Fuzhou travel guide
Fuzhou Tourism | Fuzhou Guide
You're Going to Love Fuzhou
Famous for its hot springs, Fuzhou is the capital of the Fujian province. This port city is known for its historical district where you can see residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties. There are several mountains that surround the city, and you can take a day trip to the beaches in the Changle area.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Fuzhou
1. Take a Cable Car to the Gu Mountain
The Gu Mountain is only 20 minutes away from Fuzhou. Take the cable car to go on a hike or to visit the Taoist temple.
2. Explore the Qi Mountain
A day trip to Qi Mountain is the perfect way to escape the city. You can hike in the forest, admire the waterfalls, feed wild monkeys, and walk over a suspended bridge.
3. Relax at West Lake Park
West Lake Park is an island in the middle of the city. You can rent boats to go on the lake and see some pandas in the park.
4. Stroll through the Historical Downtown Area
There are over 200 residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties in the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys area, the largest historical area in China.
5. Shop for Crafts
Fuzhou is known for its lacquerware and its alabaster crafts. You can also shop for electronics and clothes at the Baolong mall or at the electronic market on Wuyi South Road.
What to do in Fuzhou
1. A Little Ming Miracle
The heart of old Fuzhou, Sānfāng Qīxian is relatively tiny, but of huge importance for the city. In its network of lanes, you'll find 200 beautifully preserved common houses which date back to the Ming Dynasty in many cases. Stores sell books and Chinese lanterns, and there are quirky attractions like the Fuzhou Ship Cultural Hall. Gardens on Guanglu Lane and the Shuangpao Bridge are other unforgettably picturesque sights.
2. There's No Buddha Way To Spend The Day
Fuzhou's most important Buddhist temple, Xichan is well over 1,000 years old and can be found at the foot of Mount Yi in the northwestern part of the city. Set in a gorgeous 7.7 hectare park, it has been churning out monks to spread the good word since the Tang Dynasty, and shows no signs of stopping. See the groves of Litchi trees, which inspired countless Buddhist poets to versify, spend some time on the "zig-zag" bridge, and see the 36 halls, with their artworks and ornate decorations. And don't miss the bronze thousand hand Bodhisattva as well.
3. China's Pioneering Port
One for naval buffs, Mawei was once the heart of Chinese naval power, sending ships all over the Pacific coast, and sometimes far beyond. You can visit the Foochow Arsenal, which was China's first modern shipyard, constructed as an effort to catch up with the Imperial powers. The site of the first yard is accessible, as is a memorial to the Battle of Fuzhou in 1884, when the whole place was razed by French invaders - and next door Mawei's current ship builders buzz on, creating craft to propel China's trade. Also, don't miss the Luoxing Pagoda, just south of the shipyards - and once a symbol of home for Chinese seafarers.
4. Pure Riverside Pleasure
Located on the south bank of the North Port river, Minjiang is a gorgeous little waterfront park. It stretches for almost eight miles along the river, and has been artfully landscaped to represent various aspects of Fujian's scenery. Along with the gardens, there's a 2,500 capacity auditorium, where music performances occur regularly during the summer. There's even a swimmable beach on lovely little Mingyue Island, and you'll encounter all sorts of sculptures as you explore the trails.
5. An Introduction To Fascinating Fujian
Situated in West Lake Park, the Fujian Museum offers a professional, absorbing tour through the province's past and present; a great way to get acquainted with Fuzhou itself. Covering 36,000 square meters, the museum includes plenty to see, including centuries-old costumes, models of medieval ships (which could have sailed to Africa), and there are some engaging exhibits about the province's fauna and flora. It's all housed in a formidable concrete hall, which is complemented by acre upon acre of parkland nearby. So it's ideal for an afternoon trip.
1. A Little Ming Miracle
The heart of old Fuzhou, Sānfāng Qīxian is relatively tiny, but of huge importance for the city. In its network of lanes, you'll find 200 beautifully preserved common houses which date back to the Ming Dynasty in many cases. Stores sell books and Chinese lanterns, and there are quirky attractions like the Fuzhou Ship Cultural Hall. Gardens on Guanglu Lane and the Shuangpao Bridge are other unforgettably picturesque sights.
2. There's No Buddha Way To Spend The Day
Fuzhou's most important Buddhist temple, Xichan is well over 1,000 years old and can be found at the foot of Mount Yi in the northwestern part of the city. Set in a gorgeous 7.7 hectare park, it has been churning out monks to spread the good word since the Tang Dynasty, and shows no signs of stopping. See the groves of Litchi trees, which inspired countless Buddhist poets to versify, spend some time on the "zig-zag" bridge, and see the 36 halls, with their artworks and ornate decorations. And don't miss the bronze thousand hand Bodhisattva as well.
3. China's Pioneering Port
One for naval buffs, Mawei was once the heart of Chinese naval power, sending ships all over the Pacific coast, and sometimes far beyond. You can visit the Foochow Arsenal, which was China's first modern shipyard, constructed as an effort to catch up with the Imperial powers. The site of the first yard is accessible, as is a memorial to the Battle of Fuzhou in 1884, when the whole place was razed by French invaders - and next door Mawei's current ship builders buzz on, creating craft to propel China's trade. Also, don't miss the Luoxing Pagoda, just south of the shipyards - and once a symbol of home for Chinese seafarers.
4. Pure Riverside Pleasure
Located on the south bank of the North Port river, Minjiang is a gorgeous little waterfront park. It stretches for almost eight miles along the river, and has been artfully landscaped to represent various aspects of Fujian's scenery. Along with the gardens, there's a 2,500 capacity auditorium, where music performances occur regularly during the summer. There's even a swimmable beach on lovely little Mingyue Island, and you'll encounter all sorts of sculptures as you explore the trails.
5. An Introduction To Fascinating Fujian
Situated in West Lake Park, the Fujian Museum offers a professional, absorbing tour through the province's past and present; a great way to get acquainted with Fuzhou itself. Covering 36,000 square meters, the museum includes plenty to see, including centuries-old costumes, models of medieval ships (which could have sailed to Africa), and there are some engaging exhibits about the province's fauna and flora. It's all housed in a formidable concrete hall, which is complemented by acre upon acre of parkland nearby. So it's ideal for an afternoon trip.
Where to Eat in Fuzhou
Try Wai Bo Tai if you want some affordable fresh seafood, while Bullfighter Steakhouse is probably the best steakhouse in town. A low-key meal should cost between ¥50 and ¥100, while an upscale restaurant can cost ¥400 or more.
When to visit Fuzhou
It is best to visit Fuzhou between September and December. The rest of the winter can be extremely cold. Spring months are too rainy and summer months tend to be warm and humid.
How to Get to Fuzhou
Plane
The Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC) is an hour away from the city. Some hotels offer free shuttles but you can take a shared taxi for ¥25 or a private taxi for around ¥200.
Train
There is a train station in the northeast portion of the city that connects the city to places like Xiamen and Shanghai.
Car
Driving to Fuzhou is easy since there is a well-maintained network of roads. Follow Expressway G15 if you come from Ningde, Expressway G70 if you come from Nanping and Expressway G324 if you come from Putian. You can also access Fuzhou from Xiamen by following Expressway S35.
Bus
You can take a bus between Xiamen and Fuzhou for ¥80. It is possible to take a bus to Fuzhou from Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou for ¥200-300.
Airlines serving Fuzhou
Where to stay in Fuzhou
Three Lanes and Seven Alleys - this is the historic downtown area, home to over 280 residences from the 14th to early 20th century. Most of the residences are examples of the Foochow architectural style, and some of them can be visited.
Popular Neighborhoods in Fuzhou
Nan Hou Jie - this pedestrian area is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, sit down in a bar, and grab a bite to eat.
Gutian Lu and Baiqi Lu - this area is known as the restaurant zone, with several upscale eateries serving an international cuisine.
Where to stay in popular areas of Fuzhou
Most booked hotels in Fuzhou
How to Get Around Fuzhou
Public Transportation
There are several bus routes that tend to be crowded. Fare is typically ¥1.
Taxi
You can easily find taxis in the downtown area. A short trip should only cost ¥10, and you should be able to get anywhere in Fuzhou for under ¥30.
Car
There is an Avis location but you can also rent a vehicle from local companies such as Tianxiahang. Renting a vehicle should cost ¥1,000 a day.
The Cost of Living in Fuzhou
Shopping Streets
There are several shopping malls with luxury brands, clothes, restaurants, and movie theaters, including the Grand Shopping Center, the Bao Long mall, and the Grand Ocean Mall near the restaurant zone.
Groceries and Other
You will find Walmart and Sam's Club locations in Fuzhou. Expect to pay ¥15 for a dozen eggs.