A Journey to Fuzhou, Breathtakingly Beautiful

Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province, is a city with a long history, rich culture, and stunning scenery. Here’s a travel guide to help you enjoy a wonderful trip: Popular Attractions - **Three Lanes and Seven Alleys**: Known as the "Museum of Ming and Qing Architecture" in Fuzhou, it features former residences of famous figures and traditional handicraft shops. Enter from the north end of Nanhou Street and explore Yijin Lane, Wenru Lane, and Guanglu Lane. Don’t miss the Lin Zexu Memorial Hall and Yan Fu’s Former Residence. - **Drum Mountain**: A famous scenic spot in Fuzhou. Take the cable car to the Eighteen Scenes, hike along the ancient path to Yongquan Temple (¥40 entrance fee), and climb Baiyun Peak for a sunset view over the city. The one-way cable car costs ¥50. It’s recommended to ascend around 15:00 and catch the sunset from the viewing platform at 17:00. - **Minjiang River Heart**: A riverside stage under neon lights. Board the night cruise at 19:30 (¥100 for adults), passing Zhongzhou Island and Liberation Bridge. The best views are from the window seats on the first floor. The light show along the riverbanks starts at 20:00, and the "I❤️Fuzhou" sign at Youth Plaza is perfect for photos. - **Yantai Mountain**: Renowned as the "Museum of International Architecture." Start from the Yantai Mountain Historical Museum at No. 2 Aiguo Road, stroll past Shicuo Church and the former U.S. Consulate, and visit the commercial warehouse-style aesthetic galleries. The spiral staircase at the former site of Hwa Nan College is a popular photo spot, and Cangqian Jiuli Block offers handicraft shops and cafes. - **Shangxia Hang**: Once Fuzhou’s largest commercial district, visit the Fuzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall, walk along Sanjie River, and explore ancient guildhalls like Yongde Guildhall. The peanut soup at Erlongbo Yuanxiao Shop in Jin Yinli Pedestrian Street is a must-try, and the reflections of ancient bridges under lanterns at dusk are breathtaking. - **Pingtan Island**: Retains its pristine island charm. Visit Beigang Village to see stone houses and the "Singing Stones" homestay, or try handicraft workshops. The windmill fields at Changjiang’ao are Fujian’s largest, offering stunning sunset views and seashell collecting. From April to June, Longwangtou Beach is the best spot to witness "blue tears" bioluminescence after 20:00, especially during high tide. Food Recommendations - **Rouyan (Meat Wonton)**: Try Tongli Rouyan Old Shop (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys branch) for their hearty original version. - **Fish Balls**: Yonghe Fish Ball (Nanhou Street branch) serves delicious eel fish balls with rich flavor. - **Buddha Jumps Over the Wall**: Zheng Chunfa’s version (Sandi Center branch) is a Qing Dynasty recipe that blends a hundred flavors. - **Peanut Soup**: A signature dish at Meiyabo Peanut Soup Shop (Laoyaozhou branch). - **Laohua**: At Daming Food Street, this noodle dish costs around ¥20 per person and is filling. Accommodation Suggestions - **Luxury**: Fuzhou Shimao InterContinental Hotel is close to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys; Fuzhou Sandi Hilton Hotel is near Yantai Mountain and Shangxia Hang, offering high-rise Minjiang River views; Fuzhou Yuehua Hotel (West Lake Park branch) is a state guesthouse by the lake, close to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys. - **Family-Friendly**: Pingtan Island’s YOOOO·Sleep by the Sea Resort is great for kids; Pingtan Guohui International Hotel has well-reviewed family rooms; Fuzhou Haiying Bay Bexon Resort features a rich children’s playground. - **Budget**: Opt for downtown budget hotels or homestays, which are affordable and conveniently located. Transportation Guide - **Airport → Downtown**: Airport shuttle buses go directly to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys (50 minutes, ¥30). - **High-Speed Rail → Downtown**: Fuzhou Station/South Station are accessible via Metro Line 1. - **City Travel**: Metro Lines 1 and 2 cover major attractions. Taxis start at ¥10 during the day. Tips - Summers are rainy—carry an umbrella; winters are damp and chilly—wear windproof jackets. - Avoid shorts and flip-flops when visiting temples. Yongquan Temple on Drum Mountain offers free incense. - Student IDs grant half-price entry at most attractions; seniors over 65 get free admission.