Historic mansions
Many styles.
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A small island off Xiamen, across a narrow strait, which became an «international settlement» in the early twentieth century, home to foreigners and Chinese merchants returning from abroad, and filled with mansions, consulates and villas in European and Chinese styles; it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 8 July 2017. The island is car-free and bicycle-free, with only small electric buggies allowed, so visitors explore its quiet lanes on foot; it's nicknamed «Piano Island», with more than 200 pianos and China's only piano museum. Its best-known sights include Sunlight Rock, the island's highest point, the seaside Shuzhuang Garden, Longtou shopping street, small beaches around its edge and historic mansions, many now museums and cafés. Visitors arrive by ferry from Xiamen's tourist pier, with return tickets from about CNY 35, per visitor guides; daily numbers are capped, so book ahead with your passport, and some sights on the island charge separately. Allow a full day.
Many styles.
Over 200 pianos.
No cars.
Off Xiamen, across the Lujiang strait
By ferry from Xiamen's tourist pier, from about CNY 35 return, per visitor guides; numbers are capped, so book ahead with your passport.
