Fuzhou Travel Guide (East Fujian/Fujian/East China/China/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Fuzhou

Fuzhou, also known as Foochow, is the capital and one of the largest cities in Fujian Province, located in East China. It is a city of culture, history, and natural beauty, offering visitors a wide range of attractions and experiences to discover.

Fuzhou has a long history that dates back to the Tang Dynasty, with many notable cultural and historical sites to explore. It is also home to stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and lakes, perfect for outdoor adventures. Additionally, Fuzhou is known for its unique cuisine, featuring a variety of fresh seafood and local specialties.

In this ultimate Fuzhou travel guide, we’ll be covering everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to this wonderful city.

List of Places to Visit in Fuzhou

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Sanfang Qixiang (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys): A historic district that dates back to the Ming Dynasty, featuring preserved traditional buildings, gardens, and temples.
West Lake Park: A scenic park with a lake, gardens, and pavilions, dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
Lin Zexu Memorial Museum: A museum dedicated to Lin Zexu, a Qing Dynasty official who played a significant role in the Opium Wars.
Yongquan Temple: A Tang Dynasty temple complex featuring beautiful architecture and tranquil gardens.
Fuzhou National Forest Park: One of the largest parks in Fuzhou with hiking trails, a lake, and multiple gardens.

Natural Attractions of Fuzhou: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Wulongjiang Nature Reserve: A nature reserve located in the Wuyi Mountains, offering scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and hot springs.
Hot Spring National Forest Park: A park located on the outskirts of Fuzhou, known for its hot springs, bamboo forests, and hiking trails.
Gushan Scenic Area: A scenic area located in the heart of Fuzhou with gardens, temples, and stunning views of the city.
Fuzhou Chating Park: A park located in the suburbs of Fuzhou, featuring waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails.
Qi Mountain National Forest Park: A park located on the outskirts of Fuzhou, offering hiking trails, scenic views, and a cable car ride.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Fuzhou

Fuzhou is a city with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities. There are several hiking and biking trails available, ranging from easy to challenging.

Jinshan Mountain Scenic Area: A scenic area located on the outskirts of Fuzhou with hiking trails and stunning views.
Longshan Mountain Forest Park: A park located in the western suburbs of Fuzhou, featuring hiking trails with scenic views and waterfalls.
Yunding Mountain: A mountain located on the outskirts of Fuzhou, offering hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Jinxiu Valley: A valley located in the suburbs of Fuzhou, featuring hiking trails and scenic views.

Best Things to Do in Fuzhou: Activities and Tours

Taste local food specialties: Fuzhou is known for its fresh seafood, local snacks, and unique cuisine.
Visit cultural and historical sites: Explore the ancient temples, gardens, and museums that showcase Fuzhou’s rich history and culture.
Take a boat ride on the Minjiang River: Enjoy scenic views of the river and the city from a different perspective.
Experience hot springs: Relax and rejuvenate at one of Fuzhou’s hot springs, surrounded by lush greenery.
Attend a traditional performance: Enjoy performances of traditional music, dance, and theatre.

Week-Long Itinerary for Fuzhou

Day 1: Explore Sanfang Qixiang Day 2: Visit the Lin Zexu Memorial Museum and Yongquan Temple Day 3: Hike in Longshan Mountain Forest Park Day 4: Relax at Hot Spring National Park Day 5: Take a boat ride on the Minjiang River Day 6: Explore the Wuyi Mountains at Wulongjiang Nature Reserve Day 7: Shop for souvenirs in Sanfang Qixiang

Food and Drink Scene of Fuzhou

Must-Try Dishes

Fotiaoqiang: A broth featuring seafood, meat, and vegetables, served in a hot pot.
Youtiao: A type of fried dough served with rice porridge or soy milk.
Qingtuan: A green rice ball stuffed with sweet filling and wrapped in bamboo leaves.
Luosifen: A spicy rice noodle soup served with pickled bamboo shoots, peanuts, and other condiments.
Fuzhou fish balls: A type of fish dumpling, often served in broth or soup.

Local Beverages

Fuzhou jasmine tea: A fragrant and refreshing tea, made with jasmine flowers.
Baotong Wine: A type of rice wine fermented with medicinal herbs, important for Fuzhou’s traditional medicine.

Where to Stay in Fuzhou: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Fuzhou has a wide range of accommodations available, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses.

Some popular options include:

Shangri-La Hotel Fuzhou
Crowne Plaza Fuzhou Riverside
Hilton Fuzhou
7 Days Inn Fuzhou Train Station
Fuzhou Archipelago Hostel

What to Buy in Fuzhou: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bamboo crafts: Fuzhou is known for its bamboo crafts, including baskets, hats, and furniture.
Fujian tea: A variety of high-quality tea produced in the region, including jasmine tea and green tea.
Fuzhou Lacquerware: Traditional crafts made using natural lacquer and featuring intricate designs.
Jian’ou Stone: A unique type of stone, often used in traditional Chinese carving.

Local Culture and Customs of Fuzhou

Fuzhou has a rich and unique culture, with a distinctive dialect, cuisine, and customs. Local customs include:

Honoring ancestors: An important custom in Fuzhou, with many families visiting ancestral tombs during annual festivals.
Tea culture: Fuzhou has a long history of tea culture, with many teahouses serving a variety of teas and local snacks.
Nuo opera: A form of traditional Chinese opera, often performed during religious festivals and ceremonies.

Best Time to Visit Fuzhou

The best time to visit Fuzhou is from March to November, when the weather is pleasant and there are many outdoor activities and festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Fuzhou

Do:

Try local food specialties such as Fotiaoqiang and Luosifen.
Visit cultural and historical sites to learn about Fuzhou’s rich history.
Respect local customs and traditions, such as honoring ancestors.

Don’t:

Don’t speak loudly or use foul language in public.
Don’t spit or litter in public places.
Don’t disrespect local customs or traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Fuzhou

Fuzhou is a relatively safe city with low levels of crime. However, visitors should take precautions against pickpocketing and theft.

Health in Fuzhou

Visitors should take precautions against sunburn and heatstroke during the summer months. It is also recommended to drink only bottled water and to avoid eating raw or undercooked food.

Getting to Fuzhou: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Fuzhou

Fuzhou Changle International Airport is located about 50 kilometers southeast of the city center, with direct flights to many domestic and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Fuzhou

Fuzhou has several bus stations that offer transportation to nearby cities and towns, including Fuzhou South Bus Station and Fuzhou North Bus Station.

Other Options

Other transportation options include trains, taxis, and private car rentals.

How to Get Around in Fuzhou

Fuzhou has a comprehensive transportation system, including buses, subways, and taxis. Buses and subways are affordable and convenient, while taxis are accessible but more expensive.

Where to Go Next from Fuzhou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Xiamen: A coastal city located in Fujian Province, known for its beaches, temples, and vibrant nightlife.
Wuyishan: A scenic area located in northern Fujian, featuring mountains, waterfalls, and tea gardens.
Quanzhou: A historic city located in southern Fujian, known for its temples, mosques, and traditional architecture.

Conclusion

Fuzhou is a unique and fascinating city, offering visitors a taste of traditional Chinese culture, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan the perfect trip to Fuzhou, and experience all that this wonderful city has to offer.