Fuzhou
The Capital of Fujian Province
Located in the eastern part of Fujian Province, Fuzhou is an ancient city with 2000 years old; a land where histories, cultures and traditions were carved upon. Fuzhou, which mean "prosperous city" also known as "Banyan City" refer to subtropical banyan trees that were planted since Song Dynasty (960-1279).
Fuzhou is surrounding with three verdant hills, The Yu, Wu and Ping that form a triangular shape. Still in the vicinity of triangular hills, there are two temples that facing each other, The White Pagoda (Baita) and Black Pagoda (Wuta) are the icons of Fuzhou City. Min River (Minjiang) that flows through the city was another symbol of Fuzhou.
Destination Spots
Located in the eastern part of Fuzhou City, Gu Mountain (also called Drum Hill) is the most popular destination in Fuzhou, there are over 100 historical and cultural sites that spread out in its vicinity. Yongquan Temple which located at the foot of White Cloud Peak, was built in 908 AD and considered as important Buddist temple in Fuzhou. The Eighteen Sights of Bodhidharma was located at the foot of Lion Peak, west of Yongquan Temple. During the reign of Emperor Daoguang of the Qing Dynasty, there was a poet known as Wei Jie, who carved the eighteen sight in the crag outside the Bodhidharma cave.
Linzexu Memorial Hall was built in 1905 as remembrance for Linzexu, the China National Heroes during opium war.
Black Pagoda at the foot of eastern side of Wu Hill, was built in 941 with seven levels and 30 meters (100 feet) high. The octagonal White Pagoda stands on western slope of Yu Hill, was built in 904 with seven levels and 41 meters (135 feet). Both pagodas are facing each other and have a excellent views from the top level.
In the western part of Fuzhou City, Xichan Temple is one of five ancient Buddist temples within the city. Inside the temple consists some ancient relics, including imperial handwriting of Emperor Kangxi and murals of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Xichan temple also known for its lichee trees that were planted since Song Dynasty.
Built during the Song Dynasty, Jinshan Temple located on the Wu River in the west suburb of Fuzhou. The temple is surrounding by water, secluded and have a nice enviromental.
Located northwest from Fuzhou, West Lake Park is a wonderful garden and popular for its similiarity to West Lake in Hangzhou. In the third year reign of Emperor Taikang (282 AD), Governor Yangao chanelled water from northwest mountain for irrigation purpose. During Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) it was changed to tourist destination, West Lake has been expanded since then to attract more visitor.
Fuzhou National Forest Park is situated 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) in the northern suburb of Fuzhou City. This exotic park contains a variety of botanical gardens with thousands kind of plants and animals.