Fuzhou Travel Guide: Uncover the Best of Fuzhou
Located in the east of Fujian Province, China, Fuzhou is the provincial capital and one of the central cities of the West Strait Economic Zone with a resident population of 8.5 million. It serves as an open coastal city and is the center for transportation, politics, and the economy in the province. Besides, it greets visitors with various attractions, including mountains, temples, and the famous Fujian Tulou.
As a national historical and cultural city, Fuzhou has a long history spanning over 2,000 years. Fuzhou’s Mawei District is known as the cradle of China’s modern navy and the birthplace of China’s shipbuilding culture. Moreover, Tanshishan, the Foochow Arsenal, Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, and Shoushan Stone are four significant cultural signs of this city, which are known worldwide.
Chinese: 福州 fú zhōu
Location: Eastern Fujian, The Capital City of Fujian Province
Population (urban area): 8,320,000
Why Visit Fuzhou?
- Architectural marvels: It offers a good opportunity for you to discover the enchanting ancient buildings and architecture on your Fujian tours to Fuzhou. Three Lanes and Seven Alleys show ancient cobblestone paths and traditional Ming and Qing architecture, which is worth visiting.
- Historical and cultural heritage: As an important starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, Fuzhouof Fujian in China played a very important role as a window of communication between China and other countries. Besides, the famous Minju performance originated here.
- Picturesque scenery: Surrounded by mountains and the sea, Fuzhou boasts beautiful landscapes and picturesque scenery. There are gorgeous parks and stunning islands. Never miss the night scene of Min River, which is attractive.
- Delicious foods: Fuzhou cuisine is a major branch and representative of the Min cuisine in China, among which the most famous one is Fuzhou fish balls, a delectable local specialty that has been a part of the city’s cuisine for centuries.
Top Attractions in Fuzhou
Three Lanes and Seven Alleys
As a cultural treasure of Fuzhou, this area preserves a wealth of ancient architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Strolling through the lanes and alleys feels like a travel back in time to an ancient and bustling era.
Zuohai Park
As the largest park in Fuzhou, it’s mainly themed on the scenery of the five continents and presents diverse global landscapes. Except for sculptures, there are Water Entertainment World and Ferris Wheel to explore.
Drum Mountain
Being one of the most beautiful spots in Fuzhou City, this mountain houses a wide range of scenic attractions centered around Yongquan Temple and is rich with numerous cliff carvings from various dynasties.
Lin Zexu Memorial Museum
As its name shows, this museum in Fuzhou commemorates the great Chinese politician Lin Zexu and collects a large number of cultural relics related to him, including his manuscripts, artifacts, letters, calligraphy, and paintings.
Fuzhou National Forest Park
This is the first national forest park in Fuzhou and one of the ten national parks in China. As a comprehensive national park, it many features temples, ponds, dense forests, birds, wild animals, and rare plants.
Xichan Temple
Built in the Tang Dynasty, this Zen temple has witnessed the history and development of Fuzhou. The core building of the temple houses statues of Buddha Shakyamuni and others with exquisite murals and carvings on it.
Pingtan Island
Also called Haitan Island, it offers a variety of cultural attractions, including temples, ancient ruins, and stone inscriptions. Besides, the natural views of erosion landscapes, rocks, beaches, and caves also attract visitors a lot.
Luoyuan Bay
Known for its winding coastline, narrow entrance, and gourd-shaped interior, this is one of the most beautiful bays in Fujian. As one of China's six major deep-water ports, it is often referred to as the "Hawaii of Eastern Fujian."
Other Top Things to Do in Fuzhou
1. Min River Night Cruise Tour
The Min River is a uniquely beautiful, clear, yet grand and wide river. It gathers numerous clear streams and small waters, winding its way to Fuzhou, then turning south and eastward to flow into the sea. When the lights are on by the riversides, embark on a cruise and enjoy the night scene of the Min River, and you will be amazed by stunning views.
2. Cycle around Nantai Island
It must be a wonderful experience for you to cycle around Nantai Island in Fuzhou on your Fujian tours. The well-paved paths make it accessible for cyclists of all skill levels. Besides, the route encircles the island, providing stunning views of the Min River, serene parks, and the popular attraction Love Island.
3. Attend a Minju Performance
One of the top things to do in Fuzhou is to attend the Minju performance. Minju, also known as Fuzhou Opera, is a unique form of opera that is sung in the Fuzhou language. Generally, there are over 1,000 operas. You can head to a theater or visit a village for a Minju performance.
4. Try Local Delicacies
Fuzhou cuisine is representative of Min cuisine, and Fuzhou is a paradise for gourmets. Famous local dishes include Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, chicken soup with sea clam, litchi pork, fish balls, oyster omelettes, Fuzhou dumplings, Fuzhou fried rice, and Fuzhou noodles. Besides, Shu Jiao Fuzhou Cuisine, Yonghe Fish Balls, and Ju Chun Yuan are the most popular restaurants where you can taste the most authentic Fuzhou food.
Fuzhou Weather and Best Time to Visit Fuzhou
Fuzhou experiences a warm and humid subtropical monsoon climate, with a short winter and a long summer. Besides, it has abundant rainfall, particularly from May to August, which coincides with the typhoon season. Hence, the best time to visit there is in spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant with cool temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
Fuzhou Transportation
How to Get to Fuzhou
By air: Take a flight to Fuzhou Changle International Airport, which serves nearly 90 domestic and international cities. It is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the city center. Take airport shuttle buses or taxis to the downtown area after landing.
By high-speed train: You can start train travel to Fuzhou in Fujian from major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. Moreover, you can reach either Fuzhou Railway Station or Fuzhou South Railway Station, and both offer metros and buses to get to the scenic attractions.
By bus: There are many bus stations in Fuzhou. If you are traveling from nearby cities and provinces like Xiamen, Quanzhou, Putian, Wenzhou, and Ningbo, you can also take a long-distance bus to Fuzhou in Fujian.
The public transportation system is well-developed in Fuzhou, China. To travel around the city, you can take metros or buses to explore most attractions of Fuzhou. If you visit the islands, rent a motorcycle. And you can ride along the coastal way to enjoy the spectacular views of the sea.
