Location & How to Get There

The Former Japanese Consulate sits in the heart of Gulangyu Island, a car-free paradise in Xiamen, Fujian Province. The address is No. 35-6 Huangyan Road, nestled within the Gulangyu Scenic Area. To reach it, you’ll first take a ferry from Xiamen’s city center (like from Xiamen Cruise Center) to Gulangyu Island. Once on the island, it’s a short walk or bike ride—just ask for the “Old Japanese Consulate” or “Riben Lishi Guan” (the Chinese name). It’s near the British Consulate, so keep an eye out for colonial-era buildings clustered together.

Natural Scenery

Gulangyu Island itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its lush greenery, coastal views, and quiet lanes. The Former Japanese Consulate isn’t surrounded by flashy landscapes, but its location near the coast means you’ll catch glimpses of the sea and hear waves crashing nearby. The area feels timeless, with tall trees and old stone walls creating a peaceful, almost secretive atmosphere.

Historical & Cultural Highlights

This building tells a huge story. Back in 1896, Japan pressured China’s Qing Dynasty to let them open a consulate here. They picked a spot right next to the British Consulate (no coincidence!). The building mixes Chinese and Western styles: a British-designed structure with a traditional Chinese roof. It was finished in 1897, making it over a century old!

During WWII, the Japanese used the consulate’s basement as a prison for Chinese anti-Japanese activists. If you visit today, you might still see faded protest slogans and even old blood stains on the walls—a silent reminder of those dark times. After WWII ended in 1945, the government took over the building, and later it became part of Xiamen University’s campus. Now, it’s a rundown staff dormitory, but its history screams louder than its crumbling walls.

Architecture & Design

The Former Japanese Consulate looks like a blend of two worlds. From the outside, it’s a classic colonial-era building with arched windows and thick walls. But the roof? Definitely Chinese, with curved eaves and tiles. It’s like stepping into a history lesson about how East and West collided here. The two red brick buildings next to it (added in 1928) feel heavier, maybe because they held the Japanese police headquarters—a far cry from their current use as quiet宿舍 (staff housing).

Facilities & Accessibility

Be warned: this isn’t a polished museum. The place is pretty dilapidated, with rusted gates and peeling paint. There’s no official tour, and you can’t go inside (it’s private housing now). But that’s okay! Just stroll around the exterior, peek through the gates, and soak in the vibe. Bring a good camera, but respect the privacy of the people who live there. Oh, and since Gulangyu is pedestrian-only, wear comfy shoes—you’ll be walking on cobblestones!

Visiting Tips & Experience

Visiting the Former Japanese Consulate feels like uncovering a hidden chapter of Xiamen’s past. It’s not for everyone—no tourist crowds or souvenir shops here. But if you love history, architecture, or just quiet spots with character, it’s worth a detour. Pair it with a walk to nearby sites like the British Consulate or Sunlight Rock for context.

When you stand before the building, imagine the stories within: designers, prisoners, diplomats. And hey, those old protest slogans? They’re a stark reminder of how places hold memories, even when they’re silent.

(Note: Keep your voice down near the building, as it’s now a residential area. Respect the space and its history!)