|
Fuzhou
 Fuzhou,
the capital city of Fujian Province, is the political
and economic center and the largest industrial
city in Fujian which receives much of its investment
from Taiwan. The city boasts a history of around
2,000 years, dating from the third century A.D.
when it was known as Yechang. It is also still
substantially influenced by Buddhism. There are
altogether six state-listed key temples in Fuzhou
- Yongquan Temple, Xichan Temple, Linyang Temple,
Dizang Temple, Wanfu Temple and Xuefeng Temple,
which is the largest number in China. The city
is also known for its profuse springs that cover
a seventh of the urban area, hence the nickname
as the "City of Springs". Nowadays,
many of the hotels, most notably the Hot Spring
Hotel, claim hot spring water supplies.
Despite a rich Chinese tradition,
the people of Fujian are known for their nomadic
tendencies. For thousands of years the locals
have been upping their roots, untethering family
ties and setting sails. Today, over 2.5 million
overseas Chinese from some 50 countries claim
to have ancestors from Fujian.
Even in ancient times, when emperors
attached great importance to slightly myopic policies
of self reliance, Fuzhou used to be a major gateway
to the outside world. Every year thousands of
merchants would sail for months to and from Fuzhou
to trade in tea, china and silk, etc. Fuzhou is
nowadays reemerging as a crucial seaport city
and manufacturing center of southeast China.
Although not the best city for travelers,
Fuzhou does have a few redeeming factors. The
Yu Hill and West Lake Garden are half decent parks,
and the giant banyan trees are scattered about
the area. True Maoists should also head to Wuyi
Square to view the massive statue of the great
helmsman presiding there.
|
