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Kulangsu Island Historical and Cultural Block in Xiamen
Updated: Mar 6, 2020
chinadaily.com.cn
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Kulangsu Island Historical and Cultural Block in Xiamen
厦门市鼓浪屿历史文化街区
Gulangyu, or Kulangsu in local dialect, is an island off the coast of Xiamen city in East China's Fujian province with a long history that can be traced back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
It is a place where the most advanced western culture was imported and 70 percent of the buildings were constructed in the early 20th century.
In 1903, Kulangsu Island became an international settlement, serving as home to a group of non-native residents until it was officially regained in 1945. Before that only rich people, foreigners, and overseas Chinese could build their houses on the island.
The architectural style of the island is westernized. Many households in the last century arranged piano lessons for their children and the island was therefore known as the “Cradle of Musicians” and the “Island of Music” because of its reputation for music appreciation.
Automobiles and bicycles are forbidden on the little island, making Kulangsu Island a peaceful place. In 2017, the island was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, China's 52nd.
Main attractions:
Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, Bright Moon Garden, Yu Garden, Gulang Reef
