Gǔlàngyǔ Island
鼓浪屿
25.12.2012
Xiamen's famous tourist destination - an island off the island.
After hearing much about the virtues of Gulangyu- the prohibition of motor vehicles, the old colonial buildings, and the whispers of a piano museum, I was very keen to go, and pleasantly surprised at how cheap it is to get the ferry over.
Once off the crowded ferry, I was beckoned by a path with speckled sunshine, and instantly surrounded by lush vegetation that hushed the chattering voices and filled me with a cosy peace.
I felt privileged to see this history preserved so well in China.
The winding path led past fruit sellers, up peaks and down through tunnels. There were pleasant tourist shops selling handmade crafts, artsy coffee shops and a very cool clothes shop with a balcony full of written messages from all who have been there.
We went past an art and design university, complete with portraits of all the greats and I was overwhelmed trying to imagine how inspiring it would be to live and study in such a place.
The last part of our wander led us along the beach at sunset.... perfect!
