Fuzhou

Understand

Fuzhou is an old port city and has been an administrative center since the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE). Marco Polo visited it around 1290. In the era of tea clippers, Fuzhou exported more tea than any other Chinese port. Much of the best tea came from the Wuyi Mountain area, up the river from Fuzhou. Today, it is the provincial capital and administrative center, and also a major center for light industry. Nike has a factory there, and a Taiwanese firm that makes shoes for Adidas, Reebok and others has four. All are large factories, with several thousand employees each. Fuzhou is right across the straits from Taipei, and there is fairly heavy Taiwan investment. The city is on the Min River, a few km inland from the sea, and the actual port is in the downstream suburb Mawei which has been a center for shipbuilding for several hundred years. In 1884, the French destroyed a dockyard at Mawei, sinking a good part of the Chinese navy and killing hundreds. There is a museum to commemorate this. For a more general view of Fujian's seafaring history, visit the Maritime Museum in Quanzhou. There are many mountains and waterfalls in the hinterland around Fuzhou, while sandy beaches are abundant in the coastal areas, especially in the town of Changle and the island of Pingtan. The region has its own culture and language, and an architectural style distinct from other regions in China and Fujian, which can be found both in the city and in the towns and rural areas around it. The city has the oldest wood structure in South China (Hualin Temple) and has one of the largest historic downtown districts in China "Three Lanes and Seven Alleys" with over 200 residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Fuzhou, and more generally Fujian, has always been outward-looking and some people in more-or-less every overseas Chinese community in the world can trace their ancestry to the area, with some examples of places where Fuzhou people form the majority among the ethnic Chinese community being the Malaysian cities of Yong Peng, Setiawan, Sibu and Miri. Fuzhou people also form the second largest group after the Cantonese people among the Chinese community of New York City. There is also an enclave of Fuzhou people in Shanghai. In recent decades, most of the illegal Chinese immigrants smuggled to Western countries and to Japan and Taiwan have come from the Fuzhou region, with Changle, Fuqing and various more rural areas as the main sources. The trade is largely controlled by the region's "snakehead" gangs who are not at all nice people. In 2003, the Taiwan coast guard intercepted a bo

Getting there

By plane 1 Fuzhou Changle International Airport (福州长乐国际机场 FOC IATA), Changle District. Fuzhou is a secondary hub for XiamenAir, and has air links to most other major Chinese cities, plus some international flights from other Asian cities (including a low-cost carrier route from Singapore). The Binhai Express Line of the Fuzhou Metro connects the airport to the city center. It takes 44 minutes to reach the terminus of the line at Fuzhou Railway Station. The airport is about an hour from town by road, ¥20 by bus. You can get the bus at the Apollo Hotel. Shared taxis also go from there, at around ¥25 a person. A private taxi would be at least ¥120, likely more unless you haggle very well. There are complimentary shuttles from other hotels, such as the Min Jiang, to the Apollo. If you have the Didi Dache App or Shenzou Hired Car App, rates range up to ¥250. The Didi Express car service does not include highway tolls, so you should consider splurging on Didi Luxe. There is an official airport express (航空快线) that is misspelled "ARPORT EXPRESS" in English. There are regular departures from the airport to town and from town to airport between 05:30 and 21:30 (departure times vary by destination). The shuttles leave from different stations in town, and the ¥50 ticket can be purchased online and on Wechat (Chinese language only, the official account is 元翔空港快线). Although a Chinese name and ID card number is required during booking, these details are not checked. Travel time is about an hour.

By bus 2 Fuzhou long-distance bus station (福州汽车站), 台江区五一中路190号. Direct overnight buses from Shanghai (12 hr, ¥240), Hong Kong, Shenzhen (12 hr, ¥280) or Guangzhou (12 hr, ¥258), with sleeping bunks. ¥220-350, it is usually worth the extra for comfort. Buses from Xiamen (¥85, 3.5 hr).

By train There are two railway stations in Fuzhou. The (old) Fuzhou Railway Station in the northeast of the city (the northern edge of the city center). The (new) Fuzhou South Railway Station, which was built in an empty field some on an island some 20 km south of the old station; there is now some development around it, of little interest to a visitor. 3 Fuzhou Railway Station (福州站). The (old) Fuzhou Station is used both by a great deal of "conventional" overnight trains and by a few high-speed trains (mostly, those originating or terminating in Fuzhou), such as the direct Xiamen-Fuzhou link. 4 Fuzhou South Railway Station (福州南站). Fuzhou South is exclusively a high-speed train station; it is on the main coastal high-speed line (Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo-Wenzhou-Fuzhou-Xiamen-Shenzhen),

Getting around

By taxi Taxis are cheap, from ¥10 for short trips and under ¥30 for almost any trip in town. Taxi rates are ¥10 for the first 3 km, and then ¥1.4 per km and one more after 23:00. Taxis are more available in the downtown area and always available at train stations/Fuzhou airport. Taxi stands exist across Fuzhou. Beware that almost all taxis will refuse to stop if there are traffic cameras nearby, especially at parks with entrances along busy roads. It is always more advisable to identify a nearby taxi stand and wait there. If leaving Fuzhou proper (going to a more rural district), taxis will often round up to a multiple of ¥10 to compensate for the lack of return visitors. If you're having trouble finding a taxi driver that is willing to go to a rural district, going to a train station is generally a good idea. Taxis line up for hours at a time at train stations and are desperate for fares. Didi Dache operates in Fuzhou. It is possible for foreigners to sign up with a Chinese phone number, and to use a foreign credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex). However, your bank must support a second factor fraud screening, such as Securecode for Mastercard or SecureKey for American Express. Many of its drivers will also wait at train stations, shopping malls and outside higher end restaurants, haggling prices with potential clients, however, these trips are not covered by rideshare app insurance and have no protections since they're completed out of the app. It's inadvisable to take an unlicensed driver unless you're fluent in Mandarin or are genuinely stuck. They are generally very aggressive and may follow you, just reply No need, thank you ("Bu Yao, Xie Xie") until they get the message.

By bus Buses are often crowded, but run often and more-or-less everywhere for ¥1. Most are air conditioned. If the bus you require is packed just wait until the next one, or the one after, it should only take 5–10 minutes, being stuck on a dangerously overloaded bus with several dozen/hundred people sweating all over you is an experience best avoided, especially in the summer months. However, you should be aware that bus service stops at 22:00, so the last buses are often very crowded and sometimes you cannot get one. Taxis and enterprising drivers will offer group rides from crowded bus stops to other parts of town, usually for ¥15. As of January 2019, there are construction sites for the new metro lines all over the city, blocking multiple lanes of many main roads and causing huge traffic jams. Make sure to leave early if you need to be somewhere on time, as even sho

See

Architecture and buildings

1 Three Lanes and Seven Alleys (三坊七巷) (a block West of Dong Jie Kou). This historic district in the heart of the city is one of the largest historic downtown areas in China, boasting about 268 ancient residences dating from Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). Most of these residences feature the typical Foochow architectural style, which can only be found in the Eastern and Northeastern part of Fujian. The area was extensively restored (rebuilt) around 2007. Ten of the finest residences require admission fees of ¥15 or ¥20 per person. A combo admission ticket including all ten is available for ¥120 (valid for 2 days). Many of the residences in the area are private homes, so tourists need permission from the residents to enter them. 2 Zhongzhou Island (中洲岛), 台江区中州岛1号(解放大桥旁) (an island in the river between Dadao and Shangteng metro stations on Line 1). In 2003, the city government together with foreign investors constructed a "fairytale island" with European architecture on Zhongzhou Island. The project was a failure since no shops and restaurants moved in, and has been turned into a wholesale market since 2006. The entire island is brightly illuminated at night and a very beautiful sight of traditional architecture, with the contrast of modern skyscapers in the background. This island is also featured on the banner of this page. Not worth visiting, just a good photo spot. Free. (updated Jan 2019) 3 Yantai Mountain (烟台山), 福建省福州市仓山区仓前路35号 (between Dadao and Shangteng metro stations, on Line 1, on the east bank of the river). The former Western nations trading area of fuzhou. Several buildings and the general layout remain. The lower part is now shops, cafes and restaurants. Free. (updated Aug 2023) 4 Shangxiahang (上下杭), Taijiang District (台江区) (600 meters southwest of Dadao Station on Metro Line 1), ☏ +86 591 83219581. Shangxiahang is a historic commercial district about 5 kilometers south of the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys. The area first emerged as a commercial center in the 11th century, but it was during the late 19th and early 20th centuries that Shangxiahang witnessed the peak of its prosperity, and most of the historical buildings date from that time. Some of the highlights include the Fuzhou Chamber of Commerce, the Gutian Guildhouse, and the Caifeng Villa. Entry to the area is free. (updated Mar 2026)

Religious sites 5 Fuzhou Confucius Temple (福州文庙), 10 Shengmiao Road, Gulou District (鼓楼区圣庙路10号) (just outside Namendou Metro Station), ☏ +86 591 83378436. 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30, closed on Mondays. This i

Do

Riley's Club, Yangqiao Road. If pool is your game, you would be hard pushed to find better tables anywhere in China than here. Cheap drinks and open very late too. Fuzhou Fighting Ferrets Football Club. A motley assortment of nationalities who play at Jinshan Wentizhongxin every Sunday at 09:15. Like football, only funnier! Paintball (In Jinjishan Gongyuan, right on top of the hill). Great fun for those masochists among us who enjoy being hit by high velocity projectiles in delicate parts of the body. Not to be attempted in summertime! Walk in traditional architecture street, Nan Hou Jie (South of Xi Hu). Freshly renovated pedestrian street, back into time atmosphere, lots of small alleys to stroll by, great for shopping but avoid overpriced restaurants and bars. Sauna/spa. Fuzhou is famous for its hotsprings; many hotels have a sauna and spa. They often have three different pools, one hot, one boiling (by western standards), and a normal one. Sauna and Turkish bath used to be available, staff gives you all you need. Most of the saunas have massage center with different services. 1 Wu Qingyuan Game of Go Club (吴清源围棋会馆), 78 Wu Shan Road, Gulou District (鼓楼区乌山路78号) (on the southeastern side of Wu Mountain Park. The nearest bus stop is the Wu Shan Intersection (乌山路口) bus stop, which is served by multiple bus routes, including routes 16, 54, 86, 97, 103, 106, 117, 122, 125, 143, 159, 171, 173, 303, 312, 335 and k3). 08:30-11:30, 15:00-17:30 (summer), 08:30-11:30, 14:30-17:00 (winter). The board game called Weiqi in Chinese or Go in Japanese and English is quite popular throughout East Asia; there are professional players and the better ones are major celebrities. Wu Qingyuan (吳清源, 1914—2014) is considered by many to be the best player of the 20th century and one of the greatest of all time. He was born in Fuzhou but lived in Japan most of his life and is generally known in the West by the Japanese name Go Seigen. A film biography is The Go Master and the wiki on the game has an online biography. The site has a small museum, some shops and a hall for playing the game. Free.

Buy

The most famous handicrafts of the area are:

Shoushan stone (寿山石). A unique variety of alabaster found only in Shou Shan (寿山) (about 40km from Fuzhou) used to make name chops and all types of beautiful carving. Lacquer work (漆器). Especially the Fujian bodiless lacquerware (脱胎漆器), considered one of the three treasures of Chinese arts and crafts. It is lightweight, durable, and often lovely. There is a factory on Wuyi Road (五一路). There are also carvings in wood and jade, paper umbrellas and combs made of ox horn. As a general rule, these are generic crafts procured from Alibaba, T-Mall or Taobao, and resold to tourists. Unless you see an active workshop producing these goods in the store, assume that it is being resold and that there is a considerable markup over the original price. You may be offered ivory. Most nations have banned ivory to protect endangered species; do not buy it unless you are certain it is fake. In China, this is quite likely, but it is hard to be certain and it might be harder yet to convince customs officials if you try to bring it home. It is generally a very poor idea to purchase Western branded goods in Fuzhou, as these product almost always carry a substantial markup.

Electronic Market, Wuyi South Road (In front Apollo Hotel). Daily 09:00-18:00. Hundreds of little shops plenty of fake iPhones and similar. Bargaining is recommended, but the first price is not as far off the real price as in Shanghai. There are also some big stores with real stuff. 1 Powerlong (Baolong) (Just take taxi and say Bao-long). It used to be the highlight mall of Fuzhou, with more than 300 shops and a cinema, but has become considerably less attractive than it was with the construction of several new malls in the region. It has attempted to revitalize itself with a significant new extension building with a department store. Premium brands are in first floor of the main building and have direct access to the street, or in the extension building. Smaller shops are receiving virtually no business after the advent of online shopping, and will likely be quite aggressive in drawing you in. Most of the smaller shops resell fake items and Chinese low-cost brands from Taobao or T-Mall, generally at prices higher than what you would find on those websites online. There are many restaurants like McDonald's, KFC and a Jazzy pizza. There are a few small traditional Chinese restaurants, with staff speaking only in Chinese, so it may be difficult to communicate with them. Cinema (last floor) and Carrefour (second floor) are available in the main building. It is

Eat

Local specialties include:

Yu Wan (鱼丸). Fish balls, a Fuzhou delicacy, minced beef and pork inside a fishy flour ball of dough in a thin broth, excellent. Also just called 肉丸 (rou wan) but check they are fish nonetheless. Boiled shark (鯊魚滑). A Geng (thick soup) using shark's meat, it won't have a strong smell Rouyan (肉燕). A boiled pork dumpling using a local special skin called Yanpi Guo Bien Hu (锅边糊). Large steaming hot soft rice noodles inside soup of rice powder and water, hint of shrimp or oyster, under ¥11 a bowl. Only eaten for breakfast. Oyster Pancake (海蛎煎饼). A traditional food in Fuzhou Kind like a pancake but with fly oyster and leek in it. Native people usually eat it in breakfast and prepare in various styles so if you do not find the exact name do not be surprised. Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (佛跳墙). A soup dish that contains abalone, shark fin, Jinhua ham, dried scallops, sea cucumber and numerous other ingredients. The name refers to the idea that it smells good enough to tempt even a vegetarian monk. Due to the amount of premium ingredients and time that goes into making it, it is very expensive and must usually be ordered several days in advance. Scallion Pork Pastry (葱肉饼). Scallion Pork Pastry are a highly representative traditional snack in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, and are loved by locals and tourists alike. They are typically found at small stalls or long-established shops, and are one of the most representative snacks of Fuzhou's street food culture. (updated Dec 2025) Litchi Pork (荔枝肉). Litchi Pork (Lizhi Rou) is one of the most iconic dishes of Fuzhou cuisine, a branch of Fujian (Min) cooking. Despite its name, the dish contains no lychees; it is named for the rounded, reddish appearance of the pork pieces, which resemble peeled lychees after cooking. (updated Dec 2025) Fuzhou jasmine tea (茉莉花茶). Fuzhou jasmine tea is one of the city’s most famous traditional drinks and a hallmark of Fuzhou (Min) tea culture. Fuzhou is widely regarded as one of the birthplaces and major centers of jasmine tea production in China. (updated Dec 2025) Oyster cakes (蛎饼). Oyster cakes (Li bing) are a classic Fuzhou street snack, commonly found at roadside stalls and small eateries. The dish is made from fresh oysters mixed with a rice or wheat batter, often flavored with scallions, garlic, and celery. (updated Dec 2025) Dingbianhu (鼎边糊). Dingbianhu is a traditional Fuzhou breakfast dish known for its distinctive preparation method. A thin rice batter is poured along the edge of a hot pot, where it instantly sets into delicate sheets befo

Drink & nightlife

1 Shao Yuan Yi Hao (Baima Road). Has a host of foreign beers, British, German and Belgian as well as fine wines, a few single malts, and beautiful decor and people. Bit pricey, but worth it for the music and atmosphere. It is a beautifully remodelled warehouse, the sort of design you might expect in a Western city or perhaps Shanghai, but unique in Fuzhou. 1-2-3 Bar, Baima Road (Almost opposite Shao Yuan Yi Hao). Cheap beer, convivial atmosphere, sometimes live music, stays open as long as you are drinking/semi-conscious. The sign says 1-2-3, but Chinese pronounce it "do-re-mi" for reasons that are not at all clear. Club Blog Club, 136 Hubin Road. A coffee shop managed by a Western resident that overlooks West Lake. The Pure Drop, Hubin Road (Near West Lake). A lively and convivial atmosphere, cheap, cold beer, live music every night. The Bamboo Bar (about 200 m from Shao Yuan Yi Hao nearer to Yangqiao Road). Cheap beer, waterside tables, live football games on TV. Pushy owner, but easily ignored after a couple of beers! Saint Nobody, Beida Road (Near Guxi Church). The most mysterious club in fuzhou with cheap beer and good indie music. An anti-fuzhou look which makes you feel like a traveler lost in an unknown city. Prada, 中国福建省福州市鼓楼区余府巷 中福西湖花园北福楼C区1层 (Near Lakeside hotel), ☏ +86 591-87110888. 03:00. The preferred bar for expats in Fuzhou. Local style, people playing dice and live singers. Few staff speak English, try to get a VIP card from the manager. Main drink is beer but you can order some cocktails. (updated Jan 2018) Lili Marlens, 中国福建省福州市鼓楼区 古乐路117号-2 (In front of Min Capital hotel, mindu fan dian). Similar to prada. Staff dressed in army style clothing. Manager is friendly and speaks a little English Wooshie Bar, Wusi Road, Gulou, Fuzhou (Near the McDonalds on the corner. Stairs upstairs non descript entrance), ☏ +86 591 8785 0151. Small bar, live music, cheap beer (¥100 for 10), cocktails (¥25 each) and a relaxed atmosphere. Has a country music theme. Great place to go to enjoy something different from the usual fuzhou bar. Couches for free B Boss Club. 2 Late Market Bar (喜福食舍), Aomen Lu 47 鼓楼区东街口商圈澳门路47号 (Just south of the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys south gate). 19:00-02:00. Maybe the only 'speakeasy' bar in Fuzhou, mimicking the illegal establishments during Prohibition in the US. The bar is hidden behind a noodle shop (thus the Chinese name 喜福食舍 meaning Lucky Food House). Enter the noodle shop and go through a concealed door in the left-most shelf on the wall. The bar offers an upper-class atmosphere with dimmed light

Sleep

Budget There are a number of cheap hotels around Fuzhou Railway Station. (The new Fuzhou South Railway Station has a lot fewer lodging options in its vicinity). However, be sure to call ahead to confirm that they can register foreigners.

Jinjiang Inn (Fuzhou Railway Station) (锦江之星（福州火车站店）), 41 Qinyuan Road (Qinyuan Lu). Located at the intersection of Qinyuan Road and Hualin Road, the Jinjiang Inn's full name tells you all you really need to know-the Jinjiang Inn (Fuzhou Railway Station) is adjacent to Fuzhou bus station. (The full name in Mandarin: Jinjiang Zhixing Fuzhou Huochenzhan Dian). The North Long-distance Bus Station is also within a short walking distance from the hotel. Daily rates starts from ¥169. Hualin Hotel (福州华林大饭店), 201 Hualin Road (Hualin Lu. The Hualin Hotel (Hualin Dafandian) is within easy reach of provincial government buildings, Wenquan Park and the commercial district. This Fuzhou hotel offers Chinese buffet breakfast, 24-hour access to natural hot springs and free broadband internet. Daily rates starts from ¥155. 1 Haiyun Hotel (Nanmendou Branch) (海云酒店(三坊七巷南门兜地铁站店)), Bayiqi Lu 11, 6th floor 福建省福州市鼓楼区八一七中路11号华商楼6楼 (On the south-east side of the junction above Nanmendou metro station), ☏ +86 591 38257666. A cheap hotel with rooms with private bathrooms near very close to the city center of Fuzhou, walking distance to some scenic spots and direct access to a subway station. Not a nice place by all means, but clean enough for a night or two. Doubles from ¥118. (updated Jan 2019)

Mid-range 2 Ju Chun Yuan Hotel (聚春园大酒店), Dong Jie Kou (A central intersection). Very central for shopping and such. Has a well-reputed Chinese buffet, a KFC and a UBC coffee shop. ¥200-odd a night. Wyndham Pingtan Hotel (平潭温德姆酒店), No.8, Middle Qilin Ave, ☏ +86 591 62888888. CNY600. (updated Sep 2024)

Splurge There are some nice hotels in Fuzhou:

3 Fuzhou Lakeside Hotel (西湖大酒店), 158 Hubin Road, ☏ +86 591 87839888. Ask for a room with view of West Lake. This was Fuzhou's first five star hotel, now past its prime. Still a lovely location, though. Empark Grand Hotel (世纪金源大饭店, lit.: Golden Resources Hotel) (Off Wushi Road, to the east). Good Macau restaurant on ground floor. 4 Shangri-La Hotel (香格里拉大酒店) (corner of Wuiyi Square). 5-star luxury. Try the burger in the lobby if you are tired of Chinese food. Also has a great and (by five-star standards) inexpensive coffee bar with free internet access. Golden Resources. Howard Johnsons, Mawei District. Don't be fooled by the name - this is not the HoJos you are accustomed to in the US.

Go next

Mount Wuyi - scenic area famous for tea, ancient cliff burials and relics of the 3000-year-old Minyue Culture. The landscapes here are surreally beautiful. Xiamen - three hours by bus, an hour and a half on the new fast train. Qinyun Mountain - a scenic mountain area about 65 km from Fuzhou near the small town of Yongtai. Lots of great walks through river valleys with tons of sub tropical flora and fauna and those ubiquitous waterfalls. Worth an overnight visit. Langqi Island - a 45-min bus ride from Fuzhou, via Mawei. On the east of the island there is a splendid beach with few visitors. Cute old ferry takes you there from the mainland for ¥2. Fujian Tulou - round earthen houses built for multiple families and easy fortification when two main doors are closed. Southwestern part of Fujian Province. Many tourist buses leave out of Quanzhou and/or Xiamen. Quanzhou - old city between Fuzhou and Xiamen, reachable by bus or train. Around the year 1000 this was the main shipping port for south China and Marco Polo wrote extensively about it when he visited. Good temples and a 1000-year-old mosque, which has been rebuilt.