Embark on a captivating two-day journey through the vibrant city of Fuzhou, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this itinerary guides you through the rich cultural tapestry of the city. Explore the picturesque streets of Sanfang Qixiang, indulge in local culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Gushan and its surroundings. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or simply seeking a refreshing escape, Fuzhou offers a unique experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Day 1: Wuyi Square (五一广场) > Yushan (于山) > White Pagoda (白塔) > Nanhou Street (南后街) > Sanfang Qixiang (三坊七巷) > West Lake Park (西湖公园)
Start your morning at Wuyi Square, where you can catch the flag-raising ceremony during holidays. Then, explore Yushan and the White Pagoda, taking some time to relax at Yushan Pavilion (于山亭), Huguo Temple (护国寺), and Penglai Pavilion (蓬莱阁) in the Yushan Scenic Area; the White Pagoda can be visited briefly.
Before noon, head to Nanhou Street for a hearty meal, followed by a leisurely stroll through Sanfang Qixiang to discover the flavors of Fuzhou. These flavors extend beyond food to include remnants of life in the old Rongcheng, with streets like Yijinfang (衣锦坊), Guanglu Fang (光禄坊), Wenru Fang (文儒坊), Huangxiang (黄巷), Gongxiang (宫巷), Taxiang (塔巷), Anminxiang (安民巷), Langguanxiang (郎官巷), Jibi Xiang (吉庇巷), and Yangqiao Xiang (杨侨巷), all of which have varying degrees of renovation while still retaining their charm.
Finally, visit West Lake Park, a great spot for flower viewing, boating, photography, chatting, and relaxing.
Accommodation: There are plenty of accommodation options in the Gulou District (鼓楼区), ranging from budget hotels to more upscale choices. Notable hotels include the Shangri-La Hotel (香格里拉大酒店) near Wuyi Square, the Hot Spring Hotel (温泉大饭店) on Wusi Road (五四路), and the Fuzhou West Lake Hotel (福州西湖大酒店) on the north section of Hubin Road (湖滨路北段).
Dining: You can choose from local favorites around Dongjiekou (东街口) and Nanhou Street, where restaurants like Lao Fuzhou (老福州), Antai Lou (安泰楼), and Juchun Garden (聚春园) are well-known for their delicious Fuzhou snacks. You can also look for some famous local brands. For dinner, explore the restaurants, tea houses, and dining bars along Hubin Road east of West Lake Park, and if you’re feeling indulgent, consider dining at the West Lake Hotel (西湖大酒店).
Day 2: Gushan (鼓山) > Eighteen Scenery of Damo Cave (达摩洞十八景) > Yongquan Temple (涌泉寺) > Drinking Water Rock (喝水岩) > Jiangbin Park (江滨公园)
The day’s itinerary revolves around the Gushan Scenic Area, one of the favorite summer retreats for Fuzhou residents. Here, you can enjoy stunning views while escaping the heat. If you’re aiming to hike to the top, you can reach the summit in less than two hours. However, this will cause you to miss the beautiful landscapes of the Eighteen Scenery of Damo Cave, the Zen experience at Yongquan Temple, and the stone carvings at Drinking Water Rock. Therefore, it’s best to manage your stamina wisely, balancing hiking with sightseeing and preparing for a leisurely half-day here!
In the latter part of your trip, it’s recommended to take a bus from Xiayuan Station (下院站) at the foot of Gushan to Taijiang Pedestrian Street (台江步行街) for shopping and dining. Finally, relax at Jiangbin Park while enjoying the night views of the Min River.
Accommodation: There are numerous budget hotels and boutique guesthouses near Taijiang Pedestrian Street, but unfortunately, there are no youth hostels available.
Dining: There are many restaurants on the mountainside of Gushan, although they tend to be a bit pricey. It’s advisable to pack a small backpack with snacks, energy bars, fruits, and drinks to replenish your energy, and enjoy lunch at a restaurant at the summit. Treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at Taijiang Pedestrian Street, which features diverse dining options like Yuanhong City (元洪城) and a food court at the Youth Center (青年会).