Transit
Fuzhou welcomes travelers from all over the world through Changle International Airport — just hop on a shuttle bus and you'll be downtown in about 1 hour (or faster if you run into a driver who got their license locally 10 years ago). A new metro line to the airport is on the way, so soon it'll be even smoother. The city's public transport and ride-hailing apps can get you anywhere, though you might have to share the road with an army of electric scooters. Fuzhou's bus and taxi drivers are local legends — they can squeeze through spaces the size of a noodle bowl and still keep calm. Don't worry, they won't speed; the cars literally yell at them if they do.
Getting to Fuzhou
Reaching Fuzhou usually means one transfer along the way. Let's say you're starting from Boston — get ready for a tough first leg of over 15 hours in the air! Your first stop might be Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, or Xiamen, depending on the airline. Each connection has its own layover time, so don't forget to check whether you'll need to collect your luggage and check in again before your next flight. The second leg of the journey will feel much shorter, and while you wait for boarding, you can treat yourself to some airport food, relax in a massage chair, or head to a self-service kiosk to scan your passport and grab free Wi-Fi access. Not sure what to do during the layover? Download the Baidu Maps app — it has pretty much everything you might need (and maybe a few things you don't).
After You Arrive...
Gu Shan
Gushan, located in the Jin'an District of Fuzhou, is one of the city's most
famous mountains. It stretches about 6 km from north to south and 4 km from
east
to west, with most peaks around 700-800 meters. The highest point, Dading
Peak,
reaches 919 meters. The mountain was named after a large rock on its summit
that
resembles a drum, and local legends say that drum-like sounds can be heard
from
the cliffs during storms.
Halfway up the mountain is Yongquan Temple, first built in 783, along with
scenic spots such as Heshuiyan, the Eighteen Views, and Guanyin Pavilion.
Gushan
also has over 300 ancient cliff carvings, including works by historical
figures
like Cai Xiang and Zhu Xi, making it one of the most important stone
inscription
sites in Fuzhou. The two ceramic pagodas in front of the temple, built in
the
Northern Song dynasty, are also part of this nationally protected cultural
heritage site.
Xi Chan Si (Xichan Temple)
Xichan Temple, one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist temples in Fuzhou, offers a peaceful escape from the busy city. First built during the Tang dynasty, the temple is known for its ancient halls, tall pagoda, and beautiful gardens filled with old trees and quiet paths. Visitors can explore traditional Buddhist architecture, listen to the sound of chanting monks, or simply enjoy the calm atmosphere around the temple's ponds and courtyards. With its rich history and serene environment, Xichan Temple is a wonderful place to experience Fuzhou's cultural and spiritual heritage.
San Fang Qi Xiang (The Three Lanes and Seven Alleys)
Sanfang Qixiang is the most
famous historic district in Fuzhou. With over a thousand years of history,
it is
often called the “living museum of Chinese architecture.” Here, visitors can
walk through narrow stone alleys lined with traditional white-walled,
black-tiled houses, many of which were once home to important scholars,
writers,
and political figures.
The area is full of teahouses, small museums, craft shops, and street
snacks,
making it a perfect place to explore both culture and daily life. Whether
you
enjoy history, photography, or simply wandering through beautiful old
streets,
Sanfang Qixiang offers one of the most charming and authentic experiences in
Fuzhou.
Shang Xia Hang
Shangxiahang is one of the oldest commercial districts in Fuzhou, with a
history
that stretches back more than a thousand years. Known as the heart of the
city's
traditional marketplace, this area was once filled with shops selling tea,
textiles, and local crafts. Today, it has been carefully restored, keeping
its
narrow lanes, wooden houses, and stone-paved streets, allowing visitors to
experience the atmosphere of old Fuzhou.
Walking through Shangxiahang, you can explore small museums, boutique
stores,
and tea houses hidden in restored historical buildings. It's also a great
place
to try local snacks, such as fish balls and taro dumplings. In the evening,
the
warm lantern lights make the alleys especially charming, offering a peaceful
yet
lively look into Fuzhou's cultural past.
Explore Fuzhou, a city where rivers, mountains, and history come together. A Min River cruise offers a peaceful way to see the city's bridges, lights, and gentle waterfront. You can also wander through the historic lanes of Sanfang Qixiang, hike up Gushan, or unwind in one of Fuzhou's natural hot springs. Simple, calm, and full of charm — Fuzhou is a place worth discovering.
Fuzhou is also very easy to travel around. The city has a convenient metro system, reliable public buses, and many ride-hailing apps such as Didi, Meituan, and AutoNavi, making it easy to reach attractions across the city.
Baidu Maps is one of China's most widely used map applications, offering more than just navigation. In addition to accurate maps and real-time traffic updates, the app includes useful travel services such as ride-hailing, hotel booking, and public transportation planning. Users can also explore travel guides, recommended routes, and tips shared by other travelers. With these features combined in one place, Baidu Maps makes it easy for visitors to plan their trips, move around the city, and discover new places with confidence.