General Information
Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province, got its name because of the Fu Mountain to the north. It is the political, cultural, and economic center of the province and the largest city in Fujian, receiving much of its investment from Taiwan. The city's recorded history dates back to the third century AD, when it was known as Yechang. It is also still substantially influenced by Buddhism--altogether there are six state-listed key temples in Fuzhou, the largest number in China. The city is known for its profusion of springs and from early times has been known as the "spring city." More than 900 years ago, the people of Fuzhou planted numerous green banyan trees, which won it another name of "Banyan City."Fuzhou covers an area of 11,968 square kilometers, including 1,043 square kilometers of the urban district, with a population of over 4.8 million, among which 1.16 million live in the city proper. It governs 5 districts of Gulou, Taijiang, Cangshan, Mawei and Jin'an, as well as Fuqing City and 7 counties, Minhou, Luoyuan, Lianjiang, Changle, Pingtan, Minqing and Yongtai. There are more than 20 peoples in Fuzhou Prefecture, including the main nationality, the Hans,and such minorities as She, Manchu, Miao, and Hui.
Fuzhou produces a number of fine handicrafts, including Shoushan stone carving, Fuzhou bodiless lacquerware, gold and silver jewelry, the four treasures of the study, fireworks, bamboo and wooden furniture, cork pictures, ivory earrings, jade sculptures, wood carvings, porcelains, paper umbrellas, paper lanterns, and horn combs.
Despite valuing a rich Chinese tradition, the people of Fujian are known for their nomadic tendencies. Today, over 2.5 million overseas Chinese in at least 50 countries claim to have ancestors from Fujian.
Even in ancient times, when emperors attached great importance to 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. Fuzhou is currently re-emerging as a crucial seaport city and manufacturing center of southeast China.
Internet sites about Fuzhou