Top 10 Things to Do in Fuzhou

Visiting Sanfang Qixiang (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys) must be the top thing to do in Fuzhou. Initiated in Jin Dynasty (265 - 420 AD) and prospered in Ming (1368 - 1644 AD) and Qing (1644 - 1911 AD) Dynasties, it is a historical block composed of three lanes, seven alleys and the axis Nanhou Street. Preserving more than 270 ancient houses, it has been regarded as the “Architecture Museum of the Ming and Qing Dynasties”. You may walk around there to appreciate the ancient architectures and explore multiple former residences of historical celebrities. Along the streets, there are also restaurants and snack booths selling various toothsome local foods.

Located in north suburb of the city, the park is a botanical garden and one of the 10 best forest parks in China. Full of precious trees, it’s a nice place to visit in Fuzhou with fresh air. The towering banyan by the reservoir has grown there for thousands of years. There are also a variety of flowers, especially in spring, such as the pear blossoms, peach blossoms and cherry blossoms. The charming flowers in full bloom all over here make Fuzhou National Forest Park a colorful fairyland.

Mt. Wuyi, although as far as 270 km (170 miles) from Fuzhou downtown, can be reached by high speed train in 1-1.5 hours, making it a top thing to do in Fuzhou. Mt. Wuyi is the best mountain in Fujian, a famed historical mountain in China, and an UNESCO world heritage. The top attractions to visit include the Nine-bend River, Heavenly Tour Peak, Water Curtain Cave, etc. Except the mountainous landscapes, there are also a number of historical sites of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, like temples and academies. What’s more, Wuyi Tea, one of the best Chinese tea, is very worth trying.

 Recommended Tour:  3 Days Mt.Wuyi Private Tour from $399

 See more: Fuzhou to Wuyishan Train 

Located in the northwest of the urban Fuzhou, West Lake Park is Fuzhou’s oldest and best protected classical garden with a history of more than 1,700 years. In 282 AD in the Jin Dynasty (265 - 420 AD), the lake was dug in order to draw the water of northwestern hills to irrigate the farmland. For the lake was in the west of the city at that time, it was named West Lake. Tourists may stroll on the lakeside walkway to see the fine trees and flowers, old pavilions and lush islets. There are also a dyke full of willows waving in the wind. On each Dragon Boat Festival, an exciting dragon boat race will be held there, which is also a highlight in Fuzhou.

Zhenhai Tower, over 600 years old, is one of the most famous towers in China. Situated on the top of Mt. Ping, it was the highest and the right north point of ancient Fuzhou city. It was destroyed and rebuilt for many times in history. The Zhenhai Tower nowadays is 31.3 meters (102.7 feet) high with a 10-meter (32.8 feet) stylobate. The first floor is the exhibition hall to show its history, while overlooking Fuzhou cityscape on the observation platform on the second floor is one of the most popular Fuzhou things to do.

Gushan Mountain is a Buddhist resort in the eastern suburb of Fuzhou. There is a large flat rock looking like a drum, and the rain drops on it sounds like the tum of a drum as well, hence the name Gushan, literally meaning drum mountain. After climbing up the ancient long steps, you would arrive at the Yongquan Temple on hillside, the main scenic spot in Gushan Mountain as well as the best Buddhist temple in Fujian with grand halls and rare Buddhist relics. Tourists can also see numerous stone inscriptions or carvings along the way. On the top of the mountain, they can also have a bird’s eye view to the city. If tourists don’t want to climb, they may go up the mountain by the caber car.

Yushan Mountain is a landmark as well as one of places to visit in Fuzhou, named after the ancient local tribe Yu Yue in Warring States Period (475 - 221 BC). There are quite many places of interests on the mountain, including the best-known White Pagoda in Baita Temple, which is also Fuzhou’s symbol and from where visitors can overlook the surroundings; Qi Jiguang Temple, in memory of the hero who fought against invasions in Ming Dynasty; and former residence of Yu Dafu, the famed writer in early modern time. In addition, there are some exquisite pavilions hided among the pines, bamboos or flowers, which is fascinating. Yushan Mountain is neither high nor steep, thus it is very suitable for people to have a walk.

Minjiang River is the longest river in Fujian Province. At night, the river is like a colorful ribbon decorated by neon lights on both banks. The best point to appreciate these neon lights and light show on the banks is on the river. Therefore, night cruise on Minjiang River ranks as one of the best things to do in Fuzhou. The ships depart from Taijiang Wharf and returns when get to the Sanxianzhou Bridge. If affected by the tide, the ships may return to the wharf after arriving at Gushan Bridge. When the ship runs to the Golden Bund, tourists would find a surprising scene on riverbanks, which is the highlight of the night cruise.

On this planet, it is not easy to find a scenic area with various scenery including sea of flowers, large terraced fields, extremely clear volcanic lake, lush high mountain meadows, deep and serene valleys and wondrous waterfalls. But 90 kilometers (56 miles) southwest from Fuzhou downtown, there is such a place called Yunding Scenic Spot on Mt. Qingyun. So, when counting Fuzhou things to do, it definitely should not be missed. Tourists can either have a breathtaking adventure along the long plank way, or enjoy the fantastic scenery on the caber car with a 360-meter (1,181 ft) altitude difference.

When you get to Fuzhou, expect for exploring wonderful landscapes, trying local foods has always been a top things to do in Fuzhou. Among all those tasty Fuzhou dishes, Seven Star Fish Balls cannot be missed. Minced eel is firstly mixed with potato flour and various seasonings, then made into balls wrapped with minced lean pork and shrimp and boiled. Usually served in soup, the white walnut sized fish balls seem like stars in the sky, hence the name. It is a light dish keeping the original flavor of seafood, mellow, refreshing and salty with a little sweet aftertaste.