中国·福州——热爱城市从热爱美食开始

What flavor comesto mind when you think of Fuzhou?Is it the salty freshness of the sea breeze, the delicate fragrance of jasmine, or the woody scent from ancient buildings?Join us on the Beautiful China City Touras we stroll through Fuzhou’s streets, enjoy fresh seafood and fragrant tea, explore its historical sites, and witness its transformation while discovering the unique flavors that make Fuzhou so special.

Feel the sea breeze,and enjoy fresh seafood

Pot edge paste, oyster omelet, steamed glutinous rice with crab... Seafood plays a significant role in the delicious cuisine of Fuzhou. As the saying goes, “those living near the sea live off the sea.” Fuzhou fishermen often say,“The sea is deeply connected to us.” There’s a special harmony and bond between the fishermen andthe sea.From catching the seafood to serving it on the table, it all relies on people who truly understand seafood. Zhu Shifang from the seafood market and Tang Hanqing from the Hongxunfan Restaurant are both transmitters of the flavors of Fuzhou.

“Soup is an essential part of every meal in Fuzhou. The stewed pot soup and steamed glutinous rice with crab remind me of the flavors of my hometown from childhood,”said Tang Hanqing, who runs a restaurant in Fuzhou.He hopes to provide Fuzhou locals with a comforting taste of home after a busy day, while also helping more visitors develop a love for the city.Zhu Shifang runs a seafood stall at the seafood market. Regular customers affectionately call her “Sister Fang.”She and her stall have witnessed the changes in the seafood market over the past 40 years. From a limited selection to a diverse array of seafood, her stallhas grown alongside the city of Fuzhou.

Experience the three hairpins,and embrace the jasmine fragrance

Fuzhou is enveloped in the fragrance of jasmine flowers, which bloom throughout the city as its official flower.This distinct scent is carried far and wide through Fuzhou’s famous jasmine tea. Relevant data shows that in 2023, Fuzhou’s annual jasmine tea production reached approximately 19,500 tons.“Flower picking is a crucial step in the making of jasmine tea. The fragrance of flowers picked today differs from that of thosepicked yesterday. It’s the first lesson my father taught me when I learned how to make tea,” said Chen Binghai, the inheritor of the traditional craft of Fuzhou jasmine tea.Now, following in his father’s footsteps, he is passing down the traditional craft to his son. At the same time, he embraces his son’s fresh ideas and suggestions, exploring new methods to further enhance the making of jasmine tea.

On the streets of Fuzhou, it’s common to see girls wearing the traditional three-hairpin hairstyle. Traditional clothing is experiencing a revival as it blends with modern fashion aesthetics, bringing new life to the city’s cultural heritage.Ma Jianmin, Director of the Institute of History at the Fujian Academy of Social Sciences, explained: “The three hairpins carry different symbolic meanings: one for the country, one for the family, and one for themselves. The three hairpins are not merely decorative ornaments meant to showcase feminine grace; rather, they are emblems of the working class, symbolizing women’s sense of responsibility. With the rise of women’s status in modern times, Fujian has witnessed the emergence of many outstanding female figures.”Women living in eastern Fujian are like jasmine flowers, blooming with courage and resilience in the summer heat.

Savor traditional delicacies,and immerse yourself in the fragrance of history

Additionally, Fuzhou boasts a rich historical heritage.Sanfang Qixiang integrates ancient charm with modern influences, offering a mix of romance, food, cultural and historical elements.Here, you can visit the “Heart Tree,” savor local specialties like pork wontons and fish balls, and wander through the streets and alleys, soaking in the woody scent of ancient buildings while immersing yourself in the city’s rich cultural atmosphere.

“If you come to Fuzhou, I’ll be your best guide!” Lin Shiqing, a student from Zhongshan Primary School in Fuzhou, works as a “Red Scarf Guide” in Sanfang Qixiang. In her spare time, she leads tourists through Langguan Alley, Wenru Lane, and Gongxiang Alley, taking them to the former residences of historical figures like Yan Fu, Bing Xin, and Lin Juemin, where they can explore ancient landmarks and appreciate the profound culture of Fuzhou.

The Beautiful ChinaCity Touris a large-scale multimedia program launched by People’s Daily Online, sponsored by Reignwood FMCG Group and specially supported by the Reignwood Culture Foundation.In conjunction with People’s Daily Online’s “Various Products, New Possibilities -- Hundred-Day Live Streaming Action,” thisprogram will explore multiple cities, aiming to boost consumption vitality and show the hustle and bustle of urbanlife. Through diverse formats such as articles, photos, live streams, and short videos, it will highlightthe cities’ vibrant culture, delicious food, and beautiful landscapes, offering a comprehensive view ofurbanlife while presenting theirrich history and ongoing development.