Visit to Drum Waves Islet

With greenery everywhere, Xiamen is a garden island. And Gulangyu is the most fragrant and beautiful of all its flowers. 

Just 700 metres across Xiamen H

arbour, Gulangyu is Xiamen's most famous places-to-go-to by tourists and locals alike. Gulangyu or Drum Waves islet is so-called due to the sound when the waves hit the shallow rocks on the island's southwest corner. This 1.78 square kilometers haven is also known as Piano Island because of the love the residents have for the instrument. As early as 1913, students of foreign-run schools started learning to play piano. The interest then rubbed on to the residents. Since then, Gulangyu has been home to a lot of accomplished pianists and their families. Aside from pianos,  Gulangyu also boasts of numerous gardens and colonial buildings from the era when it served as outposts of foreign dignitaries. 

My first visit to Gulangyu was not to listen to the music from its pianos. It's also not to see the museums and gardens (but I want to do that some day). Nor to taste the seafood dishes the island has become famous for. I went to Gulangyu because it is where the only English Catholic service is being held in all of Xiamen. I went to hear mass. I am not religious. But when you suddenly find yourself in an unfamiliar surroundings, you tend to revert to your comfort zone. And I always find prayers comforting. So one Sunday, off to Gulangyu I went.

 

View of the island as you approach

Dolphin statue that greets you at Gulangyu pier. 

I see quite a lot of dolphins statues here in Xiamen. Wonder why.

Map of the island on black marble.

If you look closely you can see my reflection. This is situated at the entrance of some park. I didn't bother to check the name.

Christ the King Church.

Only Catholic church with English service in Xiamen. It was so hot that day, the boy in front of us was, literally, dripping with sweat. 

There is a garden in front of the church yard. 

And an Our Lady of Lourdes grotto at the back.

This faces the door to the church.

Sample of old colonial buildings.

I'll get back with the name when I return to Gulangyu. Will have more photos of these buildings. 

McDonald's Fastfood at Gulangyu.

A modern colonial establishment. A double cheeseburger and cold soda are heaven-sent after walking under the sun.

Token for the ferry.

It costs 8RMB. You only got to pay on the return trip to Xiamen. The ferry from Xiamen to Gulangyu is free of charge. Or 4RMB both ways, depends on how you see it.

Buoys strewn between the two piers make for good photo subjects.

Ferries traveling to and fro Xiamen and Gulangyu.

View of the pier as we approach Xiamen side.

The pier itself is floating.

The mass started at 10am. Back at Xiamen after an hour and a half.