Xiamen Gulangyu Bishan Residence

Tucked into the laneway fabric of Gulangyu Island at No. 4 Bishan Road, Bishan Residence occupies a colonial-era building where hardwood floors and an inner courtyard have been preserved rather than renovated away. Rooms face either the courtyard or outward toward the sea, with landmark views of the piano-dotted island's roofline visible from the terrace and sun deck.

The property runs on a quiet, residential scale — private check-in, a shared kitchen for guest use, and room service replacing the standard hotel dining room. Bathrobes, slippers, and a walk-in closet lift the finish above the three-star bracket.

Gulangyu is car-free; the ferry from Xiamen's Dongdu terminal lands a short walk from Bishan Road. The island's 1930s consulate buildings and Shuzhuang Garden are both reachable on foot within ten minutes.