Fuzhou, the
capital of Fujian Province, is the political and economic
center plus the largest industrial city in Fujian Province
of China, receiving much of its investment thanks to its
proximity to Taiwan.
Fuzhou city boasts a total history of around 2000 years,
dating back to the third century AD when it was known as
Yechang. It is also still substantially influenced by Buddhism--altogether
there are six state-listed key temples in Fuzhou (Yong Quan
Temple, Xichan Temple, Linyang Temple, Dizang Temple, Wanfu
Temple , Xuefeng Temple), the largest number in China.
Fuzhou is also known for its profusion of springs, some
estimate up to a seventh of the urban area comprises of
them, and from early times has been known as the "spring
city". Nowadays much of the hotels claim hot spring
water supplies, most notably the Hot Spring Hotel.
Despite valuing a rich Chinese tradition,
the people of Fujian are known for their nomadic tendencies;
for thousands of years the locals have been upping their
roots, untethering family ties and setting sail.
Today, over 2.5 million overseas Chinese, in no less than
50 countries, claim to have ancestors from Fujian, mainly
Fuzhou city.
Even in ancient times of China, when
emperors attached great importance to slightly myopic
policies of self reliance, Fuzhou used to be a major gateway
to the outside world. Every year thousands of merchants
would sail for months to and from Fuzhou to trade in tea,
china, silk. Fuzhou is nowadays reemerging as a crucial
seaport city and manufacturing center of southeast China.
Although not the greatest city for
travelers, Fuzhou does have a few redeeming factors. The
Yu hill and West Lake Garden, are half decent parks
and the giant banyan trees that are scattered about are
of twisted beauty. True Maoists should also head to Wuyi
Square to view the massive statue of the great helmsman
presiding there. |
