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.