Fuzhou?
Sure, it’s not the most popular tourist destination, but that’s exactly why you should visit.
It’s like a diamond in the rough, where the locals go about their daily lives, blissfully unaware of the hidden treasures that await the curious traveler.
Trust me, It’s a city that will leave you feeling both bewildered and serene.
So pack your bags and join me on a journey to discover the unique culture and people of Fuzhou.
Here are 11 things you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
Please note: If you’are travelling in China, you’re likely aware of the restricted access to foreign websites and social media platforms.
With over 2 years of personal experience, I can attest to the stability and reliability of Astrill VPN, even during sensitive periods.😛 1. Sanfang Qixiang-三坊七巷
Explore the charming alleys of Sanfang Qixiang, where ancient cobblestone paths and traditional Ming and Qing architecture provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Step inside the famous residences of celebrities, and discover the legends hidden within each old house and courtyard.
Pay your respects to the sages and feel your racing mind come to a tranquil rest.
On the sides of Nanhou Street, vintage shops offer a one-stop destination for trying local specialties and traditional crafts.
2. Minju (Fuzhou Opera)-闽剧
Experience the rich culture of Fuzhou through Minju, also known as Fuzhou Opera, a unique form of opera that uses the Fuzhou dialect and spoken lines.
With a history of over 400 years, every detail of Minju showcases the authentic Fuzhou culture.
Keep an eye out for performances at the Fuzhou Minju Theater, where you can marvel at the beauty of the Fuzhou dialect and immerse yourself in the deep history and culture of the city.
Tip: You will spot on it when you walk around the city. It is shown in tea houses sometimes.3. Cruise Up Min River-闽江夜游
Take a scenic cruise up the Min River 1(闽江), departing from the pier across from Yuanhongcheng.
From the comfort of the boat, enjoy the river views, savor a cup of tea, and take in the beauty of the moon and lanterns.
The river’s rippling waters and twinkling lights on both shores are made even more spectacular by the distant, dark mountains.
The cruise glides peacefully past landmarks such as the Jiefang Bridge and Hongshan Bridge, adorned with vibrant lights that make them appear like strings of pearls in the 10-mile stretch of the Min River.
4. Local Cuisine-美食
Fish Balls
Get ready to sink your teeth into Fuzhou’s famous fish balls!
These delicious balls of fishy goodness have been a staple of the city’s cuisine for centuries.
Made from fresh fish, these balls are perfectly seasoned and served in a savory broth. They are a must-try for any foodie visiting Fuzhou.
Fo Tiaoqiang
Fo Tiao Qiang, also known as Buddha Jumps over the Wall, is definitely the best choice for a delicious meal.
This dish has a history of over 100 years, and is a combination of tasty ingredients from the mountains and the sea, including fish maw, sea cucumber, chicken, tendon, dried scallops, mushrooms, abalone and more than 20 other ingredients.
The cooking process is strict and the dish is high in nutritional value, rich and not greasy.
5. Hike In Qishan Mountain Forest Park-旗山森林公园
Get ready for an adventure in the wild side of Fuzhou!
Just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, Qishan Mountain Forest Park awaits.
With lush greenery and winding roads that snake around the mountain, it’s like stepping into a different world.
Pack your hiking shoes and get ready to explore all that the park has to offer, from cascading waterfalls and mysterious caves to thrilling bridges that stretch over deep gorges.
And don’t worry about the winding roads, just hold on tight and enjoy the ride!
It’s the perfect escape from the concrete jungle and a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
6. Pingtan Island-平潭岛
Pingtan Island is the island with the highest probability of appearing blue tears in China.
What Are The Blue Tears?
You best chace to see them is from April to June, after 8pm and you will have to be a bit lucky and check the weather before going.
This small island is also the closest island to Taiwan.
How To Get There?
- Bullet Train: There is a bullet train station on the island: Pingtan Station. 35 minutes from Fuzhou to Pingtan. Check time and book tickets online !
- Airport: The nearest airport is Fuzhou Changle Airport, about an hour’s drive away. Book cheaper flights in China here !
- The most recommended way to travel to Pingtan Island is by car.
If you take the bullet train to Pingtan Island, you can rent a car/electric vehicle on the island and self-drive around the island.
This is the most relaxed and free way to travel on Pingtan Island, and you can also see beautiful scenery along the way.
7. Hot Spring-泡温泉
Fuzhou is a sizzling hot spot (literally!) for natural hot springs.
With a plethora of hotels and resorts popping up, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Imagine soaking in a hot spring infused with herbs, flowers, or even wine! But hold your horses, not all hot springs are created equal.
Some hotels falsely claim to have a hot spring, when it’s just a communal bath.
Don't settle for less, head to Xishan Hot Spring Resort for a truly steamy experience.
It's the hottest spot in town for a reason!8. Fudao-福道
Fudao, with a total length of 19 kilometers and 10 entrances, is connected to the northeastern Zuo Hai loop trail and the southwestern Minjiang.
It runs through the spine of mountains such as Xiongshan, Houxian Mountain, Meifeng Mountain and Jinniu Mountain, and runs through Fuzhou’s five major parks.
It is the first urban mountain and water ecological leisure and fitness corridor in Fuzhou city.
9. Gushan-鼓山
Located approximately 8 kilometers from the city center, Gushan is one of the most famous scenic areas in Fuzhou.
It is the best place for locals to go cycling, and also a popular spot for viewing sunsets.
If you plan it well and take the cable car down the mountain during sunset, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
10. Yantai Hill Park-烟台山公园
Fuzhou’s Yantai Mountain Park boasts nearly 100 foreign consulate buildings as well as some charming old Western-style architecture, making it a popular spot for Instagram-worthy shots and hanging out at trendy cafes among the young crowd.
11. Night Market-夜市
Fuzhou night market is famous, it starts operating after 6pm.
Student Street Night Market-学生夜市
Located at Shoushan Road, Cangshan District, Fuzhou. (地址：福州市仓山区首山路)
There are many types of food and goods plus many people.
Ninghua Road Night Market-宁化路夜市
Located at Ninghua Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou. (地址：福州市台江区宁化路)
It’s 200 meters long and has Thai and Taiwan flavors.
The Hot Spring Night Market-温泉夜市
Located at the south gate of Hot Spring Park, is trendy and lively. (地址：温泉公园南门)
Where To Stay In Fuzhou?
Amitabha Hotel (Fuzhou Pushang)-Best Budget Hotel
A friend from Fuzhou highly recommends a famous local hotel with a serene atmosphere that brings peace of mind and vegetarian buffet. 🍵
Inter Continental Fuzhou-Best Luxury Hotel
- Exceptional Service: The staff at the InterContinental Fuzhou, including front desk staff are known for their professional and friendly approach, providing guests with a truly exceptional experience.
- Pacious Suites: The hotel offers luxurious and spacious suites, which are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and offer stunning views of the city.
Sanfang Qixiang Shuxiang Wenru Hotel-Best Romantic Hotel
- The location is excellent, just a 10-minute walk from Sanfang Qixiang. It’s very quiet and clean.
- The hotel offers very attentive service, making it perfect for couples to stay.
Booking hotels through the same platform as the Chinese, this site offers a convenient English version for an effortless experience.Final Words:
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path travel experience in China, then make sure to check out my other articles for more unconventional travel ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions:FAQ
Reading the FAQ is like having a cheat sheet for life– it provides you with the answers to the most commonly asked questions, so you don’t have to experience the frustration of not knowing the answers.
What are the most popular things to do in Fuzhou with kids?
1.Visit the Fuzhou National Forest Park.
2. Visit the Fuzhou Zoo.
3. Take a boat ride along the Min River.
4. Visit the Fujian Provincial Museum.
5. Visit the Fujian Tulou World Heritage Site.
6. Visit the Fuzhou Folk Customs Village.
7. Explore the Ancient Culture Street.
8. Visit the Fuzhou Science and Technology Museum.
9. Enjoy the views from Gulou and Drum Tower.
10. Visit the Fuzhou Wuyi Square.
What is fuzhou known for?
Fuzhou is known for its abundant natural resources, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine.
The city is also known for its rich history, and has many ancient sites, including the ruins of the ancient city of Gulou.
Additionally, Fuzhou is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Yushan and Wuyi Mountains, and is a popular destination for tourists.
Hi Yang! You’re right – Fuzhou is a great Chinese city to visit with lots of things to do. It’s often overlooked by tourists who prefer visiting other nearby cities like Xiamen. I only stayed in Fuzhou a couple of days, but I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately I didn’t make it to Pingtan Island. Maybe next time! Cheers 🙂
Hey Mike! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Fuzhou! It’s wonderful to hear that you had a positive experience in the city, despite your short stay. Fuzhou does indeed offer a unique charm that sometimes goes unnoticed compared to its more popular neighboring cities like Xiamen.
I completely understand your sentiment about not being able to visit Pingtan Island. It’s always a little disappointing when we miss out on a place we wanted to explore. However, it’s great to have something to look forward to for your next visit to Fuzhou!
I’m personally quite intrigued by Fuzhou and would love to learn more about the city and its attractions. If you have any specific recommendations or tips on must-visit places or hidden gems in Fuzhou, I would greatly appreciate it. It’s always fascinating to connect with someone who has firsthand experiences in a destination. 😍
Hi, can I know if there is any count down 2024 celebration concert or public event in Fuzhou? And which night market is nearest to Changle airport and open till late?
Hiya, I know there is a night food street near ariport called zhanggang(漳港）street where all the flight crew like to go to get some local food late night. Usually everything starts closing at 11/12pm. For new year count down,there is one in 闽越水镇（minyue watertown) about 20 minutes by car from fuzhou train station and you need entry tickets 🙂
two more places for count down, one firework show is in zhong zhou dao (中洲岛）and one concert sponsored by Heineken is at su ning guang chang (苏宁广场）starts at 8pm.