Fuzhou history

The history of Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province, dates back more than 2,200 years and is inextricably linked to maritime culture and trade. The official date of the city's founding is considered to be 202 BC, when the ruler of the Minyue Kingdom established his capital here under the name Yecheng ("City of Ye"). Fuzhou received its current name, which translates as "Blessed City," significantly later—in 725 AD, during the Tang Dynasty.

A key factor in Fuzhou's emergence was its strategic geographical location. Situated in the lower reaches of the Min River, near where it flows into the East China Sea, the city became a natural port and a gateway for international trade. Starting from the Song Dynasty, it played a vital role on the Maritime Silk Road, and in the 19th century, it became one of the main tea ports of China. Throughout the centuries, Fuzhou has also served as an important administrative and political centre of the region.

Since ancient times, the city has been renowned as a centre of arts and crafts. The production of highly artistic lacquerware, porcelain, paper umbrellas, and fans flourished here. Thanks to active maritime trade, Fuzhou transformed into a "melting pot of cultures," where different traditions and knowledge intersected. Economic prosperity, based on the trade of tea, ceramics, and other goods, contributed to the city's development as a hub of science and education.

Key Milestones in the History of Fuzhou

The history of Fuzhou is the chronicle of one of the most important maritime and cultural centres of China, spanning over two millennia. The city has repeatedly changed its status, becoming the capital of an independent kingdom, then a key port on the Maritime Silk Road.

• 202 BC — The founding of the city of Yecheng, capital of the Minyue Kingdom, considered the official birth date of Fuzhou.
• 725 AD — During the Tang Dynasty, the city receives its modern name—Fuzhou, which translates as "Blessed City."
• Early 10th Century — Fuzhou becomes the capital of the independent Min Kingdom during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.
• Song Dynasty (960–1279) — The city transforms into one of China's main foreign trade ports and a crucial hub on the Maritime Silk Road.
• Late 13th Century — The famous Venetian traveller Marco Polo visits the city, describing it as a thriving centre of commerce.
• Early 15th Century — Fuzhou becomes one of the starting points for the famous naval expeditions of Admiral Zheng He to the Indian Ocean.
• 1842 — Following the Treaty of Nanking, Fuzhou becomes one of the five "treaty ports" opened to international trade, making it the country's primary tea port.
• 1884 — During the Sino-French War, a major naval battle takes place at the Mawei port near Fuzhou.
• 1911 — The city plays an active role in the Xinhai Revolution, which leads to the fall of the last imperial dynasty, the Qing.
• 1984 — Fuzhou receives the status of an "open coastal city," facilitating the attraction of foreign investment and rapid economic growth.
• 1986 — The city is awarded the status of a National Historic and Cultural City due to the rich heritage preserved to this day.

Key Stages of Fuzhou's Development

The development of Fuzhou is the story of an ancient port city transforming into a modern metropolis, where every era has left its mark on its economy, culture, and urban appearance. From a departure point for maritime expeditions to a centre of tea trade and a modern high-tech hub, the city has undergone an impressive journey of transformation.

• The Maritime Silk Road. Beginning with the Tang Dynasty, and especially during the Song era, Fuzhou established itself as one of the key ports on the Maritime Silk Road. This became the foundation of its economic prosperity and turned the city into a centre of international trade, exchanging not only goods like silk and porcelain but also cultural traditions.
• Centre of Navigation. In the early 15th century, Fuzhou became one of the main bases for the famous maritime expeditions of Admiral Zheng He. This strengthened its status as a centre for shipbuilding and navigation technology, and also contributed to the development of coastal infrastructure.
• Opening as a "Treaty Port". In 1842, under the Treaty of Nanking, Fuzhou became one of five ports in China opened to foreign trade. This status radically changed the city's economy, making it a global centre for tea exports and attracting foreign influence, which was reflected in architecture and lifestyle.
• Founding of the Mawei Shipyard (1866). The creation of one of China's first modern shipyards in Mawei, a suburb of Fuzhou, was a crucial step in industrialisation. The shipyard not only built ships but also served as a centre for training engineers and studying Western technologies, laying the foundations for the modern industrial development of the region.
• Status of an "Open City". In 1984, Fuzhou received the status of one of China's first "open coastal cities," which kickstarted a new wave of economic growth. This attracted significant foreign investment, contributed to the creation of modern industrial zones, and transformed the city into an important economic centre on the southeast coast.
• Preservation of Cultural Heritage. In 1986, Fuzhou was awarded the status of a National Historic and Cultural City. This gave impetus to the large-scale restoration of unique historical districts, such as "Sanfang Qixiang" (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys), allowing the rich past to blend harmoniously with the modern look of the city and develop cultural tourism.
• Strategic Development in the 21st Century. In the 1990s, the long-term "3-8-20" development strategy was adopted, defining the economic course for decades ahead. Thanks to this, an international airport, deep-water ports, and modern highways were built, ensuring rapid GRP growth and strengthening Fuzhou's position as a global logistics and manufacturing hub.

The architectural appearance of Fuzhou represents a multi-layered canvas where traditional Chinese craftsmanship intertwines with colonial motifs and the bold forms of modern architecture. Each historical period has left its unique mark on the city, forming its eclectic and memorable look.

Traditional Dynasty Architecture

The historic centre of Fuzhou preserves the heritage of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The basis of traditional development is the Southern Chinese architectural style, characterised by wooden structures, gracefully curved tiled roofs, and rich decoration. The brightest example is the historic district of "Sanfang Qixiang" (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys). This is a true open-air museum where one can see the beautifully preserved residences of noble families. The buildings here are distinguished by strict planning, cosy inner courtyards, and skilful wood and stone carving, reflecting the canons of classical Chinese architecture.

Era of Western Influence

After 1842, when Fuzhou became one of the ports open to foreign trade, buildings in Western style began to appear in the city. Along the Min River and on Nantai Island, consulates, churches, warehouses, and villas of foreign merchants were built. This period is characterised by colonial style and eclecticism, combining elements of European architecture (such as Neoclassicism and Victorian style) with local building traditions. One of the notable buildings of that era is St. Dominic's Cathedral (泛船浦天主教堂), which remains an important architectural landmark to this day.

Modern Look: Modernism and Postmodernism

Since the end of the 20th century, thanks to rapid economic growth, Fuzhou has begun to be actively built up with modern buildings. The cityscape has been enriched with skyscrapers, large shopping centres, and futuristic public spaces. Modernism and postmodernism have come to dominate the architecture, with their clean lines, glass facades, and unusual forms.

• Functionalism and International Style manifested in office and residential high-rises that changed the city's skyline.
• Modern Expressionism found its embodiment in iconic cultural objects. An outstanding example is the Fuzhou Strait Culture and Art Centre, designed by the Finnish firm PES-Architects. The complex consists of five buildings resembling jasmine petals—the flower symbol of Fuzhou. Its smooth lines, white ceramic facades, and innovative use of bamboo in the interiors have made it the new calling card of the city.

Today, Fuzhou's urban development continues to combine the careful preservation of historical heritage with the creation of an ultra-modern urban environment, making its architectural landscape particularly interesting for travellers.

Distinguished Figures of Fuzhou

Throughout its centuries-old history, Fuzhou has been the birthplace of many outstanding figures who made significant contributions to the politics, science, culture, and philosophy of China. Their legacy continues to live on in the history of the city and the entire country.

• Lin Zexu (1785–1850) — Statesman and reformer. A native of Fuzhou, he went down in history as an unyielding fighter against the opium trade. In 1839, as an imperial commissioner, he confiscated and destroyed vast quantities of the drug belonging to foreign traders, which became the catalyst for the First Opium War. Lin Zexu is revered in China as a national hero, a symbol of patriotism and steadfastness.
• Shen Baozhen (1820–1879) — Official and moderniser. Being one of the key proponents of the "Self-Strengthening Movement," he founded the famous Mawei Shipyard in the suburbs of Fuzhou—one of the first modern industrial enterprises in China. This shipyard and the associated naval academy became the cradle of the Chinese navy and a centre for training technical specialists.
• Yan Fu (1854–1921) — Philosopher, translator, and social activist. Born and died in Fuzhou, Yan Fu played a key role in introducing China to Western social thought. He translated the works of Adam Smith, John Stuart Mill, and Thomas Huxley into Chinese, exerting a huge influence on a whole generation of reformers and intellectuals at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Xie Bingxin (1900–1999) — Writer and poetess. One of the most prominent figures in 20th-century Chinese literature, Bingxin (her literary pseudonym) was born in Fuzhou. She became famous for her lyrical poems, essays, and works for children, in which she praised love for mother, nature, and homeland with warmth and tenderness. Her work has become an integral part of the Chinese school curriculum.
• Chen Jingrun (1933–1996) — Mathematician. A native of Fuzhou, Chen Jingrun became one of the world's leading specialists in number theory. He made significant progress in solving Goldbach's conjecture, proving the famous "Chen's theorem." His work is one of the most significant achievements of Chinese mathematics in the 20th century.