Gulangyu ferries are real-name and leave from the terminal you did not expect

Visitors sail from the Dongdu terminal, north of the old town, to Sanqiutian pier — not from the pier opposite Zhongshan Road, which is for residents. Tickets are real-name and sell out on holidays, so book online a day or two ahead and bring the passport you booked with.

The island has no cars and no bikes, so pack light. Last ferries back are early in the evening; check the time when you land, because missing one means finding a room.