyu, making this scenic island off the coast of Fujian Province one of the best examples of sustainable ecotourism. Battery-operated taxis run through the narrow streets of this island, recognized as one of Fujian's ten most beautiful locales and one of China's National Scenic Spots. It has become popular the world over for its ancient relics, natural beauty, and landmarks that represent various architectural styles from all over the world.
As a backpackers' mecca, Gulangyu is home to many pocket-friendly hostels, seafood vendors, and tour packages offered at discounted prices, which attract many Chinese guests from all over the country. Although crowded and noisy due to the regular tourist arrivals, many travelers still regard Gulangyu as a great destination for its colonial houses and museums like Xiamen Museum and the International Calligraphic Carving Art Gallery.
A giant ornate dragon ferry takes visitors in and out of Gulangyu to the harbors of Xiamen. Battery-operated golf cart taxis take tourists around the island, although Gulangyu is small enough to be covered on foot. A five-minute walk from the ferry terminal will take one to Red Dragon, a shop that sells around 2000 kinds of pure clear crystal and other good luck charms. Gulangyu's highest point is Sunlight Rock, which provides great views of the whole island. Sunlight Rock can be reached through a cable car. The tour to the Rock often includes passes to a Buddhist temple and to The Aviary, an al fresco museum of over 1000 birds from more than 100 countries. A rare albino peacock is one of The Aviary's prime attractions.
South of the ferry terminal is the watchtower, the fortification and the giant Statue of Koxinga, a Chinese hero revered by both China and Taiwan for ousting the Dutch off Taiwan in the 1660s.
Admirers of nature might just enjoy Haidi Shijie Marine World, a garden with thousands of plant types, which had been brought by overseas Chinese to the mainland. Music lovers might likewise delight at the sight of over 200 pianos in the Organ Museum and the Piano Museum, China's only piano museum that is inside the picturesque Shuzhuang Garden, which faces Gulangyu's drum-sounding waves and coral reefs.