Gulangyu Islet was originally called "Yuan Sha Zhou" or “Yuan Zhou Zai” and got its current name “Gulangyu” in the Ming Dynasty. In the northwest corner of the islet, there is a more than 2-meter-high reef with sea chasms. When waves hit it, the sound is like the roll of drum. Therefore, the reef is called "Gulang Stone" (Drum Wave Stone) and the islet is accordingly called "Gulang Islet". Intersecting short and narrow roads, clean and quiet environment, fresh air, flourishing green hills, blooming flowers especially the contrast of red tiles and green trees all create the beautiful and intriguing scenery in this place.
Major tourist attractions include Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, Bright Moon Park, Yu Park, Gulang Stone, Piano Museum, Zheng Chenggong Memorial, Xiamen Underwater World, Natural Seaside Sanitarium, Hi Heaven, etc. As a national scenic spot with historical, cultural and natural landscapes, Gulangyu Islet ranks the first in the top ten scenic spots in Fujian province.