Located in the south of China directly opposite Taiwan, Fuzhou is known for its beautiful sea views, mountains and historical sights. The capital of the province, it is also known to the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire as the “city of banyans” – because of the huge number of these trees growing in parks and surrounding forests. Fuzhou is not as attractive to travelers as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Meanwhile, this is a great tourist destination – thanks to the mild climate, picturesque gardens and, of course, the rich architectural heritage. And the city, which once hosted Marco Polo, and through the port of which Chinese tea was sent around the world, today introduces millions of people to a healthy lifestyle: factories of the largest sports brands are open here. See Educationvv for education and training in China.
How to get to Fuzhou
There are no direct flights to Fuzhou from Russian cities. From Moscow to Fuzhou you can get through Guangzhou (from there to the destination 1 hour 40 minutes flight), Beijing (3 hours) and Wuhan (1 hour 30 minutes). The carrier is China Southern Airlines.
Shuttles run regularly from the airport to the city center (50 km), the journey takes 1 hour. Buses arrive at the railway station and nearby hotels. A taxi ride will cost 130-170 CNY.
Transport
The sights of Fuzhou are scattered throughout the city. And here municipal buses will come to the rescue, conveniently connecting the center with the outskirts. From May 15 to October 15, air-conditioned buses run on the routes (more expensive than regular transport). Fuzhou is quite convenient for traveling by car: wide avenues, plenty of free parking. The city authorities encourage environmental initiatives, so the city has an extensive network of bike paths and bike rental stations.
A taxi costs 10 CNY for the first 3 km and 3 CNY for each subsequent one, at night the price increases by 20%.
Fuzhou Hotels
Fuzhou is a metropolis with about 8 million people. Therefore, the city has an excellent choice of hotels from both global hotel operators such as Hyatt, Crown Plaza and Intercontinental, as well as from Chinese chains. Almost all 5 * hotels are located in the northern part, the cost of a day’s stay in a standard double room is 530-700 CNY. You can stay in a 4 * hotel near the main city river Minjiang for 300-560 CNY, and in a “three-ruble note” – for 140-290 CNY. Budget travelers should pay attention to apartments – apartments are rented here for 100-150 CNY, hostels – 40-60 CNY per bed.
Cuisine and restaurants
The cuisine of Fujian province, of which Fuzhou is the capital, is one of the 8 great cuisines of China. Its feature is a variety of sauces, abundantly added to almost all dishes. These sweet and sour gravies make meats and fibrous vegetables very tender. Typical dish: “Buddha jumps over the wall” (a thick soup made from shark fins, quail eggs, bamboo shoots, chicken, mushrooms and other ingredients).
On average, dinner for one in a good Chinese restaurant costs 60-80 CNY, lunch at McDonald’s – 20-30 CNY.
Attractions in Fuzhou
The hilly terrain, the proximity of the sea and the habitation of the territory contributed to the fact that many ancient monuments have been preserved in Fuzhou. But natural masterpieces successfully compete with man-made masterpieces. Perhaps the main one is West Lake Park in the northwest of the city (70 Hubin Road). It was founded in the 3rd century, and during its existence it managed to acquire not only impressive banyan trees, but also cute pavilions, bridges, towers.
In the heart of the city is Mount Yu or Jade Mountain (Yushan Road). Today, a small nature protection zone with an abundance of historical sites has been organized on its slopes and top. Among them – the symbol of Fuzhou – the White Tower 45 m high, temples, fortifications, palaces.
Xichan Monastery is an ancient 7th-century shrine located in the west of the city at the foot of Mount Yi (Gongye Road). There are 38 buildings on the territory of the Buddhist complex: halls, pavilions, houses, towers and a stupa, as well as ponds, bridges and a garden occupying 77 thousand square meters. m, with thousand-year-old lychee fruit trees. Beautiful wall paintings of the 17th century have been preserved in the temple. Entrance: 20 CNY.
The National Forest Park, also known as the Fuzhou Botanical Garden, is located in the northern suburbs, 7 km from the city center (Jinyang District, Fufei Road). Its territory is divided into 6 parts: bamboo forest, tree sector, cultural landscape sector, dragon pool, forest museum and bird garden.
Surrounded on three sides by mountains and on one side by a reservoir, the park is literally stuffed with beauty: exotic plants, lakes, waterfalls, rocky outcrops.
Three lanes and Seven alleys (Sanfang qixiang) are the names of the cute quarters in the center of Fuzhou. This is the largest historical area in China, covering 400 thousand square meters. m. Alleys and alleys consist of hundreds of houses built of rough stone and decorated with ornaments and carvings of the 14th-19th centuries. Despite the historical status, people live in these houses, but not simple ones: officials and local celebrities.
