福州市

Why this place

Fuzhou has been the capital of Fujian for over two thousand years, and its old quarter is a network of lanes around three hills — a style of city that survived because it was never a treaty port and never had to rebuild. The banyan trees that arch over the streets are the city's emblem.

What to see

• Sanfang Qixiang (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys) — the best-preserved old city quarter in Fujian, with the mansions of Ming and Qing officials
• Yongquan Temple and the Gushan mountain paths above the city
• The Min River and the Luoxing Pagoda, plus Mawei's naval-yard heritage
• Fuzhou's hot springs, which are under the city centre and open to the public

What to eat

• Fuzhou fish balls (yuwan) — minced fish with a pork centre
• Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (fo tiao qiang) — the famously elaborate soup, invented here
• Longan, lychees and jasmine tea from the surrounding countryside

Best time

March–May and October–December