Fuzhou is the capital of Fujian Province in southeastern China. The city was originally founded as Yecheng in 202 BC, meaning the beautiful one. Fuzhou developed into a regional center of trade and culture through various dynasties, including the Han, Tang, and Song. During the Tang dynasty, Fuzhou became a prefecture, and the city was briefly the capital of the independent Kingdom of Min from 909 to 945, and has been the capital of Fujian ever since.

Fuzhou experienced significant growth and prosperity from the 16th to the 19th centuries, especially after the city was opened as a treaty port following the First Opium War, which lasted from 1839 to 1842. The city then became an important center for the tea trade, which contributed to its economic development. In addition to the tea trade, Fuzhou was also known for its production of lacquerware, paper, and silk, and its strategic location at the mouth of the Min River made it an important port for both domestic and foreign trade. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Fuzhou has experienced continued growth and modernization like the rest of the vast country. The city plays a central role in the economic development of southeastern China and serves as a bridgehead to Taiwan.

There are many exciting places and attractions in Fuzhou. One of them is Sanfang Qixiang/三坊七巷, also known as “Three Lanes and Seven Alleys”, which you will understand when you walk through the streets. Sanfang Qixiang is a historical area in Fuzhou, consisting of well-preserved buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. You can therefore experience traditional Chinese architectural styles through a number of cozy streets, and a walk here is almost like a living open-air museum with experiences of Fuzhou’s cultural heritage with all the old wooden houses, narrow alleys and a number of shops selling traditional products.

You can also go to Xichan Temple/西禅寺, which is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Fuzhou. The temple was founded during the Tang Dynasty in the year 867 under Emperor Yizong, and is known for its beautiful architecture and harmonious atmosphere. Xichan is still an active temple, where you can experience Buddhist ceremonies and meditation, and in this way a visit gives a good insight into Chinese religion and culture.

West Lake Park/左海公园 is a beautiful park located close to the center of Fuzhou. The park is known for its picturesque lakes, traditional pavilions, and lush gardens. With a history spanning over 1,700 years, it is the oldest and best-preserved classical garden in Fuzhou, and there are several things to see here. In the park, you can see Kaihua Temple, which was originally built in 1037 during the Northern Song Dynasty and later rebuilt in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and the many flowers surrounding it.

You can also see the Fairy Bridge Willows, located at the main entrance to West Lake Park, which was historically crossed from Fuzhou’s West City Gate to visit West Lake. The bridge spans the emerald green waters and is surrounded by flowering willows and plum trees, creating a picturesque scene. In season, there are lotus flowers on the lake. A particularly popular attraction is Fuzhou Panda World/熊猫世界, also located in the park. Here you can see the Chinese giant panda up close.

Continuing your tour of the city, you can see Zhenhai Tower/镇海楼, located on top of Ping Mountain. The tower was originally built in 1387 during the Ming Dynasty, while the current version is a reconstruction from 1986. Zhenhai Tower is known for its impressive architecture and offers a fantastic view of the city and the Min River. The tower has several floors and is decorated with traditional Chinese patterns and inscriptions. The tower houses exhibitions that tell the history of Fuzhou.

You can also learn a lot about Fuzhou and the history of Fujian province at the Fujian Museum/福建博物院. It is a regional museum that was founded in 1933. Among the many interesting exhibitions is the one on Fujian’s ancient civilizations, which provides a comprehensive story of Fujian’s development from ancient times to the Opium War era. You can also see an exhibition that shows the region’s rich craft traditions such as lacquerware, paper and silk. There is also a themed exhibition presenting the fine porcelain goods that were exported from Fujian to the rest of the world, and as part of the museum there is also an interesting natural history presentation.