Gulangyu Island鼓浪屿英文介绍

Museum of Architecture, see Europe at Gulangyu Island

Other than its title of the "PianoIsland", Gulangyu is also known as China's Museum of Architecture. Villas and mansions on the island are ornate and add much charm to the satellite island.

For people living in the hustle and bustle of today's metropolis, stroll along the shady serpentine lanes outside the high-walled and imposing red-roofed mansions and villas, you'll seek serenity and see why Gulangyu is charming and internationally renowned.

1). Eight Diagrams House (八卦楼)

The red-roofed and White House-like villa, now used as XiamenMuseum, is one of the landmark buildings in Xiamen. Integrating traditional Doric (陶立克式) and Ionic (爱奥尼克式) architectural styles, the house has become an architectural representative on the island.

It was built in 1907 (the 33rd year of Emperor Kuang Hsu's reign in Qing Dynasty) and designed by American Dutch Dr. John Abraham Otte (郁约翰), who integrated the Pakistani, Chinese, Greek and Italian architectural styles.

The famous house is said to be often haunted by a "ghost" with long hair at the backyard lawn.

2). Golden Melon Villa (jin gua lou金瓜楼)

The villa, built in 1922, got the name after its two golden melon liked attics. It was bought by the Philippine Chinese Mr. Huang Cimin (黄赐敏) in 1924. The Western style villa is decorated with Chinese elements, flower, bird and plant embossment is widely used on its beam columns. The in-house is decorated with a combination of Western and Chinese styles, with Western style fireplace and Chinese style wing-room and living room.

Add: No.99, Quanzhou Road (泉州路)

3). Huang Family Complex (huang jia yuan 黄家园)

The house was the private residence of Mr. Huang Yizhu (黄亦住), a rich Indonesian Chinese in the contemporary times. The complex has 3 houses, of which the middle one is the most gorgeous that was built with 100,000 silver dollars.

What's special is that there is a mirror hung with razors and shaving brush in every room. That's because Mr. Huang led a poor life in his childhood, later he went to Southeast Asia and made for a living as a barber. Later, he turned to develop a cane sugar business and became the 'King of Sugar in Indonesia.' After returning to China, he settled down on GulangyuIsland.

In the 1950s, the house was state guest house of the Xiamen Government. It hosted Teng Xiaoping, US ex-President Nixon and ex-President Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore.

Add: No.25, Huangyan Road (晃岩路)

4). Lin House (林屋)

It was built in 1927 by Mr. Lin Quancheng (林全诚), the son of the house owner. The specialty of the house lies in its vertical overlook view of its roof, which employed Northern European architectural style. The villa stands out of the villa complex, appearing sedate and elegant.

Add: No.82, Quanzhou Road

5). Scenic View Villa (guan cai lou 观彩楼)

On the top of Bijia Hill lies a European style villa, which was built in 1931 and designed by a Dutch. Since it looks like a bridal sedan chair and people can see splendid sunset and clouds on the top floor, it's called Scenic View Villa.

Add: No.6, Bishan Road (笔山路)

6). Hi Heaven Villa or Sea & Sky Villa (hai tian tang gou 海天堂构)