Fuzhou’s Ancient Architecture_Fuzhou bids for “City of Gastronomy”

“Sanfang Qixiang alone represents half of modern China’s history.” Since the Jin and Tang dynasties, this district—long home to nobles and scholars—has preserved over 200 well-maintained residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties;

The Shangxiahang district on the northern bank of the Minjiang River has now become a vibrant symbol of Fujian’s merchant culture. Nearly 100 cultural heritage sites and registered monuments can be found there, with over 80% being ancient buildings of Fuzhou;

Located at the mouth of the Minjiang River where three rivers converge, Liangcuo is celebrated as one of China’s “most beautiful ancient villages.” With its clusters of ancient buildings and sweeping flower fields, the district offers a vivid recreation of the traditional farming and scholarly lifestyle;

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As you explore Fuzhou’s cultural landmarks that span both ancient and modern times, each ancient building feels like a musical note in motion or a living landscape painting, forming the most elegant, beautiful, and distinctive imagery of the city.

Fuzhou’s Ancient Architecture

Scenery of the Liangcuo Historical and Cultural District in Fuzhou. (Photo by Wei Peiquan, Xinhua News Agency)

In Fuzhou, ancient buildings have been revitalized, weaving into the cultural fabric of this millennia-old city and carrying forward the essence of its enduring heritage.

In the Fuzhou dialect, “gucuo” specifically refers to ancient dwellings, but more broadly describes old buildings in general. With their whitewashed walls, dark-tiled roofs, gracefully curved gables, and upturned eaves, these structures embody the unique aesthetics of Fuzhou’s traditional architecture, and these are also hallmark elements of Fujian-style architecture. Built from brick, tile, wood, and stone, these structures stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time, holding the city’s collective memory and evoking a deep sense of nostalgia.

“While understanding ancient architecture is important, grasping the culture it represents is even more vital,” said Lin Shan, Executive Vice President of the Fuzhou Mindu Culture Research Association. Since modern times, these ancient buildings have nurtured remarkable figures such as Lin Zexu, Yan Fu, Shen Baozhen, and Lin Juemin, whose legacies embody a deep-rooted spirit of patriotism, rich cultural heritage, and a tradition of passing down knowledge through poetry and farming.

In recent years, Fuzhou has advanced the protection, restoration, and utilization of its ancient buildings with heartfelt care and respect, breathing new life into them and ensuring the continuation of the rich cultural heritage of Fuzhou.

Viewed from above, Sanfang Qixiang’s tightly packed rows of ancient buildings form countless saddle-shaped curves, their undulating rooftops flowing like rolling waves.

Fuzhou’s Ancient Architecture

Sanfang Qixiang Historical and Cultural District in Fuzhou Bathed in the Glow of the Setting Sun. (Photo by Jiang Kehong, Xinhua News Agency)

Fuzhou’s Ancient Architecture

An artist was performing a traditional string puppet show on Nanhou Street in the Sanfang Qixiang Historical and Cultural District of Fuzhou. (Photo by Jiang Kehong, Xinhua News Agency)

The former residence of Sun Yimou on Yijin Fang in Sanfang Qixiang is renowned for its water-side performing stage. Originally a private mansion, it has since become a vibrant cultural hub, regularly hosting traditional performances like Min Opera, Fuzhou Pinghua (a kind of storytelling show performed in Fuzhou dialect), and Chiyi (a traditional opera in Fujian);

Once a traditional four-courtyard residence, Luo’s Silk and Satin Shop in Shangxiahang has been transformed into a museum showcasing Fuzhou’s intangible cultural heritage. By blending deep-rooted traditions with digital technology, it breathes new life into the city’s cultural legacy, allowing its richness to thrive and inspire future generations;

Fuzhou’s Ancient Architecture

Visitors were viewing traditional garments on display at the Fuzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum. (Photo by Wei Peiquan, Xinhua News Agency)

Wandering through Fuzhou’s historical and cultural districts, you’ll discover carefully restored heritage sites: the former residence of the Ye Family now serves as the Fujian Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park; Furong Garden has been reborn as the Shen Shao’an Lacquer Art Museum; and the former residence of Huang Peisong has been repurposed as the Fuzhou Art Museum...

More and more social forces are now getting involved in the protection and revitalization of ancient buildings. Many companies are investing in their restoration and operation, while the younger generation (those born after 2000) is transforming traditional architecture into creative cultural products. The enchanting melodies of Min opera and Shifan (a form of traditional folk instrumental music) are once again filling the streets and alleys, turning Fuzhou’s ancient buildings into an Internet-famous site.

The four classic ancient buildings of Fuzhou are: Qigong Ancestral Hall, Zhaozhong Ancestral Hall in Mawei, Lin Wenzhong Memorial Temple, and Kaiyuan Temple.

Fuzhou’s Ancient Architecture