Fuzhou is a city in the southeast of China, not far from the coast and almost directly opposite Taiwan.

Few tourists come to Fuzhou. It’s just an ordinary city with people going about their lives.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t interesting things to do there.

I lived and taught English in Fuzhou for a year, and I found it interesting, baffling, chaotic and peaceful all at the same time.

Fuzhou is a great place to teach English, close enough to the big cities for weekend trips and far enough away from the tourist traps that you get a unique view of China’s people and its culture.

If you end up there at some point, here are 10 things to do in Fuzhou that you shouldn’t miss out on.

 

1. Eat seafood

Each province in China is known for different customs, languages and foods.

Fuzhou is the capital of Fujian province, known for its sweet dishes.

Also, because Fuzhou is close to the coast, they specialise in seafood. This is truly a winning combination.

Enjoy eating fish baked with herbs and sauces in foil, freshly cooked seafood tossed onto a plastic table cloth, or prawns in broth cooked in foil that’s twisted to look like birds.

You can find all this and more in the markets, restaurants and food courts of Fuzhou. Eating this way is not to be missed while you’re in the city.

 

2. Visit Sanfang Qixing

Also known as 3 lanes and 7 alleys, this is the cultural centre of Fuzhou. Here you will find more than 200 houses preserved from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The lanes and alleys lead off a popular shopping street where you can buy McDonald’s or fish balls from old wooden houses, as well as silk and other traditional products.

Although it’s one of the most crowded areas in Fuzhou (particularly on holidays), I still think it’s one of the top 10 things to do in Fuzhou.

 

A street vendor in Sanfang Qixing, Fuzhou.

Decorative red lanterns in the back alleys of Sanfang Qixing.

 

3. Visit Student Street

If you want to eat, then Student Street or Shilin Market is the place to go.

Although it’s called a street, the market itself is huge, and you will find popular clothes stores as well as stalls selling everything from clothes to toys and luggage.

But the food is the real draw. At tiny stalls, locals flip giant pancakes, sizzle seafood with spices, and sear meat on sticks.

The only difficult thing is deciding how much you can actually fit in your stomach!

Student Street is located near the university, which means that the prices are cheaper than anywhere else in the city. It’s open every night.

 

4. Spend time at a hot spring

Fuzhou is famous for its natural hot springs. A number of hotels and resorts have sprung up to take advantage of their popularity.

Some of these resorts offer more than 50 different types of hot springs, with herbs, flowers and even wine added to the water.

Just be careful which hot spring you choose. They’re so popular that some hotels claim they have a hot spring when really it’s just a communal bath. These aren’t as good as the real thing.

If you’re looking for one of the best, try Gui’An Hot Spring Resort. It’s popular for a reason.

 

5. Eat fish balls

This may seem like the same as number one, but it deserves a special mention. Fuzhou is famous for its fish balls.

These doughy balls are filled with a flavoured pork centre. Once you try the real thing you won’t want to go back!

 

6. Relax in West Lake Park

If you get a bit tired of the rush and push of Fuzhou, West Lake Park is an oasis of grass and trees in the middle of the city.

The park has a history stretching back more than 1,700 years and is a stunning example of a classical Chinese garden.

It’s particularly beautiful in spring, when the flowers are in bloom and you can take a paddle boat along the river.

 Visiting West Lake is one of the best things to do in Fuzhou.

 

Entry is free year round, so many people visit this garden regularly to read and to exercise.

Although it’s popular, as long as you don’t go to the park on a public holiday, you should be able to find a quiet corner to sit and enjoy the natural scenery.

 

7. Hike in Qishan Mountain Forest Park

Located in the west of Fuzhou and just 20 minutes from the centre of town, Qishan Mountain Forest Park is well worth a visit.

It’s somehow surprising and very pleasant to see such a wild area so close to the skyscrapers and cement of Chinese cities.

If you like to hike, there’s plenty to see and explore from waterfalls to snaking bridges over gorges and caves.

 One of the many waterfalls in Qishan Mountain Forest Park.

 

8. Take a trip to Pingtan Island

Pingtan has stunning natural scenery and clean, clear water and air.

If you’re permanently living in Fuzhou, which has a fairly high level of air pollution, taking a trip to a location like this can clear your lungs.

It’s also staggeringly beautiful, which is why it makes the list of the top 10 things to do in Fuzhou.

 

9. Visit Yushan Mountain

Yushan Mountain is in the centre of Fuzhou and it looks something like a giant turtle.

There are a number of historical sites within the 11.9 hectare area including palaces, wells, temples and towers.

Because it’s so conveniently located, it makes a great afternoon trip, and some of the buildings are really amazing.

 Visit Yushan Mountain in the heart of Fuzhou for its beautiful temples.

 

10. Climb up Gushan Mountain

Everybody who visits Fuzhou goes to Gushan Mountain.

It’s one of the most scenic spots in the city and has a rock at the top that looks like a drum and gives the mountain its name.

It’s quite a climb to the top of the mountain, though there are places to stop and take in sites such as temples and caves along the way. Just make sure you have a strong stomach for heights, as the stairs are fairly steep.

There is a cable car which will take you straight to the top for a small fee.

So that’s my list of the top 10 things to do in Fuzhou. I hope you have a great time!

 

(BY GAYLE AGGIS)