Before the arrival of the Rabbit year Spring Festival, I went to the coastal Gulangyu Island which is known as a paradise-like tourist attraction in east China. During the short stay here, city dwellers like me were deeply fascinated by local people's placid life style, the enchanting natural scenery as well as old legends.

Covering a total area of less than two square kilometers, Gulangyu Island is located off the coast of Xiamen City in Fujian Province. But the unique ambience on this small island has been drawing waves of tourists. "Once you come, you would like to come back again." says a welcome board at one family hostel.

Photo by courtesy of sina.com

The stay in Gulangyu has reminded me of my good days in Lijiang, since both places's happiness is within easy reach with quiet streets, ancient architecture, simple little flowers, and lovely cats bathing in the sun.