China: Gulangyu Island – Sunlight Rock

Sunlight Rock is the highest point on the Gulangyu Island. Standing at 93 m (304 feet) above sea level, it offers absolute 360-degree panoramic view of Gulangyu’s villas, the blue sea, and the skyscraper skyline of Xiamen just across the water. It takes quite a climb to get up here, especially in the stifling heat, but the views are awesome and worth it. There is an observation platform at the very top, packed with people like a sardine can. At the base of the rock is the Sunlight Rock Temple dating back to Ming dynasty times.