I departed from the hotel well before the break of dawn, as the solitude of an unoccupied room became increasingly tedious. At approximately 4:30 AM, I embarked on a leisurely stroll from Gulangyu Wharf towards the Sanqiutian Wharf Relics. The beach was strikingly desolate, with the only signs of life being a handful of elderly individuals jogging along the pavement. Enthralled by the tranquil beauty of the early morning, I captured numerous photographs and videos; however, my enthusiasm was abruptly curtailed when I encountered a treacherous patch of slippery rocks, resulting in an unfortunate fall that left my cherished Sony A7R IVA camera damaged. While the camera remains operational despite its chip malfunction, it is capable of taking photographs, my arm joint sustained an injury during the incident.
In a state of mild desperation, I traversed nearly the entirety of the island in search of a vendor who could provide alcohol for disinfecting my wound, but to no avail. To compound my frustration, I discovered that a simple Band-Aid was priced at an exorbitant 5 RMB. It became increasingly apparent that Gulangyu's dining establishments are not particularly known for their culinary specialties. While seafood is ostensibly available, it is important to note that these offerings are sourced from the mainland rather than being locally harvested. Most restaurants present patrons with uninspiring options such as artificial sausages, bubble tea, and cuttlefish balls — an array that lacks both flavor and authenticity.
The overall experience felt akin to being confined within the stark walls of a prison — a sentiment that resonates deeply when one anticipates vibrant local cuisine yet is met with such lackluster fare. It raises questions about the cultural identity of the island and its ability to showcase its gastronomic heritage. In a place steeped in history and natural beauty, one would hope for an immersive experience that reflects the richness of its surroundings rather than a mundane selection reminiscent of mass-produced comfort food. The juxtaposition of picturesque landscapes against the backdrop of culinary mediocrity creates a dissonance that is both perplexing and...
Read moreRoom the ferry from the international port to reach here. there are multiple jetty to reach the island. This is one of them. The places was crowded with tourists. the last ferry to internalal port is at 18:40 but there are ferries later to other ports in the main land. the ticket purchased to reach here is valid for return too. The disadvantage is that you cannot take the ferry back from a different jetty and we had to walk back to the same jetty to...
Read moreA lot attractions and can spend the whole day. If possible , can stay for a night and enjoy the view. Since I come from tropical country, the weather during my visit May is killing. Enjoy the view , shopping, nature, food and historical and...
Read more