Things To Do
in Fuzhou

Springy, hand-pounded fish balls often served in clear soup; found at local noodle shops and street stalls throughout the city.

Must-Try!

Sweet-and-sour-style fried pork shaped like lychees (the fruit) — a classic Fujian banquet dish served in traditional restaurants.

A rich, famous Fujian soup/stew with many premium ingredients (abalone, sea cucumber, chicken, ham); available at high-end restaurants and a must-try for special-occasion dining.

Pan-fried mix of oysters, egg and starch with savory-sweet sauce; popular at night markets and street food stands.

Various night markets near Sanfang Qixiang and downtown where you can try fish balls, oyster omelettes, rice noodle dishes and sweet buns; great for sampling multiple snacks.

Neighborhood wet markets selling fresh seafood, vegetables and prepared snacks — visit in the morning for lively scenes and affordable bites.

Formal greetings are usually understated — a nod or simple 你好 (nǐ hǎo) is fine. Show respect to elders and avoid loud confrontations in public.

Don’t stick chopsticks upright into food (resembles incense for the dead); offer and receive dishes politely and consider shared-dish etiquette. Accepting tea with both hands is courteous.

Avoid sensitive political topics and be cautious about personal questions like income or family matters; stick to safe subjects such as food, culture and travel.

Some homes ask visitors to remove shoes — follow the host’s lead and offer thanks when invited indoors.

Tipping is not customary in most everyday situations — you don’t need to tip in local restaurants, taxis or small shops. Hotels and upscale restaurants may accept or expect gratuities for exceptional service; KTV and high-end tour guides sometimes accept tips. A small tip or rounding up is appreciated but not required.

Mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay) is the dominant method for purchases small and large; cash (RMB) is still accepted at street stalls and some markets. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, upscale restaurants and shops but less so at small vendors — carry cash or set up mobile payment if you can.

Mild temperatures and budding greenery make spring pleasant, but expect occasional rain and humidity increases in late spring; pack a light rain jacket.

Hot, humid and often rainy with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and the typhoon risk from July to September; lightweight breathable clothing, sun protection and flexible plans are recommended.

The most comfortable season with clear skies, lower humidity and moderate temperatures — ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Mild compared with northern China but damp and chilly at times; winter jackets and layers are typically sufficient, and snowfall is rare.

The main airport serving Fuzhou with domestic and some international flights; about 50–60 km from downtown with airport bus services and taxis available.

Larger Fujian hub with many international connections; about 2–3 hours by car or high-speed rail connections from Fuzhou, useful if flying internationally.

Very popular at amateur and school levels across the city; many parks and courts host pickup games.

Widely played and followed, with local clubs and community matches.

Traditional coastal sport popular in Fujian — festivals and races occur during the Dragon Boat Festival season.

Common indoor sport with many community courts and clubs.

Vegetarian options exist but many local dishes use fish sauce or meat broths; ask for 素 (su, vegetarian) and confirm no fish/meat stock. Buddhist-style vegetarian restaurants are available and reliable for meat-free meals.

More limited than vegetarian — request no egg/dairy and confirm broths are vegetable-based. Carry simple snacks if you have strict needs.

Rice-based dishes are common but soy sauce and wheat-based items are prevalent; communicate clearly (无小麦 or 无面筋) and prefer plain steamed rice, soups with fresh ingredients and grilled seafood.

Seafood is ubiquitous — if you have shellfish or fish allergies, state them clearly in Mandarin and consider dining at international or vegetarian restaurants to reduce risk.