HOTEL｜Lin’s Mansion Hotel on Gulangyu Island

When the melody of the gramophone and the afternoon sunlight pass through the French wooden windows, when you inadvertently gaze at the longan tree gently swaying in the courtyard, birdsong, the sound of the wind, and the melody intertwine in the silence. In that moment, you are no longer a visitor to this building, but a returning member of the century-old Lin family mansion. This was once the residence of the richest family in Taiwan, the Banqiao Lin family, and now it has become the top hotel on Gulangyu Island! One: Space The Lin’s Mansion brand has maximally restored and preserved the traces and style of history. The exterior has been carefully restored to its original state, and the interior meticulously renovated. This upgrade was led by designer Sun Jianhua, whose design philosophy is “simplifying complexity.” Every corner of the space reflects a deep understanding of history, and I would give the space a very high score. Two: Service From the moment you step onto Gulangyu Island, the butler service follows you like a shadow. They contact the dock in advance to wait and transport your luggage, and during the walk, they narrate the history and charm along the way. This service goes beyond regular hotel reception; it feels more like the treatment you would receive at the Lin family mansion during its heyday. Moreover, the service at Lin’s Mansion feels like everyone is playing a role in the mansion’s hospitality. Everyone seems to be an old member of the Lin family, and every response carries genuine care. The warmth of the service creates the authentic atmosphere that a real mansion life should have, making the “one day at Lin’s Mansion” illusion even more believable. Three: Experience Upon check-in, a Lin’s Mansion specialist will give a detailed introduction to the history and stories of the Lin family mansion, helping guests better understand the meaning behind every corner during their stay. On the second floor of the Octagonal Building, there is a Qipao (cheongsam) gallery where you can change into Republic of China-era clothing and take photos in every corner. The butler will also have you take a black-and-white photo by a specific window as a keepsake. This thoughtful process is like a dialogue across time and space. Additionally, the third and fourth floors feature a cigar bar and a tea room reserved exclusively for suite guests. The rooftop balcony offers a panoramic view of Gulangyu Island, truly the finishing touch. Four: Taste and Senses Lin’s Mansion also excels in dining. The hotel’s “Lin Mansion Banquet” restaurant offers exquisite nine-grid set breakfasts and authentic Minnan cuisine. The flavors and the elegant plating both reflect the hotel’s attention to detail and its ultimate restoration of mansion life. What surprised me most sensorially was not the carefully selected artworks or the exquisite fabrics and furniture inside, but the ubiquitous flowers and vessels. A small branch in a ceramic vase, though not precious, is arranged with great character. It doesn’t feel like a hotel’s deliberate decoration but more like a hostess who understands life, casually picking from the courtyard and placing it here just to perfect this moment’s beauty. Lin’s Mansion is not just a hotel on Gulangyu Island; it is a time tunnel that allows modern people to experience the noble life of the Republic of China era. It perfectly blends historical culture with modern luxury, preserving the building’s original appearance and cultural heritage while providing a high-standard, warm, and humanized stay experience. So I recommend it to you, the next traveler to Gulangyu Island! Lin’s Mansion Hotel on Gulangyu Island