4-Day Travel Guide for Fuzhou
Fuzhou focuses on "mountain and sea scenery + Min culture," connecting city landmarks, Guling summer resort, and Pingtan island. The itinerary balances busy and relaxed activities, combining sightseeing and slow travel, with practical tips for easy travel~
1: First Experience of Min Culture (City Landmarks Route)
Morning: After arrival, check into a hotel near Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, walk around Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, focusing on the former residences of Bing Xin and Yan Fu. Stroll through Nan Hou Street to experience the "living fossil of the neighborhood system," avoid the main street shops, and explore the old alleys of Wenru Lane and Yijin Lane to photograph the blue bricks and black tiles.
Noon: Eat Fuzhou fish balls on Nan Hou Street (choose the old brand "Yonghe Fish Balls"). The fish balls are springy and juicy, paired with meat swallow soup for a more authentic taste.
Afternoon: Walk 10 minutes to the Lin Zexu Memorial Hall for a free visit to learn about the national hero’s deeds. The ancient banyan tree and red walls in the courtyard are very photogenic; then go to Wushan Historical and Cultural Area, climb to the observation deck next to Wuta Tower to overlook the panorama of old Fuzhou city.
Evening: Visit the Shangxiahang Historical and Cultural District, take a night tour of Santong Bridge and Xing’an Bridge, watch the lights reflecting on the Min River, and dine at a riverside eatery with lychee pork and drunken ribs, finishing with a bowl of Dingbianhu soup.
2: Guling Summer Resort + Natural Oxygen Bar (Suburban Slow Travel Route)
Morning: Take Metro Line 2 to Gushan Station, transfer to the Guling Tourist Line (about 40 minutes) to Guling, head straight to the "Guling Zhuli Scenic Area," walk the wooden plank road through the cedar forest, enjoy the fresh air, perfect for photos and a stroll.
Noon: Eat farmhouse dishes on Guling Old Street, recommended dishes are dried bamboo shoots stir-fried with pork and native chicken soup, affordable and generous portions.
Afternoon: Visit the century-old post office and the International Charity Society on Guling Old Street to feel the Republic of China era charm of this "summer resort"; then go to the Eighteen Scenes of Gushan, take the cable car up and down the mountain (20 yuan one way), overlook the Min River and Fuzhou cityscape. If physically fit, walk part of the stone steps for an experience.
Evening: Return to the city, visit Daming Food Street for local specialties, try Fuzhou meat swallow and Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (choose small portions to sample), avoid the heavily trafficked tourist spots, and pick stalls frequented by locals.
3: Pingtan Island One-Day Tour (Popular Check-in Route)
Morning: Get up early and take the high-speed train to Pingtan Station (about 30 minutes), then take a bus or taxi to Tannan Bay, walk on the beach, and watch the Blue Tears (high probability from April to August, check the forecast in advance). The seawater here is clear, and the white sandy beach with blue sky is super healing for photos.
Noon: Eat at seafood stalls near Tannan Bay, recommended dishes are steamed swimming crab and boiled shrimp, remember to ask the price clearly before ordering.
Afternoon: Head to Beigang Village, visit the stone house village, choose a seaside café to sit and watch the waves crash; then go to Changjiang’ao Wind Farm to see the white wind turbines along the coastline. The sunset light and shadow are stunning, a must-photograph check-in spot.
Evening: Take the high-speed train back to Fuzhou city. If tired, have a simple meal near the hotel and rest early.
4: City Slow Travel + Return (Leisurely Ending Route)
Morning: Go to Fuzhou West Lake Park, walk along the lake or rent a boat (60 yuan/boat for 4 people). The park’s Kaihua Temple and Wanzaitang are quaint and peaceful with few people; then visit the nearby Fujian Museum to see the "Tanshishan Culture" artifacts and learn about Fuzhou’s historical origins.
Noon: Eat authentic Min cuisine near West Lake Park, recommended dishes are pan-fried liver and stir-fried double crisp, to experience the sweet, sour, fresh, and fragrant flavors of Fuzhou cuisine.
Afternoon: Buy souvenirs at Shangxiahang, choose oil-paper umbrellas and small lacquerware ornaments (cheaper than in scenic spots). Then, depending on your return time, take the metro or taxi to the station/airport to end the trip.
Practical Tips
Transportation: Most city attractions are within walking distance; for cross-district travel, choose the metro (Lines 1, 2, and 5 cover major attractions); for Guling, prioritize the tourist line, which is more cost-effective than taxis; on Pingtan Island, renting a car (about 150 yuan/day) is recommended for convenience due to scattered attractions.
Avoid Pitfalls: Shops on the main street of Three Lanes and Seven Alleys are overpriced; choose official cultural and creative stores outside the scenic area for souvenirs; the Blue Tears in Pingtan depend on weather and tides, don’t trust agents claiming "100% guaranteed sightings"; always ask for the price before ordering seafood to avoid being overcharged.