Fuzhou Travel Guide: Uncover the Best of Fuzhou
Located in the east of Fujian Province, China, Fuzhou is the provincial capital and one of the central cities of the West Strait Economic Zone with a resident population of 8.5 million. It serves as an open coastal city and is the center for transportation, politics, and the economy in the province. Besides, it greets visitors with various attractions, including mountains, temples, and the famous Fujian Tulou.
Fuzhou, celebrated as one of China’s oldest cultural gems, has thrived for more than two millennia. Its labyrinth of ancient streets and UNESCO-tagged temples whispers tales from the Han Dynasty to curious travelers. Fuzhou’s Mawei District holds the dual legacy of birthing China’s modern naval forces and pioneering its shipbuilding traditions. Moreover, Tanshishan, the Foochow Arsenal, Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, and Shoushan Stone are four significant cultural signs of this city, which are known worldwide.
Chinese: 福州 fú zhōu
Location: Eastern Fujian, The Capital City of Fujian Province
Population (urban area): 8,320,000
Why Visit Fuzhou?
- Architectural marvels: It offers a good opportunity for you to discover the enchanting ancient buildings and architecture on your Fujian tours to Fuzhou. Three Lanes and Seven Alleys show ancient cobblestone paths and traditional Ming and Qing architecture, which is worth visiting.
- Historical and cultural heritage: As an important starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, Fuzhouof Fujian in China played a very important role as a window of communication between China and other countries. Besides, the famous Minju performance originated here.
- Picturesque scenery: Surrounded by mountains and the sea, Fuzhou boasts beautiful landscapes and picturesque scenery. There are gorgeous parks and stunning islands. Never miss the night scene of Min River, which is attractive.
- Delicious foods: Fuzhou cuisine is a major branch and representative of the Min cuisine in China, among which the most famous one is Fuzhou fish balls, a delectable local specialty that has been a part of the city’s cuisine for centuries.
Top Attractions in Fuzhou
Three Lanes and Seven Alleys
As a cultural treasure of Fuzhou, this area preserves a wealth of ancient architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Strolling through the lanes and alleys feels like a travel back in time to an ancient and bustling era.
Zuohai Park
As the largest park in Fuzhou, it’s mainly themed on the scenery of the five continents and presents diverse global landscapes. Except for sculptures, there are Water Entertainment World and Ferris Wheel to explore.
Drum Mountain
Being one of the most beautiful spots in Fuzhou City, this mountain houses a wide range of scenic attractions centered around Yongquan Temple and is rich with numerous cliff carvings from various dynasties.
Lin Zexu Memorial Museum
As its name shows, this museum in Fuzhou commemorates the great Chinese politician Lin Zexu and collects a large number of cultural relics related to him, including his manuscripts, artifacts, letters, calligraphy, and paintings.
Fuzhou National Forest Park
This is the first national forest park in Fuzhou and one of the ten national parks in China. As a comprehensive national park, it many features temples, ponds, dense forests, birds, wild animals, and rare plants.
Xichan Temple
Built in the Tang Dynasty, this Zen temple has witnessed the history and development of Fuzhou. The core building of the temple houses statues of Buddha Shakyamuni and others with exquisite murals and carvings on it.
Pingtan Island
Also called Haitan Island, it offers a variety of cultural attractions, including temples, ancient ruins, and stone inscriptions. Besides, the natural views of erosion landscapes, rocks, beaches, and caves also attract visitors a lot.
Luoyuan Bay
Known for its winding coastline, narrow entrance, and gourd-shaped interior, this is one of the most beautiful bays in Fujian. As one of China's six major deep-water ports, it is often referred to as the "Hawaii of Eastern Fujian."
Other Top Things to Do in Fuzhou
1. Min River Night Cruise Tour
The Min River is a uniquely beautiful, clear, yet grand and wide river. It gathers numerous clear streams and small waters, winding its way to Fuzhou, then turning south and eastward to flow into the sea. When the lights are on by the riversides, embark on a cruise and enjoy the night scene of the Min River, and you will be amazed by stunning views.
2. Cycle around Nantai Island
It must be a wonderful experience for you to cycle around Nantai Island in Fuzhou on your Fujian tours. The well-paved paths make it accessible for cyclists of all skill levels. Besides, the route encircles the island, providing stunning views of the Min River, serene parks, and the popular attraction Love Island.
3. Attend a Minju Performance
One of the top things to do in Fuzhou is to attend the Minju performance. Minju, or Fuzhou Opera, is a captivating art form performed in the local Fuzhou dialect. Its treasure trove of 1,000+ tales spans grand historical dramas and playful folk stories. You can head to a theater or visit a village for a Minju performance.
4. Try Local Delicacies
Fuzhou cuisine is representative of Min cuisine, and Fuzhou is a paradise for gourmets. Famous local dishes include Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, chicken soup with sea clam, litchi pork, fish balls, oyster omelettes, Fuzhou dumplings, Fuzhou fried rice, and Fuzhou noodles. Besides, Shu Jiao Fuzhou Cuisine, Yonghe Fish Balls, and Ju Chun Yuan are the most popular restaurants where you can taste the most authentic Fuzhou food.
5. Stroll Along Ancient Dwellings
- Shangxiang Historic Block:Stroll past centuries-old merchant houses and trade guild buildings lining the Min River. Crumbling wharves and weathered temples here quietly share stories of Fuzhou’s seafaring golden age, when tea and silk sailed globally from these docks.
- Lin Zexu Memorial Hall:Visit the ancestral residence of the Qing Dynasty anti-opium hero, featuring traditional courtyard architecture and historical exhibits.
- Mawei Shipyard Cultural Sites: Discover 19th-century Western-style workshops and gardens in China’s first modern naval base.
Fuzhou Weather and Best Time to Visit Fuzhou
Fuzhou experiences a warm and humid subtropical monsoon climate, with a short winter and a long summer. Besides, it has abundant rainfall, particularly from May to August, which coincides with the typhoon season. Hence, the best time to visit there is in spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant with cool temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
Fuzhou Transportation
How to Get to Fuzhou
By air: Fuzhou Changle International Airport, a spot links travelers to nearly 90 cities across China and abroad, is about 50 km (31 miles) from downtown. Visitors are recommended to fly to Fuzhou, and after arrival, it will take you 45- 60 minutes to travel by shuttle bus or taxi between these two places.
By high-speed train: You can take a high-speed train to Fuzhou from most major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. Arriving at either Fuzhou Railway Station or Fuzhou South Station, with both offer metro lines and buses to key sights like Three Lanes and Seven Alleys
By bus: Fuzhou has multiple bust routes and stations. Taking a long-distance bus to Fuzhout would be a good choice if you are traveling from nearby cities and provinces such as Xiamen, Quanzhou, Putian, Wenzhou, and Ningbo.
The public transportation system is well-developed in Fuzhou, China. To travel around the city, you can take metros or buses to explore most attractions of Fuzhou. If you visit the islands, rent a motorcycle. And you can ride along the coastal way to enjoy the spectacular views of the sea.
How to Plan a Fuzhou Tour
For a fulfilling Fuzhou trip, allocate 3–4 days to explore its cultural gems, natural landscapes, and culinary delights. Below is a well-rounded itinerary packed with top Fuzhou things to do and hidden local treasures:
Day 1: Dive into History & Culture
Wander Sanfang Qixiang (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys) — stroll Ming-Qing alleys, visit Lin Zexu Memorial Hall, and shop for Fuzhou lacquer ware.
Explore Mawei Shipyard Cultural Park, where China’s first modern naval fleet was built.
Catch a Minju Opera performance at Fuzhou Theatre (check schedules for traditional shows like The Butterfly Lovers).
Day 2: Nature & Scenic Views
Hike Drum Mountain (Gushan) for panoramic city views and ancient Buddhist carvings.
Cycle Nantai Island’s riverside trails — stop at Love Island Park for photos and Jinshan Temple.
Min River Cruise — admire illuminated bridges like Gulou Bridge and Yantai Mountain Park.
Day 3: Food & Local Life
Join a Fuzhou food tour — taste Buddha Jumps Over the Wall at Ju Chun Yuan and fish balls at Yonghe Fish Ball.
Visit Shoushan Stone Cultural Street to buy intricate stone carvings.
Hunt snacks at Taijiang Road Night Market — try oyster omelets and peanut soup.
Day 4 (Optional): Day Trips
Guizhushan Hot Springs: Soak in natural springs 1 hour from downtown.
Yongtai Yunju Mountain: Trek waterfalls and ancient villages (2-hour drive).
