Fuzhou Travel Guide: Discover History, Scenic Beauty, and Cuisine in the Blessed City

Fuzhou, known as the “Blessed City,” is a place brimming with historical charm and modern vitality. With its picturesque mountains and rivers, long history, and abundant cuisine, it’s a destination that captivates visitors. Come and explore it with us~

🏔️ Highlights

• Scenic Beauty: Fuzhou boasts numerous natural landscapes such as Gushan (鼓山) and Fudao (福道), offering stunning mountain views and city scenery. • Rich History: With over 2,200 years of history, Fuzhou is home to historical sites like Sanfang Qixiang (三坊七巷) and Xichan Ancient Temple (西禅古寺), exuding a strong historical ambiance. • Abundant Cuisine: Fuzhou cuisine, a key part of Fujian (Min) cuisine, features must-try dishes like Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (佛跳墙) and Lychee Pork (荔枝肉). • Diverse Culture: As the birthplace of Fujian culture and a significant starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, Fuzhou is a melting pot of diverse traditions. • Pleasant Climate: Fuzhou enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct seasons and mild weather, making it suitable for year-round travel.

✈️ How to Get There

• Airplane: Fuzhou Changle International Airport, about 50 km from downtown, offers airport shuttles or taxis to the city center. • High-Speed Rail: Fuzhou Station and Fuzhou South Station, with Fuzhou Station being closer to downtown and more convenient. • Train: Fuzhou Railway Station, located in the northern part of the city, offers easy access to transportation.

🏙️ City Transportation

• Bus: Fuzhou’s public transportation is well-developed, with multiple bus routes covering major attractions. Buses are free during specific times on weekends and weekdays. • Metro: Fuzhou Metro currently operates Lines 1 and 2, covering key downtown areas. It’s convenient and fast, with free rides during certain periods. • Taxi: Taxis in Fuzhou start at 10 yuan, with 2 yuan per kilometer and a 20% surcharge at night. • Shared Bikes: Shared bicycles are widely available throughout Fuzhou’s streets, offering a convenient and quick option for short trips.

🌆 Recommended Attractions

Sanfang Qixiang (三坊七巷)

Fuzhou’s iconic attraction, this neighborhood features crisscrossing lanes paved with stone slabs. It showcases the architectural artistry and charm of Fuzhou’s ancient residences, earning the title “Museum of Ming and Qing Dynasty Architecture.”

• Tickets: Waterside Stage and Xiao Huang Lou – 20 yuan; Yan Fu’s Former Residence and Liu Family Mansion – 15 yuan; Xie Family Ancestral Hall – 5 yuan; Fuzhou citizens and permanent residents can purchase an annual pass for 30 yuan to visit all Sanfang Qixiang (三坊七巷) attractions. • Opening Hours: All day; small attractions 8:30-17:00 • Address: Nanhou Street, Gulou District, Fuzhou City • Transportation: Take bus 5, 18, 22, or 12B to “Shuangpiao Bridge” stop, or Metro Line 1 to “Dongjiekou” station.

Yantai Mountain Park (烟台山公园)

Yantai Mountain Park covers an area of 2.11 hectares, located at the top of Meiwu in Cangqian Mountain, overlooking the river with strategic terrain. The park features a stone arch bridge, cascading artificial hills, stone carvings, and floral corridors.

• Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00 • Address: No. 14 Meiwu Road, Cangshan District, Fuzhou City • Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Shangteng Station and walk 7 minutes.

Fudao (福道)

The longest urban leisure and fitness corridor in China, built along mountains and rivers, seamlessly blending with the ecological landscape. Known as the “Walking Forest” and dubbed the most beautiful skywalk in the country.

• Opening Hours: 6:00-22:00 • Address: Meifeng Mountain Geological Park, Meifeng Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou • Transportation: Take bus 16, 322, 307, or 158 to “Hongshan Liangcuo Station.”

West Lake Park (西湖公园)

With over 1,700 years of history, it is the best-preserved classical garden in Fuzhou, blending the styles of Fuzhou and Suzhou gardens. Boating on the lake offers a poetic and picturesque experience.

• Opening Hours: 5:30-22:30 • Address: No. 70 Hubin Road, Northwest Fuzhou City • Transportation: Take bus 1, 109, or 88 to “West Lake” stop.

Gushan (鼓山)

Gushan is a Buddhist holy site in Fuzhou. Yongquan Temple, halfway up the mountain, is its most significant attraction, featuring the “Three Treasures” of the mountain: thousand-year-old iron trees, chicken wire wood tables, and blood scripture stones.

• Opening Hours: All day • Address: Gushan Road, Jin’an District, Fuzhou City • Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to “Gushan” station • Tickets: 40 yuan (climbing Gushan is free; Yongquan Temple and Eighteen Scenic Spots require tickets); cable car one-way 50 yuan, round-trip 70 yuan.

Shangxiahang (上下杭)

A traditional district with a blend of Fuzhou’s East-West architectural culture and typical Fujian merchant culture, featuring sights like the Ten Scenic Spots of Nantai and Three Bridges Fishing Lights.

• Opening Hours: All day • Address: Santong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou City • Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to “Dadaokou” station

Xichan Ancient Temple (西禅古寺)

Xichan Temple, one of China’s key temples and among Fuzhou’s five major Zen temples, has stood for over 1,130 years.

• Opening Hours: 7:00-18:00 • Address: No. 455 Gongye Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou City • Transportation: Take bus 27, 70, 64, 123, or 307 to “Xichan Temple” stop • Tickets: 20 yuan

💡 Tips

• It’s recommended to get a Fuzhou Tourism Annual Pass in advance for free entry to multiple attractions. • Fuzhou’s climate is humid and hot, so bring sunscreen, sun hats, and other protective items. • Fuzhou offers a wide variety of food; research recommended dishes and eateries in advance to avoid disappointments.

Fuzhou is a paradise for food lovers, offering a rich array of traditional dishes and innovative cuisine. Here are some must-try Fuzhou foods and restaurant recommendations—let’s dive in~

🍤 Recommended Foods

Fish Balls (鱼丸)

Fish balls have thin skin and generous filling, tender and springy. One bite releases a burst of fish flavor and rich broth.

• Recommended Shop: Yonghe Fish Balls (永和鱼丸) (No. 89 Nanhou Street, average cost 21 yuan per person)

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (佛跳墙)

A luxurious dish combining sea cucumber, abalone, shark fin, and other precious ingredients, slow-cooked to create a rich broth that captures the essence of mountains and seas in one bowl.

• Recommended Shop: Juchunyuan (聚春园) (near Dongjiekou, over 700 yuan per serving)

Lychee Pork (荔枝肉)

This dish has a vibrant red color and resembles lychees. It offers a balanced sweet-and-sour taste, perfect with at least two bowls of rice.

• Recommended Shop: Xuanheyuan (宣和苑) (average cost 240 yuan per person)

Aojiu Porridge (拗九粥)

Sweet and sticky, this porridge is packed with ingredients like sticky rice, red dates, lotus seeds, and peanuts. One bowl warms both body and soul.

Horse Hoof Cake (马蹄糕)

Horse Hoof Cake is a traditional Fuzhou snack with a delicate texture and fresh taste. Paired with special sauce, it’s fragrant but not greasy, offering a unique flavor.

Laohua (捞化)

Smooth noodles paired with rich toppings like pig’s blood, intestines, and squid, topped with a special sauce for a delicious flavor.

• Recommended Shop: Fuyu Weirong Laohua (福屿伟榕捞化) (No. 26 Fu’er Road, Fuyu Community, Gulou District, Fuzhou City)

Ice Rice (冰饭)

Chilled sticky rice paired with fruits, red beans, and coconut jelly, offering a rich texture and refreshing taste.

Taro Paste (芋泥)

A traditional Fuzhou dessert, sweet and smooth, melting in your mouth. Mixed with lard and sesame crumbs, it’s like a molten lava treat when hot, pairing perfectly with peanut soup or jasmine tea for an unbeatable combo.

• Recommended Shop: Moyaba Peanut Soup (没牙伯花生汤) (No. 182 Laoyaozhou Street, Taijiang District, Fuzhou City, average cost 10 yuan per person)

Fujian cuisine restaurant, offering various seafood, suitable for group dining, blind ordering won’t disappoint.

🍛 Recommended Restaurants

Ziyang Seafood Restaurant (紫阳海鲜楼)

The taste is great, not a mistake.

• Dishes: Pickled Radish, Duochun Fish, Jellyfish Skin, Southern Fried Liver, Oyster Pancake, Roast Duck, etc.

Fuyu Weirong Laohua (福屿伟榕捞化)

A long-standing laohua shop open for decades, loved by locals and recommended by celebrity Chen He.

• Average Cost: Around 30 yuan per person • Recommended Dishes: Luohan Meat, Laohua, etc.

Zhu Fugui Hot Pot (朱富贵火锅)

A large-scale restaurant with fresh ingredients you can pick yourself. Open kitchen preparation, cut and weighed on-site, affordable prices.

• Average Cost: Around 120 yuan per person • Recommended Dishes: Large Abalone, Red Grouper, Tiger Prawns, etc.

Antai Lou Restaurant (安泰楼酒家)

A long-established restaurant with high-quality dishes, affordable prices, generous portions, and great taste.

• Average Cost: Around 70 yuan per person • Recommended Dishes: Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (佛跳墙), Lychee Pork (荔枝肉), Meat Swallow Soup, Taro Paste (芋泥), Crispy Oyster Pancake, etc.

Moyaba Peanut Soup (没牙伯花生汤)

A decades-old dessert shop with affordable prices, where all snacks average less than 5 yuan.

• Average Cost: Around 10 yuan per person • Recommended Dishes: Peanut Soup, Taro Paste (芋泥), Lotus Root Powder, Sticky Rice Balls, Taro Balls, Pumpkin Cakes, etc.

Xingxian Restaurant (兴仙饭店)

A Minnan cuisine restaurant with large portions, affordable prices, and great taste, perfect for family gatherings.

• Average Cost: Around 110 yuan per person • Recommended Dishes: Perilla Plum Sauce Shrimp, Fuzhou Lychee Pork (荔枝肉), Lianjiang Fish Dumplings, Pepper Salt Electric Fish, Crab Claws, etc.

Juchunyuan (聚春园)

A landmark restaurant in Fuzhou with excellent service, taste, and pricing, offering a ceremonial dining experience.

• Average Cost: Around 87 yuan per person • Recommended Dishes: Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (佛跳墙), Taro Paste (芋泥), etc. Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is slow-cooked for 16 hours with premium ingredients, delivering an aromatic experience.

Zheng Chunfa Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (郑春发佛跳墙)

One of Fuzhou’s rare Black Pearl restaurants, renowned for its delicious Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (佛跳墙). Other dishes are also excellent, with harmonious service.

• Note: Reservations required in advance

Fuzhou is a city full of historical and modern charm, offering a wealth of cultural activities worth experiencing. Let’s check them out~

🎭 Cultural Experiences

Intangible Heritage Study Experience

Fuzhou offers many intangible heritage cultural activities, such as the Intangible Heritage Dragon Boat Culture Camp, Jasmine Cream Making, and Seal Incense Experience, allowing an immersive dive into Fuzhou’s heritage culture.

• Location: Various locations in Fuzhou, bookable in advance • Time: Held irregularly

Dreams of Min Capital Performance

The nation’s first tunnel-based immersive large-scale live performance. This 60-minute show offers a deep dive into Fuzhou’s history, culture, folklore, wedding customs, and jasmine tea culture.

• Venue: Wushan Air Raid Shelter, No. 237-1 Daoshan Road • Showtime: Every evening

Tea Tasting Experience

At Qianfuxuan, experience Song Dynasty-style tea tasting, featuring Tea Whisking Art, a unique Chinese tradition predating coffee latte art.

• Location: Sanfang Qixiang (三坊七巷)

🛍️ Shopping Guide

Dongjiekou (东街口)

Fuzhou’s bustling commercial district, home to large shopping centers like Dongbai Center, Dayang Department Store, and Dongjiekou Underground Mall, meeting all your one-stop shopping needs.

• Transportation: Metro Line 1 Dongjiekou Station • Features: A wide range of brands from international to local, plus various dining and entertainment options.

Zhongfang Wanbao City (中防万宝城)

Fuzhou’s largest underground commercial street, connecting multiple metro stations and commercial areas, offering plenty of places to explore.

• Transportation: Metro Line 1 and Line 2 Nanmen Dou Station • Features: Underground shopping street unaffected by weather, with diverse dining and entertainment options.

Aegean Shopping Park (爱琴海购物公园)

An emerging commercial area in Fuzhou with a large shopping center, dining, and entertainment facilities, popular among young people.

• Transportation: Metro Line 5 and Line 6 Jinshan Station • Features: Trendy and fashionable, with many influencer-favored shops and unique events.

🏠 Recommended Accommodation Areas

Near Sanfang Qixiang (三坊七巷)

Staying near Sanfang Qixiang (三坊七巷) offers easy access to Fuzhou’s historical and cultural attractions, immersing you in the charm of the ancient city.

• Recommended Hotels: Fuzhou Yuehua Hotel, Fuzhou Shangri-La Hotel, Fuzhou InterContinental Hotel • Features: Rich historical and cultural atmosphere, convenient transportation, and easy access to Fuzhou’s attractions.

Near Fuzhou University Town

Staying near Fuzhou University Town offers a strong academic vibe and relatively affordable accommodation prices.

• Recommended Hotels: Fuzhou University Town Shuxiang Hotel, Fuzhou University Town Jinqiao Hotel • Features: Strong academic atmosphere, convenient transportation, and easy access to Fuzhou’s attractions.

📝 Notes

• Fuzhou’s climate is humid and hot, so bring sunscreen, sun hats, and other protective items. • Fuzhou offers a wide variety of food; research recommended dishes and eateries in advance to avoid disappointments. • Fuzhou’s public transportation is well-developed; you can use Alipay or WeChat to pay for rides. • It’s recommended to get a Fuzhou Tourism Annual Pass in advance for free entry to multiple attractions.

💡 Tips

• Fuzhou’s attractions are quite spread out, so plan your route and time in advance. • Fuzhou’s public transportation is well-developed; you can use Alipay or WeChat to pay for rides. • Fuzhou’s climate is humid and hot, so bring sunscreen, sun hats, and other protective items. • Fuzhou offers a wide variety of food; research recommended dishes and eateries in advance to avoid disappointments.

🏞️ Summary

Fuzhou is a city full of historical charm and modern vitality. With its scenic beauty, rich history, abundant cuisine, diverse culture, and pleasant climate, it meets all your travel needs.