Gulangyu & a bit of Xiamen

The island became a foreign enclave following the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, hence the predominantly Victorian-era style architecture throughout the island, of which many were offices and residences of Consulate-Generals, as well as that of the thriving expatriate business community. The Amoy dialect of Hokkien is spoken on the island. Gulangyu has a population around 20,000. Cars and motorcycles are banned from the island. There are a lot of ex-colonial buildings and many shops geared towards tourists. This island is extremely popular with Chinese tourists, who arrive in droves, usually in large tour groups. Although the island is quite scenic, the noisy crowds can at times diminish its attractiveness. Nonetheless, the island makes for a pleasant short stay and offers an experience quite unique in China.

A short boat ride from Xiamen, we arrive here at the dock of Gulangyu Islet.
Xiamen is visible in the background.






Beautiful flowers await our arrival.







We walked to the house since there is no motor vehicle.







This is the house that my wife's grandfather buildt in the early 1900s.
The Chinese government add this building into a historical landmark.
No facade modification could be made other than maintenance.
This is where I met Pokie's sister for the first time.
Notice the flag on top of the house! Scroll down two pictures!





44 Fu Jian Road







This is a three story house, three families live here.







Here I am on the very top of the house. The views are spectacular.







This is our penthouse for two nights.






Daytime view of Xiamen.






Nighttime view of Xiamen.






The highest point in Gulangyu Islet.






Catholic church







The courtyard, study #1






The courtyard, study #2







The courtyard, study #3







The courtyard, study #4







The courtyard, study #5






It was a balmy night, we took a stroll along the coast.






















The hero of Gulangyu




























A typical street

 

 

Gulangyu beach

 

 

 

I have a confession to make, I fell in love with this island.
I will come back someday and live here and sell tofu doubled as a photographer.
I will always be in the wrong business.

Xiamen

The famous calligraphy on stone
Nan Pu Tuo Si (Buddhist temple)
The best vegetarian dishes are served here at its restaurant.






Xiamen University







Since Xiamen is very close to one of Taiwan's islands,
this sign is being erected and directed to the Taiwanese.

Yi Guo Liang Zhi Tong Yi Zhong Guo
( One country two system unite one China)

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(c) Yongkie Hurd
May 2009