Unesco praises the district for special cultural contributions particularly a new style of architecture: “Kulangsu [Gulangyu] is an exceptional example of the cultural fusion that emerged from [Sino-foreign] exchanges, which remain legible in its urban fabric. There is a mixture of different architectural styles including Traditional southern Fujian style, Western classical revival style and Veranda colonial style. The most exceptional testimony of the fusion of various stylistic influences is a new architectural movement, the Amoy-deco style, which is a synthesis of the modernist style of the early 20th century and art deco.”

This style and the culture which created it have been preserved all these years by the simple fact that Gulangyu can only be reached by ferry. Later, as the value of this historic island became clear, strict controls were put in place by the municipal government to maintain the integrity of Gulangyu, and limit the number of tourists per day to around 35,000.

The cultural influence from the early 19th and 20th centuries has also resulted in Gulangyu having the most pianos per capita in China, as well as being host to the Piano Museum. Several renowned classical musicians have emerged from Gulangyu, including pianist and composer Yin Chengzong, violist Jing Yang and the pianist Xu Feiping. The prevalence of pianos and classical musicians has earned Gulangyu the nickname “Piano Island”.

Today, the islet is a favourable day-trip option for tourists from the mainland seeking a taste of nostalgia and the peaceful sensation of shopping without the noise of traffic, and the beaches on the island are sandy, clean and safe for wading. Gulangyu is truly a jewel and is poised to remain as such for some time to come. The authorities and the people who call this islet home are determined to preserve the island’s beauty and tranquillity, while also sharing its culture with the wider world.