Fuzhou
Fuzhou
Fuzhou originated in the 13th year of Kaiyuan in the Tang Dynasty (725 AD) and was named after the "Fushan" in its northwest suburbs. The city has a history of over 2,000 years and has produced historical figures like Lin Zexu. As early as the Neolithic Age, there were traces of human activities in Fuzhou. During the Qin and Han dynasties, Fuzhou came under the central government's control and gradually became an important city on the southeast coast.
Fuzhou had a prosperous economy and culture during the Tang Dynasty. During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, Wang Shenzhi ruled Fujian and actively developed overseas trade, making Fuzhou an important port. Fuzhou education was well-developed during the Song Dynasty, and many academies and literati emerged. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Fuzhou's commerce and handicraft industries developed further, and tea and silk were exported overseas. Fuzhou is also one of the earliest open trading ports in modern China, and introducing Western culture brought new elements to the city.
In terms of architecture, Three Lanes and Seven Alleys in Fuzhou is unique; it preserves many ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties and showcases Fuzhou’s traditional architectural style and lifestyle. Regarding folk culture, the people deeply love Fuzhou's Minnan opera, storytelling and other art forms. Fuzhou has a rich and colourful history and culture, which has witnessed the rise and fall and development of this city and left valuable treasures for future generations.
Fuzhou is rich in diverse customs, with "Zuo Nian" (Celebrating the New Year) divided into four stages. This period spans from the first day of the twelfth lunar month, known as "Xian Tang" (Cleaning the Ancestral Hall), to the "Ao Jiu Festival" on the ninth day of the first lunar month. During this time, numerous traditional activities take place, such as the "Wei Ya" (End-of-Year Feast) on the sixteenth day of the twelfth lunar month and the "Ji Zao" (Kitchen God Worship) on the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth lunar month. During these festive periods, people enjoy a variety of traditional foods. For instance, eating "Xian Mian" (thin noodles) with duck eggs is customary on the first day of the Lunar New Year. "Chun Bing" (spring pancakes) are typically served during the Spring Wine Banquet.
Fuzhou also has many unique customs in daily life, such as interpersonal relationships, seasonal festivals, weddings, funerals, and other celebrations. For example, there are a series of requirements from proposing marriage to the wedding banquet. These customs reflect the local history, culture, lifestyle and traditional concepts. Although they have evolved and simplified over time, they are still essential to local culture and vary in detail between regions and families.