After spending 3 days in Fuzhou, here's my advice...

"April days in this world, stealing a few idle moments from life"—With anticipation for spring, I embarked on my journey to Fuzhou. This city, sheltered by banyan trees, conceals ancient dwellings, the grandeur of rivers and seas, and Min-style flavors that excite your taste buds. Here's an April travel guide to Fuzhou I've compiled for you. Follow this itinerary to immerse yourself in the gentleness and vibrancy of the "City of Banyans"! ✨【First Impressions of Fuzhou】 🌳Upon arriving in Fuzhou, you're greeted by humid breezes and the fragrance of vegetation that permeates the city. Century-old banyan trees throughout the streets drop their aerial roots, weaving a green network over the city. In Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, horse-saddle walls of Ming and Qing ancient houses rise at varying heights along the bluestone paths, with eaves curling up to tell stories of bygone years. The Minjiang River flows through the city, and in the evening, sunset colors splash across the water's surface—the sound of fishing boats returning to harbor contains this city's most unadorned romance. 📅【3-Day Itinerary】 🌿Day 1: Old City Atmosphere · Cultural Slow Time • Morning: Stroll through "Three Lanes and Seven Alleys," visit the former residences of Bing Xin and Yan Fu, learn some modern history at the "Lin Zexu Memorial Hall," and when tired, duck into "The Alley" for a lychee black tea. • Noon: Head to "Daming Food Street" for a bowl of meat yan from "Tongli Meat Yan Shop" and experience the wonderful texture of "swallows flying through clouds." • Afternoon: Visit the "Fujian Museum" to see Maritime Silk Road artifacts, then climb "Wu Mountain" at dusk for a city sunset view—the Wu Pagoda stands in the twilight like an ink-dipped brush. • Evening: Take a night tour of "Shangxia Hang," where ancient ferry dock lights reflect in the water, as if traveling back to the prosperity of Ming and Qing commercial ports. 🌊Day 2: Coastal Scenery · Wave-Chasing Wind-Listening Journey • Morning: Take the subway directly to "Changle Coastal New City" and watch waves crash against reefs at the "Seventeen-Arch Bridge," while windmill fields spin like poetry under the blue sky. • Noon: Visit "Zhanggang Seafood Market" to select dragon-head fish and clams, then find a food stall for processing—the fragrance of steamed grouper is unforgettable. • Afternoon: Check out "Donghu Digital Town," where white European-style buildings paired with lakeside boardwalks make every photo a healing masterpiece. • Evening: Wait for a sea sunset at "Nan'ao Beach," listen to the tide wash over your ankles, and watch fishing boats light up like stars. 🍵Day 3: Mountain and Water Hideaways · Tea Fragrance and Zen • Morning: Drive to "Drum Mountain," take the cable car for a bird's-eye view of the Minjiang River, climb to "Drum Mountain Summit" to gaze at the Five Tiger Reefs, and browse "Drum Mountain Cultural Creative Park" for intangible cultural heritage handicrafts on your way down. • Noon: Eat a bowl of "Fuxin Fish Balls" at "Bamboo Grove Community" at the foot of Drum Mountain—the bouncy shark meatballs in fresh soup will make your eyebrows raise in delight. • Afternoon: Visit "Xichan Temple," where red walls complement century-old lychee trees, and enjoy a cup of jasmine tea at the "Zen Tea Space" while listening to the lingering temple bells. • Evening: Explore "Cangxia Island Historical and Cultural District" and "YMCA Square," enjoy the river breeze while eating "Erlongbo Tangyuan" with peanut filling that touches your heart. 🚗【Recommended Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions】 🌺"Mindu Folk Custom Park": Watch traditional Min wedding performances and experience making oil-paper umbrellas. 🌿"Liangcun Historical and Cultural District": An ancient village with white walls and gray tiles hiding rice field cafes; golden wheat fields in April make for healing photos. 🌊"Pingtan Island (1.5-hour drive)": Blue Tears season is coming! See windmills by the sea at "Changjiang Bay," stay in stone house homestays in "North Harbor Village," and chase glowing waves. 🍽️【Fuzhou Cuisine】 🥢"Buddha Jumps Over the Wall": Try this intangible cultural heritage dish at "Ju Chun Yuan," where abalone and sea cucumber melt in your mouth with a soup so thick it clings to the spoon. 🥟"Guobian Hu": Have a breakfast bowl at "Erlongbo" with fried dough sticks for dipping—the fresh clam soup is the soul of the dish. 🍡"Taro Paste": "Andersen's" hot taro paste topped with melon seeds is smooth, sweet but not cloying—a childhood memory for Fuzhou locals. 🍧"Ice Rice": A must-eat in Changle! Glutinous rice mixed with crushed ice, watermelon, and raisins—refreshingly cool for April! 🦪"Stir-fried Double Crisp": A dish testing Min chefs' knife skills—jellyfish and pig stomach are crisp and tender, perfect with a bowl of rice! 🏨【Accommodation Guide】 🌟"Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Area": Recommend "Fuzhou Ju Chun Yuan Exhibition Hotel" or "Manju Fuzhou" homestay, within walking distance to core attractions and convenient for night strolls through ancient streets. 🌅"Minjiang Riverside": Choose "Fuzhou Rongqiao Crowne Plaza Hotel" with floor-to-ceiling windows for river views and sunrise, suitable for visitors who prefer tranquility. 🏖️"Changle Coastal Area": "Fuzhou Coastal New City Golden Coast Hotel" is built by the sea with ocean views from your window, perfect for those wanting a coastal vacation experience. The beauty of Fuzhou lies in the flying eaves of ancient dwellings, the sparkling waves of the Minjiang River, and a steaming bowl of meat yan soup. April in Fuzhou is neither cold nor hot, with just the right breeze carrying the fragrance of tea, flowers, and sea tides. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, slow down here, listen to banyan trees tell stories, and let time brew into poetry—this city will surely give you an unforgettable spring encounter!