Below are The top 10 attractions in Fuzhou
Three Lanes and Seven Alleys(三坊七巷)
Located in the downtown area of Fuzhou, the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys (Sanfang-Qixiang) is a district of streets featuring a cluster of ancient residential buildings and is the largest well-preserved historical heritage site in China, covering an area of 40 hectares.
With the Southern Street acting as the central axis, the original three lanes were in the west and the seven alleys are in the east. The layout dates back to the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, almost 1,000 years ago. The street is unique as it is the only district in China with this pattern..
The lanes and alleys contain hundreds of houses constructed by wealthy people in the Ming and Qing dynasties, and 159 of the buildings remain well-preserved to this day. As a result, the district has been nicknamed "an architectural museum of the Ming and Qing dynasties." The houses were built using huge old bricks and they carry seashell decorations. The ornaments, wood carvings and stone carvings all testify to the past glory of the area and its buildings.
The area has been home to many famous people, including politicians, military leaders, writers and poets. Some of their descendants still reside there today, continuing in the habits of their ancestors. Jiqi Alley, Yangqiao Alley and Guanglu Lane have now been converted into driveways. Only two lanes and five alleys remain.
Admission: Free
Fuzhou National Forest Park(福州国家森林公园)
Surrounded by mountains on three sides and water on one side, the park features Chinese and exotic plants, rare animals, lakes, flowing waterfalls, unusual rocky outcrops and stone carvings. The area is divided into six sections: the bamboo section, trees section, cultural landscape section, dragon pool section, forest museum and bird forest.
Admission: Free
Gushan Mountain(鼓山)
Located in the eastern suburbs of Fuzhou, about eight kilometers (4.97 miles) from the city center, Gushan Mountain is one of the most famous scenic areas in the city. It was named after a huge rock on the summit which resembles a drum and sounds like a drum in the wind or rain.
Measuring 925 meters high, the mountain has more than 100 scenic spots, including pavilions, temples, caves and peaks. The most impressive feature is the 300 inscriptions on the cliff face left by literati in ancient times, including 109 from the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
Admission: 40 yuan (US$6.53) / person
Qingyun Mountain(青云山)
The most unique feature of the mountain is the 12-level stone corridor which was formed naturally, and is 1,028 meters long. Features along the corridor include waterfalls, caves, trees and cliffs, attracting a great number of visitors. Wild plants and animals, such as ferns, gazelles and monkeys can also be found there.
Admission: 25 yuan (US$4.08) / person (summer)
20 yuan (US$3.26) / person (winter)
Shizhu Mountain(石竹山)
The name Shizhu, which means stone and bamboo in Chinese, comes from the mountain’s bizarre rock formations and beautiful bamboo. Although it is a Taoist Holy Mountain, it is home to all three dominant religions in China: Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The mountain has 128 scenic spots, featuring temples, caves, stones and towers, among which, Shizhu Temple, Lion Rock and Ziyun Cave and Ziyun Tower are the most impressive.
Admission: 25 yuan (US$4.08) / person
Yushan Mountain(于山景区)
Located in the center of Fuzhou's downtown area, Yushan Mountain has been an attraction since China’s Warring States period (476-221 BC), when the mountain was called Jiuri. Covering an area of 11.9 hectares, it resembles a huge legendary turtle.
As a historical protection zone, Yushan Mountain now has a number of historical sites, including a white tower, temples, platforms, wells, palaces and over 100 stone inscriptions. The 7-story octagonal tower, 45.35 meters high, is the symbol of the city.
Admission: Free
Xichan Temple(西禅寺)
There are 38 buildings in the temple, including halls, pavilions, houses, towers and a dagoba, as well as lakes, bridges and a garden, covering an area of 7.7 hectares. The temple contains Emperor Kangxi’s handwriting and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) murals. The litchi trees planted in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) are another feature.
Admission: 20 yuan (US$3.26) / person
Pingtan Island(平潭岛)
The island boasts a beautiful coastal landscape with clean and fresh water and soft and fine sand. It is an area free from pollution. The sea erosion landscapes are a unique feature of the island. Covering an area of 267.13 square kilometers (26,713 hectares), the island has 6 tourist sections and 2 beach resorts. It is an ideal place for a summer vacation.
Qishan Mountain Forest Park(旗山国家森林公园)
The Qishan Mountain Forest Park is located to the west of Fuzhou City, only 20 minutes drive from the city. Covering an area of 3,587 hectares, the mountain boasts fresh air, wild plants and animals, ancient roads, waterfalls, lakes, deep ponds, bridges and caves. It also features granite landscapes. It is a perfect place for summer vacations, exploration, camping, picnics and hiking.
Admission: 20 yuan (US$3.26) / person
West Lake Park(西湖公园)
The park covers a total area of 42.51 hectares, and features pavilions, open halls, houses and towers. Its graceful natural scenery attracted many painters and writers in ancient times. It is known as "the bright pearl of Fuzhou gardens." Strolling along the walkways in the park, enjoying the calligraphy works or paintings created by the ancient people, taking a rest in a pavilion, or going on a boat on the lake, are all good choices for visitors.
Admission: Free