Gulangyu got its name from a unique geological phenomenon.
It is a small island by itself, but there is a sea-eroded cave on its southwest side that, when struck by the waves, sounds like beating drums, hence it was named 'Gulangyu.'
Its uniqueness lies in the fact that, during a certain historical period, it was occupied by foreign invaders for a long time, becoming a maritime fortress controlled by many imperialist countries at the commercial port of Egret Island.
In that period, foreigners built fortresses, consulates, telegraph offices, and more on the island, making this small island on the Eastern Seashore one of China's first modernized towns with running water and electricity.
Because of its special geographical location, it later became the center of national independence and revolutionary struggles in the vast land of Fujian.
