中国·福州——热爱城市从热爱美食开始

April 18 marks the annual International Day for Monuments and Sites. Historical monuments and sites are not only treasured cultural legacies but also enduring witnesses to the passage of time. Fuzhou’s Sanfang Qixiang is home to 159 well-preserved buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. On April 18, Sanfang Qixiang was featured in a special report on International Day for Monuments and Sites on CCTV-13.

The Former Residence of Shen Baozhen, with a history of over 400 years, reopened to the public last year after more than four years of restoration. The residence faces south and is laid out along three main axes, each showcasing distinctive architectural features from various periods of traditional Fuzhou dwellings. Today, thanks to its careful restoration and revitalization, this ancient architecture has been transformed into a museum open to visitors.

“This is the season when Fuzhou’s ancient buildings are at their most beautiful. Right beside me is a century-old Chionanthus retusus (also known as Chinese fringe tree) in full bloom. There are only three such trees in all of Fuzhou, and one of them stands here in the Former Residence of Shen Baozhen. The pure white blossoms cluster in layers, resembling clouds or snow. Their delicate beauty blends seamlessly with the white walls, dark roof tiles, and gracefully curved eaves of the ancient residence, drawing countless visitors eager to snap photos,” said CMG reporter Peng Yujia.

The vibrant red kapok blossoms create a striking contrast against the white walls and dark roof tiles of Sanfang Qixiang.

This season, it’s not only the Chinese fringe trees in bloom—vibrant red kapok flowers and bright yellow Handroanthus chrysanthus also blend harmoniously with the traditional ancient architecture, creating a picturesque scene brimming with the charm and poetry of spring. Fuzhou’s ancient buildings are at their most inviting during this time.

It’s not only Fuzhou’s ancient buildings that are coming alive; Fuzhou opera is thriving as well. Within these ancient buildings, the national-level intangible cultural heritage of Min opera, with a history of over 400 years, continues to be performed. Today, visitors can admire the flowers and enjoy tea in the flower hall of the Former Residence of Shen Baozhen, and on occasion, even catch a live Min opera performance, quietly immersing themselves in the unique serenity that these ancient residences offer.

Over the years, the Sanfang Qixiang Historical and Cultural District has been actively engaged in restoring and revitalizing its ancient buildings. So far, more than 300 ancient structures have been refurbished. To help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Fuzhou’s ancient buildings, over the years, the district has embraced digital technology to create an interactive “smart dialogue” experience within this thousand-year-old neighborhood. At key sites throughout Sanfang Qixiang, visitors can simply scan a QR code with their smartphones to access immersive VR videos and live narration that vividly bring the history and culture of these ancient buildings to life. They can also explore interactive experiences to discover the many captivating stories behind Sanfang Qixiang.

Peng Yujia noted that on her recent visit to Sanfang Qixiang, she noticed a shift: visitors are no longer just sightseeing but want to take a piece of this unique cultural heritage home with them. Creative products inspired by the district’s iconic sites have become a major trend in Sanfang Qixiang, with many tourists even lining up to buy them. These culturally infused, trendy souvenirs are now emerging as a key driver of growth for the local cultural and tourism economy.

With the May Day holiday fast approaching, Sanfang Qixiang will host a series of special markets and immersive interactive performances. Visitors from across the country are warmly welcomed to come and experience the unique charm and romance of Fuzhou’s ancient buildings. (Fuzhou Evening News Reporters: Guan Shu/Text, Lin Shuangwei/Photo)