Fuzhou, China

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Fuzhou, China

Fuzhou, the capital city of Fujian Province in southeastern China, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located on the banks of the Min River, Fuzhou offers a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions that cater to diverse interests and preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the best places to visit, activities to enjoy, where to eat, stay, and more.

Places to Visit

1. Fuzhou National Forest Park

• Address: No. 128, Wenquan Road, Gulou District
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Entrance Fee: ¥50 (around $7 USD)

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life in this stunning forest park, featuring lush greenery, sparkling lakes, and scenic hiking trails.

2. Sanfang Qixiang Historic District

• Address: No. 118, Sanfang Qixiang Street, Gulou District
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ¥50 (around $7 USD)

Step back in time and explore this well-preserved historic district, boasting traditional Fujian-style architecture, quaint alleys, and vibrant cultural atmosphere.

3. Fuzhou Museum

• Address: No. 134, Wenquan Road, Gulou District
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
• Entrance Fee: Free

Uncover the rich history and culture of Fuzhou at this comprehensive museum, featuring a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays.

4. West Lake Park

• Address: No. 1, West Lake Road, Jin’an District
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free

Relax and unwind in this picturesque park, offering serene lakeside scenery, walking trails, and stunning sunsets.

5. Gushan Scenic Area

• Address: No. 1, Gushan Road, Cangshan District
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ¥60 (around $9 USD)

Embark on an adventure in this breathtaking scenic area, featuring towering mountains, sparkling waterfalls, and ancient temples.

Activities

1. Take a Boat Ride along the Min River

• Departure Point: various piers along the Min River
• Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Ticket Price: ¥50 - ¥100 (around $7 - $15 USD)

Admire Fuzhou’s scenic skyline and historic landmarks while cruising along the majestic Min River.

2. Explore the Night Markets

• Location: various night markets across the city, including the popular ones at Wuyi Square and Wangjianglou
• Operating Hours: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Immerse yourself in Fuzhou’s vibrant nightlife by visiting one of the many bustling night markets, offering a wide range of local snacks, souvenirs, and entertainment.

3. Hike at Cangshan National Geological Park

• Location: No. 1, Cangshan Road, Cangshan District
• Operating Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ¥60 (around $9 USD)

Challenge yourself with a hike in this stunning national park, featuring unique geological formations, waterfalls, and scenic vistas.

4. Attend a Traditional Tea Ceremony

• Location: various tea houses across the city, including the Fuzhou Tea House
• Operating Hours: varies depending on the tea house

Experience the tranquil and ancient tradition of Chinese tea culture by attending a ceremonial tea service.

5. Take a Cooking Class

• Location: various cooking schools and culinary institutes across the city
• Operating Hours: varies depending on the school

Learn the secrets of Fujian cuisine and cook up a storm with a hands-on cooking class, focusing on local ingredients and traditional techniques.

Where to Eat

1. Fuzhou Fish Balls

• Location: various street food stalls and markets across the city
• Price Range: ¥5 - ¥20 (around $0.70 - $3 USD)

Savor the iconic Fuzhou fish balls, a crispy exterior giving way to a tender, flavorful interior.

2. Buddha Jumps Over the Wall

• Location: various restaurants serving Fujian cuisine, including the famous Wangjianglou Restaurant
• Price Range: ¥50 - ¥100 (around $7 - $15 USD)

Indulge in this signature Fujian dish, a rich and savory stew featuring a variety of ingredients, including meat, seafood, and vegetables.

3. Xianggang Dumplings

• Location: various restaurants serving Cantonese cuisine, including the popular Xianggang Restaurant
• Price Range: ¥20 - ¥50 (around $3 - $7 USD)

Taste the delicate flavors and silky texture of these Cantonese-style dumplings, filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables.

4. Fuzhou Street Food

• Location: various night markets and street food stalls across the city
• Price Range: ¥5 - ¥20 (around $0.70 - $3 USD)

Explore the diverse and vibrant street food scene in Fuzhou, offering a wide range of local snacks, from grilled squid to crispy fried dough sticks.

5. Traditional Fujian Desserts

• Location: various dessert shops and cafes across the city
• Price Range: ¥10 - ¥30 (around $1.50 - $4.50 USD)

Sweeten your journey with traditional Fujian desserts, such as sweet potato cakes, rice flour cookies, or sugar cane juice.

Where to Stay

1. Luxury Hotels

• The Ritz-Carlton Fuzhou: No. 91, Wuyi North Road, Gulou District
• Shangri-La Hotel Fuzhou: No. 41, Wenquan Road, Gulou District

Experience the epitome of luxury and comfort at one of Fuzhou’s high-end hotels, offering world-class amenities and exceptional service.

2. Mid-Range Hotels

• Fuzhou Hotel: No. 10, Wuyi North Road, Gulou District
• Apollo Hotel Fuzhou: No. 135, Wenquan Road, Gulou District

Enjoy a comfortable stay at one of Fuzhou’s mid-range hotels, providing clean and cozy rooms, along with convenient locations.

3. Budget-Friendly Options

• Fuzhou Hostel: No. 23, Sanfang Qixiang Street, Gulou District
• Fuzhou Youth Hostel: No. 15, Wuyi North Road, Gulou District

Find an affordable and social place to stay at one of Fuzhou’s budget-friendly hostels or guesthouses, perfect for backpackers and travelers on a tight budget.

Things to Know

1. Language

• Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals also speak the Fujian dialect.
• English is not widely spoken, so it’s recommended to learn basic Chinese phrases or download a translation app.

2. Currency

• The Chinese yuan (RMB) is the local currency.
• Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, but cash is still king in many places.

3. Weather

• Fuzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate with hot summers and mild winters.
• Be prepared for high humidity and occasional rain showers throughout the year.

4. Safety

• Fuzhou is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings from petty theft or scams.

5. Respect Local Customs

• Remove your shoes when entering temples or homes.
• Use both hands when giving or receiving something.
• Avoid public displays of affection.

Transportation

1. Fuzhou Changle International Airport

• Located approximately 50 kilometers southeast of the city center
• Taxi fare to the city center: around ¥150 (around $22 USD)

2. High-Speed Rail

• Fuzhou Railway Station: No. 134, Hualin Road, Jin’an District
• Connects to major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou

3. Bus

• Extensive network of bus routes covering the city
• Fare: ¥1 - ¥5 (around $0.15 - $0.75 USD)

4. Taxi

• Easily hailed on the street or booked in advance
• Starting fare: ¥8 (around $1.20 USD), plus ¥2 (around $0.30 USD) per kilometer

5. Ride-Hailing Apps

• Didi Chuxing and other local ride-hailing apps are widely used in Fuzhou.

Tips

1. Learn Some Chinese Characters

• While many signs have English translations, knowing basic characters can help you navigate the city more easily.

2. Download Useful Apps

• Maps.me or Baidu Maps for navigation
• WeChat or Alipay for mobile payments and social media

3. Be Prepared for Crowds

• Fuzhou is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds at famous attractions.

4. Respect Local Environment

• Keep the city clean by disposing of trash properly.
• Avoid using single-use plastics or straws.

5. Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water to combat the high humidity and heat.
• Try local teas, such as oolong or jasmine, for a refreshing beverage.

With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Fuzhou, China!