subject: Top Cities in Fujian Province [print this page] Fujian Province, with its capital Fuzhou, is on China's southeastern coast. It faces the island province of Taiwan across Taiwan Strait to the east. Neighboring provinces are Zhejiang to the north, Jiangxi to the west, and Guangdong to the south. Fujian occupies an area of around 120,000 square kilometers (about 46,335 square miles). Its permanent resident population is slightly above 34.7 million. Many minority ethnic groups live in Fujian province: Hui, Miao and Manchu.
1. Fuzhou
Located in the lower reaches of the Min River, the capital city of Fujian Province, Fuzhou City is situated in the eastern part of the Province. Fuzhou, the center of economy, politicsl, culture and transportation of Fujian Province, was so named after a mountain situated in the north called Mt. Fu. Additionally, many banyans were planted in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), and now provide shade for the entire city giving it another good name - Rong Cheng (Banyan City). Besides, the city is renowned for both quality and quantity of hot springs throughout China. The cultured sights of Fuzhou are not as overwhelming as many of the top attractions in China, but the modern infrastructures of supporting establishments for tourism are complete, and a dazzling array of local dishes and snacks await your patronage.
2. Quanzhou
Quanzhou, also called Licheng and Citong Cheng in Pinyin, is one of the most famous historical and cultural cities in China. It is an important seaport located in southeast Fujian Province and is the economic and political center of the province. To its east is Taiwan separated from Quanzhou by the East Sea, making Quanzhou the famous mother town of Chinese compatriots in Taiwan and overseas. The climate is warm and humid, comfortable for year-round travel, making Quanzhou a popular tourist destination.
3. Xiamen
Located at the southeast coast of China, Xiamen is a tourist city of Fujian Province famous for its attractive seascape. As one of the major seaports since ancient times, Xiamen boasts a wide gulf with deep water but without freezing and silting. The name of 'Xiamen' was consequently given, which means 'a gate of China'. As one of the forerunners of the special economic zones of China, Xiamen mainly consisting of Xiamen Island, Gulangyu Island, the north bank area of the Jiulong River and Tong'an County, is connected with the mainland by the Gaoji Seawall, Xiamen Bridge, etc. Xiamen has been called the Egret Island because of the hundreds of thousands of egrets inhabiting there. This is due to the beautiful natural scenery, the fresh air and the clean environment of the city.
4. Putian
Location: Situated in the central part of the coastal area of Fujian Province, Putian neighbors Fuzhou in the northeast and Quanzhou in the southeast, separated from Taiwan by the Taiwan Strait. History: Putian County was formed in the year of 568. Over the hundreds of years following that, it was abolished and then re-established several times. Through all these major and minor changes, Putian City emerged in 1983.
5. Sanming
Location: Situated in the northwest of Fujian Province, Sanming City neighbors Fuzhou in the east, Quanzhou in the south and is bounded on the west by Jiangxi Province.
History: Jiangle County was the first county in Sanming established in the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). For thousands of years, Jiangle County has remained until now, and more counties were established in this area. The name of the city 'Sanming' came from the combination of the two counties, Sanyuan and Mingxi, which constitute the city proper.
