• Fujian

• Name in Chinese characters: 福建
• Name in Pinyin: Fújiàn
• Status: Province
• Capital: Fuzhou

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• Location within China

  

  General Overview

  Fujian Province sits in the south-east of China facing the Republic of China across the Taiwan Straits.

  Much of Fujian is mountainous with little agricultural land. That does not mean that this is a poor province; the peoples living here have made the most of their coastline, fishing in the rich waters and then learning the art of trade. The latter has favoured them well in the modern world and now some of Fujian's coastal cities are amongst the wealthiest in China.

  The mountainous terrain has meant that, until recently, communications within the province have been limited and that has lead to many local accents, even dialects. There is also considerable diversity in culture. One of the strongest cultures is that of the Hakka people. More about them below.

  The mountainous terrain has also led to the development of tea growing. Oolong, one of the most famous teas in China, and perhaps the world, is grown here.

  Attractions For Visitors

  Visitors to Fujian will probably enter through an airport at one of the larger cities such as Fuzhou, Quanzhou or Xiamen.

  Fuzhou is the provincial capital. The East Gate Crossroads are the heart of this city and one of the best places to start exploring. Many visitors then head to Nantai Island, home for the first foreign residents of Fuzhou following the First Opium War.

  Quanzhou was known to Marco Polo as Zaytun. Even back in those days it was a cosmopolitan port, with sailors and traders from south-east Asia and even Africa. The natural harbour is one of the best in Asia and Fujian's silk was considered finer even than that of Hangzhou. The port was chosen by Admiral Zheng He as the base for his explorations, now made famous by Gavin Menzies' books. The Maritime Museum is therefore well worth a visit as is the Zhongshan Road historic district.

  Xiamen was previously known as Amoy. Xiamen is home to many Overseas Chinese as there was a large exodus from here following the Taiping Rebellion. There are a few old temples worth seeing in Xiamen, with Nanputuo Temple being the pick, but much of the interest for visitors lies off the coast. One of the favourite day trips from Xiamen is to Gulangyu Island. The ride over on the ferry is an experience in itself, with great views back to the modern skyline of Xiamen city. Unfortunately, Jinmen Island is out-of-bounds to foreigners at present. Local tourists are allowed to make a stop there despite it being under Republic of China control.

  Wuyi Mountain is a popular destination being incredibly rich in flora and fauna. It is claimed that Wuyi Mountain is the Snake Kingdom of the World with a heady mix of cobras, vipers and pythons, as well as other, less lethal, species. You needn't worry too much about these when visiting the tourist sites at Heavenly Tour Peak or the Min Ruins.

  Another target for visitors to Fujian Province are the Hakka Roundhouses or Tulou. These strange habitations are in fact defensive structures for an extended family. The outside wall is solid (being rammed earth) and sheer, whilst the inner courtyard is a spacious communal area for the residents. Roundhouse is actually a misnomer; the majority do take a round shape but there are also a few square ones too.

  Fujian is renowned for its bridges. Anyone who delights in photography or quirky reasons for exploring could form a route to explore the enourmous diversity of these bridges and, with a little bit of research, discover many interesting facts.

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