Gulangyu Island, affectionately known as Xiamen's "Island of Music," continues to enchant visitors in 2026 with its unique symphony of cultural heritage and natural beauty. This car-free UNESCO World Heritage Site remains a living testament to China's musical legacy, where piano melodies drift through bougainvillea-lined streets and violin notes echo across 19th-century colonial architecture.
Local residents proudly maintain the island's 200+ historic pianos, while the Gulangyu Piano Museum showcases rare instruments dating back to the 18th century. Recent infrastructure upgrades have enhanced accessibility without compromising the island's timeless charm, with new audio-guided walking tours launched this month.
"Here, music isn't just entertainment – it's our shared language," says Chen Li, a third-generation piano technician at the island's conservation workshop.
For business professionals and cultural explorers alike, Gulangyu's unique ecosystem offers insights into China's creative economy. The island's annual Spring Music Festival, scheduled for March 2026, is expected to draw record numbers of international performers and tourists.
