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Gulangyu Ferry Option One: Daytime Regular Ferry (Recommend)
- 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. They usually run at daytime.
There is a premium cabin option departing from Xiamen International Cruise Terminal (邮轮中心厦鼓码头), but it’s a less favorable choice since visitors who love premium experience would choose the premium cruises I’ll introduce later.
| Departure | Arrival | Operating Schedule | Travel Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiamen International Cruise Terminal (邮轮中心厦鼓码头) | Sanqiutian Terminal (三丘田码头) | 7:10-17:30 (October to May of the following year) 7:10-18:30 (June to September) Intervals: About 20 minutes |
About 20 Minutes | 35-50 RMB |
| Xiamen International Cruise Terminal (邮轮中心厦鼓码头) | Terminal Piano (钢琴码头) |
7:50-16:50 (January to June, September to December) 7:50-17:50 (July to August) Intervals:About 20 Minutes |
About 20 Minutes | 35-50 RMB |
| First Terminal (第一码头) | Neicuoao Terminal (内厝澳码头) | 7:00-17:40 (October to May of the following year) 7:00-18:00 (June to September) Intervals:About 1 hour |
About 15 Minutes | 50 RMB |
Option Two for Ferry to Gulangyu Island: Daytime & Overnight Cruise
The premium cruise from Xiamen to Gulangyu run at both daytime and night.
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
| Departure | Arrival | Operating Schedule | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiamen Ferry Terminal (厦门轮渡码头) | Sanqiutian Terminal (三丘田码头)/Piano Terminal(钢琴码头) | 17:50-23:45 (October to May of the following year); 18:50-23:45 (June to September) | About 7 Minutes |
Step 1. Boarding the Ferry to Gulangyu Island: Which Xiamen Ferry Terminal is the Right One?
There are many terminals for you to start your Gulangyu Island ferry 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 ferry terminals in Xiamen downtown.
| Ferry Terminal | Location | Primary Transportation | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiamen International Cruise Terminal (邮轮中心厦鼓码头) | No.2 Dong Gang Road, Huli District, Xiamen City | Bus 84 from Gao Qi Airport | Crowded during peak season, shorter intervals |
| First Terminal(第一码头) | No.599 Xi Ti Road, Siming District Siming District, Xiamen City | BRT 1/BRT 2 from Gao QI Airport | Less crowds, longer intervals |
| Xiamen Ferry Terminal (厦门轮渡码头) | No. 15, Lujiang Road, Siming District, Xiamen City | Airport Shuttle Bus from Gao QI Airport | Only available for tourists at night |
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.
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.
Step 2. 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.
| Ferry Terminal | Location | Primary Transportation |
|---|---|---|
| Neicuoao Terminal (内厝澳码头) | No.159 Kang Tai Road, Gulangyu Island | Sight-seeing Ride |
| Sanqiutian Termina (三丘田码头) | No.199 Yan Ping Road, Gulangyu Island | Sight-seeing Rides |
| Piano Terminal(钢琴码头) | No. 6-2, Lu Jiao Road, Siming District, Gulangyu Island | Airport Shuttle Bus from Gao Qi Airport |
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.
- There is NO public transportation on the Gulangyu Island since it is a car-free small island. You could buy tickets for a sightseeing 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.
Step 3. Getting Back to Xiamen: Free Return! Keep Your Ticket
The ferry ticket price includes a round-trip journey back to Xiamen downtown. So don’t throw your ferry ticket away! You 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
✔ Gulangyu sees massive traffic coming during the peak of high seasons. Book tickets 3 to 7 days in advance in July and August, and during Chinese public holidays.
✔ 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.
✔ 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.
✔ It is recommended to purchase tickets directly through the official Xiamen Cruise website or ticketing counters. Sidewalk vendors are not official sales representatives.
✔ 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.
✔ It is advisable to consult the cruise operators in advance or book tickets through reputable travel agencies.
How to Plan Your Xiamen to Gulangyu 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.
1 Day
1 PlaceIf 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.
7 Days Fujian Tour to Xiamen, Hakka Tulou & Xiapu Mudflat with Photography Experience
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Explore Xiamen and Fujian with Asia Odyssey Travel
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