Gulangyu Island is home to an abundance of beautiful buildings, yet among them, Haitangyu stands out for its architectural charm. Visitors can listen to stories within the villa, imagining the lives of people from that era. Additionally, one can enjoy the distinctive Southern Fujian puppet shows and Nan Yin performances. Constructed in 1921, Haitangyu is an old villa complex located at No. 38 Fujian Road, Gulangyu.
Its overall style is a harmonious blend of Chinese and Western influences. You can see the traditional Chinese eaves and upturned corners, all decorated with intertwined floral patterns or dragon motifs. You can also spot ancient Greek columns and Western-style window decorations, all combined perfectly. The entrance fee is somewhat expensive, leading many tourists to take exterior photos without entering. However, for those interested in this type of villa architecture, it is worth the visit as it allows a closer look at the details of the building and guided tours (every half hour, though guides might skip tours if there are few visitors) to understand the architecture and history of the mansion. If you decide to visit, it is advisable to purchase tickets through agents in advance, which are cheaper than local prices. There are five old villas in total, with three open to the public after restoration. Number 34 has been developed into a tasteful Southeast Asian-style café, allowing visitors to experience leisurely coffee time in an old overseas Chinese villa. Number 42 has been developed into a performing arts center for China’s intangible cultural heritage, Nan Yin and puppet shows, with performances every half hour. The puppet show is on the first floor, which is quite lively. A TV next to it plays an introduction to the performance, and after the show, performers come out to display their skills, such as balancing bowls and dancing with sticks, which is very impressive. The Nan Yin performance is on the second floor, with a very beautiful melody. The main building, number 38, with its architectural features, has been developed into the Gulangyu Architectural Art Museum. The main building is spacious and high, with each room featuring a theme, mainly displaying the old villas and the little-known stories of the celebrities behind them, full of nostalgia. Operating hours are from 08:30 to 17:30 all year round. Concessions for children: Children up to 1.2 meters (inclusive) enter for free; children between 1.2 meters (exclusive) and 1.4 meters (inclusive) enjoy discounted tickets. Concessions for the disabled: Tickets can be purchased with a disability certificate. Concessions for the elderly: Elderly people aged 70 (inclusive) and above enjoy discounted tickets. Additional note: The above concession information is for reference only, and specific details should be verified with the Haitangyu scenic area on Gulangyu Island on the day of your visit.Gulangyu Island’s Architectural Gem: Haitangyu
Gulangyu Island is home to an abundance of beautiful buildings, yet among them, Haitangyu stands out[...]
