Fujian

Information and Tourism

Facing the East China Sea, the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, Fujian was once a place where you arrived by boat with one thing in mind - to trade. Its coastal cities flourished, in stark contrast with the rest of the province, where Fujian's mountains remained largely ignored and unexplored.

Today, not a great deal has changed. The coastal towns and cities of Fujian are doing very well for themselves. Fuzhou, the capital city of the province, is thoroughly modern, with its high rise buildings and, of late, a seemingly limitless passion for urban development. The attractive harbour of Xiamen has survived the onslaught of modern China. Exuding a certain colonial charm, it is rather like stepping back in time to how Fuzhou may have looked in years gone by. The same can be said of the island of Gulangyu, once the playground of the wealthy intent on escaping from the summer heat.

Despite the fact that the communist government made some attempts to breathe life into the vast mountainous interior of Fujian, it remains a relatively remote place, somewhat cut adrift from the rest of China. A few forays have been made into the world of tourism, including Wuyishan and Taimu Mountain, both of which offer plenty of opportunities to soak up the unspoilt scenery.

Also popular are tours of Fujian's 'tulou', which usually start in Xiamen. These earth structures are actually a type of rural dwelling that is traditional to the province. Whilst some of them have been built fairly recently, others date as far back as the 12th century.

Fujian Information and Fast Facts

• Country: People's Republic of China
• Main administrative town or city: Fuzhou
• Biggest city: Fuzhou
• Population: approximately 37 million
• Language: Chinese
• Area: 46,900 square miles / 121,470 square kilometres
• Height of highest point (Huanggang Peak): 2,157 metres / 7,077 feet

	WORLD GUIDES TO FUJIAN
	World Guide to Xiamen, China Brimming with colonial charm, the coastal city of Xiamen is located within the Fujian province and on the eastern side of China. The seaside attractions of Xiamen are complemented by cobblestone alleys, cable car rides, cruises and gardens.

Map of Fujian