Gulangyu Island covers an area of 1.78 square kilometers. It is opposite Xiamen across the Lujiang River. It was formerly known as Yuanshazhou or Yuanzhouzai. In the Ming Dynasty, it got its present name because the marine caves in the southwestern reefs made sounds like the beating of drums when they were hit by waves.

Gulangyu Island is a great place for the cultivation of music and musicians. It has the highest ratio of piano owners in the country, so it is also known as “piano island” and “the home of music.” The island features mild weather throughout all seasons. It has beautiful scenery and is free from traffic. Singing birds and fragrant flowers are everywhere. For this reason, the island is also referred to as a “garden on the sea.” Today, Gulangyu Island is filled with unique shops. Visitors enjoy the refreshing cultural atmosphere. Step inside a café and order a cup of aromatic coffee or tea to wile away some time in the serenity.

Kulangsu is a National AAAAA-level tourism scenic spot, a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit and one of the Top Five most beautiful major urban areas in China. At the 41st World Heritage Conference held on July 8, 2017 in Poland local time, "Kulangsu: International Historical Community" was listed on the World Heritage List, making Kulangsu China's 52nd World Heritage Project.