Fuzhou

Fuzhou is the capital city of Fujian Province on the southeastern coast of China, where the Min River meets the sea. The city spreads over hilly terrain with river channels, parks, and residential neighborhoods surrounded by trees and low mountains.

During the Han Dynasty, a fortified settlement arose here that developed over centuries into a regional administrative center. After 1842, the harbor opened to foreign traders, which greatly increased tea export and shipbuilding activity.

The name combines the characters for fortune and prefecture, reflecting the hopes of its founders. In the old quarter lanes, you will see narrow timber houses with curved roofs and open courtyards that provide shade and air circulation on hot days.

You can reach the city through an international airport and several railway stations connected by high-speed trains to other provinces. During the summer months it is often hot and humid, so light clothing and sun protection are recommended.

In the outskirts lie large compounds of traditional tulou earthen buildings erected by Hakka families. These round or rectangular fortified homes made of rammed earth could house several generations under one shared roof.