China’s ‘vehicle-free’ Island: Wish to stay in nature’s abode or on thorns of concrete, what’s your choice?
Fujian, January 16: In this 21st century which is an era of concrete jungles, eyes are always in search of some greenery which will soothe them. But in this urbanization also there is a place which still stands with its green infrastructure. Gulangyu island of China is the best example of this.
The above picture shows that what the social animal, man can do for himself and also he is the whole and sole responsible for it. The choice is of the man whether to stay in nature’s abode or on the thorns of concrete scrappers.
The Gulangyu Island is a pedestrian-only island off the coast of Xiamen, Fujian Province in southeastern China. A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the island is about 2 km2 (0.77 sq mi) in an area and is reached by a 5-minute ferry ride from downtown Xiamen. Although only about 20,000 people live on the island, Gulangyu is a major domestic tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors per year, and making it one of China's most visited tourist attractions. Gulangyu not only bans cars but also bicycles. The only vehicles permitted are small electric buggies and electric government service vehicles.
Gulangyu Island is renowned for its beaches and winding lanes and its varied architecture. The island is on China's list of National Scenic Spots, is classified as a 5A tourist attraction by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), and ranks at the top of the list of the ten most-scenic areas in the province.
Gulangyu is unique in China as a "traffic-free island". It is connected to the main island of Xiamen only by ferry. It is a pedestrian-only destination, where the only vehicles on the islands are several fire trucks and electric tourist buggies. The narrow streets on the island, together with the architecture of various styles around the world, give the island a unique appearance.