Gulangyu called home by famed intellectuals

Since residents' childhood in the early part of the last century, the locals have enjoyed the highest levels of musical, sport and English education. The island's Xunyuan, Yude and Yinghua schools were founded by missionaries.

Many residents living on the island early in the 20th century were business titans with thriving Southeast Asian businesses, Zhan said.

During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), when Xiamen was occupied, Gulangyu suddenly saw its population hit 100,000 from 30,000-40,000 previously. The schools on the island kept their doors open for the new refugee children.

Hong Puren, a researcher at the Fujian Culture and History Research Institute, said during the 100 years from the Opium Wars in the mid-19th century to World War II, Chinese and Western cultures blended to create the islet's unique status in science, education and culture.

"The island records the twists and turns of Eastern and Western cultures mixing, and reflects the ups and downs of revolution and reforms in Chinese history. The residents are the shining stars of the last century," Hong said.

Gulangyu recently joined UNESCO's world cultural heritage list, demonstrating its residents' noble spirit and educated background. Its inclusive culture is the key DNA that will pass down for generations to come, he said.