How to Get to Gulangyu from Xiamen: Tips on Gulangyu Ferry Tickets & Schedules

Getting to Lovely Gulangyu: Various Ferry & Cruise Options from Xiamen

During the day, tourists can board ferries from the Xiamen International Cruise Terminal (邮轮中心厦鼓码头) Xia Gu Termina (邮轮中心厦鼓码头), the First Terminal (Di Yi Ma Tou, 第一码头), and the Haicang Songgu Terminal (Hai Cang Su Gu Ma Tou,海沧嵩鼓码头) to reach Gulangyu Island. The operating hours for Xia Gu Terminal are from 7:10 to 17:30 (17:50 from June to September), the First Terminal (Di Yi Ma Tou, 第一码头) operates from 7:00 to 17:40 (18:00 from June to September), and the Haicang Songgu Terminal operates from 7:30 to 17:50 (19:00 from June to September).

We have come up with straight forward lists covering all key info of the ferry ticket options for your reference. And there are some must-read notes later in this article which would help you to plan your Gulangyu ferry trip.

Ferry & Cruises at Xiamen Bay

Taking Ferry from Xiamen to Gulangyu Island

Start Gulangyu Trip: Which Terminal is the Right One?

There are many terminals for you to start your Xiamen trip. To choose the right terminal we need to know each terminal first. Well, maybe not every ferry terminal since there are ones that’s not commonly used by tourists. Let's check out the list.

Ferry Terminals in Xiamen Downtown

Xiamen Downtown Ferry Terminals Notes

The Xiamen International Cruise Terminal (邮轮中心厦鼓码头), which is the closest to the city center. Most tour groups would depart from here.

The First Terminal (第一码头), which is the most convenient for travelers staying in the downtown area, would be an ideal choice to avoid crowds in peak season to travel to Gulangyu . Yet the ferry schedule here would have longer intervals.

The Xiamen Ferry Terminal (厦门轮渡码头). Please note the terminal is available for tourist only at night time. Routes at this terminal are for local residents to commute between Xiamen downtown and Gulangyu Island during day time and tourists are not eligible to buy tickets for day time routes.

Transportation Notes: Taking public transportation such as BRT to the ferry terminals might allow you the opportunity to enjoy the chic Xiamen city view along the way while taxis are always an option.

Getting to Gulangyu: Ferry & Cruise Options

Recommended Xiamen Tours & Trips:

Xiamen Day Tour: Xiamen City Highlights & Gulangyu In-depth Exploration
1 Day Nanjing Tulou Tour: From Xiamen to the Hometown of Mulan - Fujian Tulou
3 Days Wuyishan Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site for Danxia Landscape & Tea Culture
7 Days Fujian Tour to Xiamen, Hakka Tulou & Xiapu Mudflat with Photography Experience

Daytime Regular Ferry to Gulangyu Which Terminal is the Right One for You?

Operating hours: 07:00 - 17:50 (subject to change based on time, weather, etc.)

Ferry ticket price: Starting from 35 RMB

Regular Ferries would be the common choice for most visitors to get on the Gulangyu island. There is a more premium cabin option departing from Xiamen InternationalCruise Terminal, but it’s a less favorable choice since visitors who love premium experience would choose the premium cruises.

Daytime Premium Xiamen Cruise, Tour around Gulangyu Included

Operating hours: 07:00 - 17:50 (subject to change based on time, weather, etc.)

Cruise and ferry ticket price: 158-358 RMB (subject to change based on holidays, cabin class, etc.)

There are a variety of premium cruises offering different experiences, including scenic tours around Gulangyu Island, sunset watching tours, cuisine tours, and more. The operating schedules of these cruises can be flexible and subject to change based on time, weather, and tourist seasons. It is recommended to contact a professional agency to find the premium cruise experience that best suits your preferences.

Nighttime & Over-night Ferry to Gulangyu

Operating hours: 17:50 - 23:45 (subject to change based on time, weather, etc.)

Ticket price: Starting from 35 RMB

Cruise to Gulangyu Offers a Premium Travel to Gulangyu Island

Admire Xiamen Coastlin at Night from Cruise to Gulangyu

Arriving at Gulangyu & Ferry Terminals at Gulangyu Island

There are 3 ferry terminals with 1 of them being the No.1 choice for most tourists. Here’s the list.

Gulangyu Island Ferry Terminal Notes

Recommended Xiamen Tours & Trips:

Xiamen Day Tour: Xiamen City Highlights & Gulangyu In-depth Exploration
1 Day Nanjing Tulou Tour: From Xiamen to the Hometown of Mulan - Fujian Tulou
3 Days Wuyishan Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site for Danxia Landscape & Tea Culture
7 Days Fujian Tour to Xiamen, Hakka Tulou & Xiapu Mudflat with Photography Experience

Neicuoao Terminal is located on the east side of Gulangyu Island. The closest attraction is about 10 minutes of walking distance away while it is a less crowded terminal during peak season.

Sanqiutian Terminal is located on the west side of Gulangyu Island. The closest attraction is right next to it. It is also the recommended terminals for tourists.

Piano Terminal is located on the south side of Gulangyu Island. It is a smaller terminal that is open to tourists only at night.

Transportation: There is no public transportation on the Gulangyu Island since it is a car-free small island. You could buy tickets for a sight-seeing car at the ferry terminals upon arrival. The ticket price ranges from 30 to 50 RMB. The 50 RMB ticket which offers unlimited access for boarding and disembarking is more ideal for visitors who would like to visit multiple attractions on Gulangyu Island.

If you are not in a hurry and feel like taking a stroll around the lovely Gulangyu island to admire the views walking is always an ideal option.

There is another island called Gaoyu Terminal (篙屿码头) which is a less common choice for tourists.

Getting Back to Xiamen: Free Return! Keep Your Ticket

Gulangyu Xiamen, Best Tourists Destination & Transfer Hub

Coastline View in Xiamen

The ferry ticket price includes a round-trip journey back to Xiamen downtown. So don’t throw your ferry ticket away!

Passengers can take one free return trip within 20 days from Gulangyu with a valid boarding pass. For the inbound journey, passengers must board according to the date, schedule, and location stated on the purchased ticket at the boarding terminal in Xiamen downtown. Here's a Hotel guide to help you decide "Where to Stay in Xiamen"

For the return journey, passengers can take any available ferry at multiple terminals at Gulangyu Island. Choosing terminals and ferry options would be a similar process in reverse.

Must-read for Your Gulangyu Ferry Trip

1. Gulangyu is a popular tourist destination in Xiamen , and would have massive traffic coming in during the peak of high seasons. It is recommended to book tickets 3 to 7 days in advance during high seasons. Here is detailed breakdown article to help you decide "When is the Best time to visit Gulangyu, Xiamen".
2. At the check-in point, passengers are required to present their personal identification in order to board the Gulangyu ferry. There would be security check before boarding the ferry.
3. The period from 15:00 to 18:30 sees a peak in returning from Gulangyu, resulting in longer waiting times for ticket checks and boarding. Plan your schedule accordingly.
4. It is recommended to purchase tickets directly through the official Xiamen Cruise website or ticketing counters. Sidewalk vendors are not official sales representatives.
5. Xiamen , being a tourist destination and coastal city, ferry rides here would have changes in schedules and ticket prices due to weather and tourist seasons. Refer to the daily terminal information for the most up-to-date details.
6. It is advisable to consult the cruise operators in advance or book tickets through reputable travel agencies.
7. and

How to Plan Your Xiamen Trip & Extension to Fujian

With a half-day trip, travelers can get a glimpse of historical heritage and the scenic views Xiamen has to offer. If you would like a more immersive experience, a 1-day trip or more time is more ideal for you to explore and cover more tour spots in Xiamen city and Gulangyu Island.

If you're planning a trip to Xiamen or any attractions in Fujian, it's highly recommended to start from Xiamen. If you have a bit more time, around 4-6 days, do consider extending your trip to the neighboring attractions in Fujian province. This will allow you to delve deeper into the region and experience its diverse natural landscapes and rich cultural offerings. Don't miss the chance to visit Quanzhou (Historical Emporium of the World), Fuzhou, Wuyishan (Origin of Black Tea), Hakka Tulou (UNESCO World Heritage), and Xiapu for a more immersive travel experience. It would be one of China

Recommended Xiamen Tours & Trips:

1 Day Xiamen Tour - In-depth Exploration
1 Day Nanjing Tulou Tour - Hometown of Mulan, Hakka Tulou
2 Days Quanzhou Tour - UNESCO World Heritage
3 Days Wuyishan Tour - Danxia Landscape & Tea Culture
4 Days Xiapu Tour - China's Most Beautiful Mudflat
7 Days Fujian Tour - Best All-includcive Tour

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