How to Take Ferry from Xiamen to Gulangyu Island

Gulangyu Island, affectionately nicknamed “Piano Island” for its rich musical heritage—home to over 200 pianos and the iconic Gulangyu Piano Museum—is one of Xiamen’s most beloved scenic treasures. Tucked just off the coast of Xiamen, this car-free island boasts a unique blend of colonial-era architecture (a legacy of its 19th-century role as a foreign concession), lush coastal landscapes, and quiet tree-lined lanes that draw over 10 million visitors annually. To step onto this idyllic island, taking a ferry is not just the only transportation option—it’s also a delightful preamble to your visit, offering sweeping views of Xiamen’s skyline and the Taiwan Strait. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the ferry process seamlessly, from booking tickets to boarding the boat.

1. Book Ferry Tickets

There are two ways to book ferry tickets from Xiamen to Gulangyu Island: one is to buy them on the spot at the ticket office, and the other is to buy them online through Alipay or WeChat, but this method is not applicable to foreign tourists. You can buy the ticket in ticket lobby, or you can also contact us to buy tickets for you online, which is the most convenient and hassle-free way to book your ferry ticket in Xiamen. It is the roundtrip ticket and you can leave Gulangyu within 20 days with your paper ticket.

Booking Methods

There are three primary ways to book ferry tickets, each tailored to different traveler needs:

Online Booking (Recommended for Mainland Travelers): The most convenient option for Chinese citizens is to book via official platforms:
- Alipay: Search for “厦门轮渡有限公司” (Xiamen Ferry Co., Ltd.) in the Alipay app, select your desired route and time, and complete the payment.
- WeChat: Follow the official WeChat account “厦门轮渡” (Xiamen Ferry), navigate to the “Ticket Booking” section, and follow the prompts to reserve.Note: This method requires linking a Chinese ID card and is not compatible with foreign passports.
On-Site Purchase: For foreign tourists or those who prefer in-person transactions, tickets can be bought at the ticket office (“人工售票处”) of your chosen departure pier (e.g., Xiamen Cruise Center Xiagu Wharf). Be prepared for potential lines, especially during busy hours, and arrive at least 90 minutes early to avoid missing your preferred sailing time.
Assisted Booking Service: If you’re a foreign traveler or unfamiliar with Chinese booking platforms, many local travel agencies or your accommodation (hotels, guesthouses) offer ticket-booking assistance. This service often includes help with document verification and ensures you get a confirmed ticket—ideal for those who want a hassle-free experience.

book ticket

Key Ticket Details

Type: All tickets are round-trip (one-way tickets are not available), meaning your ticket covers both the trip to Gulangyu and your return to Xiamen.
Validity: Once you arrive on Gulangyu, you can stay on the island for as long as you like, and the return portion of your ticket is valid for 20 days from the date of your initial departure. Keep your paper ticket safe—you’ll need it to board the return ferry.
Required Documents: When booking (online or on-site), you must present a valid ID:
- Mainland Chinese citizens: Chinese ID card.
- Hong Kong/Macau residents: Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao.
- Taiwan residents: Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents.
- Foreign tourists: Valid passport (ensure it’s not expired and matches the name used for booking).

2. Choose a Suitable Route

There are totally 7 ferry terminals between Xiamen and Gulangyu, but only 4 for tourists at present. There are three ferry options for tourists from other places to Gulangyu Island during the day. You can choose according to your itinerary:

gulangyu ferry map

►Daytime

1. Xiamen Cruise Center Xiagu Wharf (厦鼓码头) ⇔ Gulangyu Sanqiu Tian Wharf (三丘田码头) (Recommended)

Price: from 35 yuan/person

Operating time: 7:10-17:30 (October to May of the following year); 7:10-18:30 (June to September)

Duration: about 20 minutes

2. Xiamen Cruise Center Xiagu Wharf (厦鼓码头) ⇔ Gulangyu Neicuo Ao Wharf (内厝澳码头)

Price: from 35 yuan/person

Operating time: 7:50-16:50 (January to June, September to December); 7:50-17:50 (July to August)

Duration: about 20 minutes

3. First Pier → Gulangyu Neicuo Ao Wharf (内厝澳码头)

Price: 50 yuan/person

Operating time: 7:00-17:40

Note: This route can only be bought online

►Night

Xiamen Ferry Terminal (Hall 2) → Sanqiu Tian Wharf (三丘田码头)

Price: 35 yuan/person

Operating time: 17:50-23:45 (October to May of the following year); 18:50-23:45 (June to September)

Duration: about 7 minutes

Note: All passenger terminal flights and prices are subject to change on the day.

The Xiagu Wharf in Xiamen is the pier with the most ferry trips for tourists, and it is recommended to choose this pier as the departure pier. The Sanqiu Tian Wharf on Gulangyu Island is close to the main attractions and commercial areas of Gulangyu Island, while the Neicuo Ao Pier is located on the northwest side of Gulangyu Island, where you can experience more natural scenery of Gulangyu Island. You can choose the appropriate pier to board the island according to your own preferences. On the way back, you can choose either the Sanqiu Tian Pier or the Neicuo Ao Pier according to your location.

3. How to take the ferry

Step 1: Arrive at the pier. Take a taxi or a private transfer car to Xiamen Cruise Center Xiagu Wharf (or any other wharf you prefer), and choose a gate to enter after arriving at the wharf.

how to take the ferry

Step 2: Get the paper ticket. After entering the hall, get the paper ticket first. If you did not book in advance, please go to the ticket office “人工售票处”to buy tickets, and then go to get the tickets. Then follow the direction of the sign to the security check.

how to take the ferry

Step 3: Security check. Follow the crowd and queue up for the security check. There may be a lot of people in line during peak travel periods, so it is recommended to arrive at the wharf at least one hour in advance to wait for the security check.

security check