Fuzhou travel guide
Fuzhou is a city intertwined with time. History has left its bold mark here. The ancient banyan trees have weathered centuries of change, their gnarled branches shading the city. People gather under their sprawling canopies to chat and relax, as the trees stand witness to Fuzhou's evolution.
Strolling down the cobblestone lanes of the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, intricately carved window lattices and solemn horse-head walls reveal the imprints of time. Climbing the towering Luoxingta, the Minjiang River flows on as seagulls soar overhead, whispering the moving legend of this "Tower of China." Venturing up Mount Drum to the hidden chasm of Chongwen Buddhist Temple, its spiritual grace persists just as it did when founded over a millennium ago.
Throughout Fuzhou's narrow streets, the banyan trees' dappled light spills onto the weathered grey bricks and tiles, crisscrossing the wires above - a fusion of past and present. The Fuzhou that Min people once fished, hunted and farmed in is now a thriving modern city with an illustrious history.
Consumption level
Outside of major holidays like Golden Week, two people can comfortably tour Huangshan for 1500-2000RMB over 3 days, not including transportation costs.
To maximize your budget, opt for mid-range lodging in Tunxi, Huangshan City or Tangkou town. Use public buses to access the mountains rather than private cars or taxis. Pack snacks and lunch to avoid pricey food on the mountain. Focus spending on cable cars and entrance tickets for 150-200RMB daily.
By staying in cheaper towns around the mountains and limiting dining, you can save money for hiking gear rentals if needed. With strategic choices, Huangshan's iconic granite peaks, pine forests and sea of clouds can be enjoyed without breaking the bank. Just steer clear of crowded times when prices surge. Huangshan offers breathtaking natural beauty and hiking at a reasonable cost.
History
Archaeological evidence confirms human activity in Lianyungang's ancient Mount Qushan and present-day Mount Jinping area as early as 10,000 years ago. In 1959 and 1978, the oldest Paleolithic sites in southeast China were discovered at Erjian and Daxian Village with clear stratigraphic layers. Mount Jinping has 19 Neolithic sites, with Erjian being one of China's earliest farming areas.
The 20-meter long, 10-meter wide "General Cliff Painting" discovered in 1979 was appraised by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage as "an extremely important cultural relic and rare major discovery, the earliest 'book' in China."
The Donghan era art treasure "Kongwang Mountain Grottoes Statues" are the earliest Buddhist grotto statues in China, 100-200 years earlier than the Dunhuang Grottoes, and protected at the national level.
The area is also steeped in history, with attractions related to Confucius' sea gazing, Emperor Qin's inspections, and famous poets and officials like Tao Yuanming, Li Bai, Su Dongpo, Shen Kuo, Li Qingzhao, Wu Cheng'en, Li Ruzhen, Wu Jingzi, Lin Zexu, Zhu Ziqing and more.
