Fuzhou, also known as the city of banyans, is the capital of Fujian province. As a renowned Chinese historic and cultural city, Fuzhou covers a total area of 12,000 km² and is home to a permanent population of 8.47 million.
Fuzhou has a long history and rich cultural heritage. With a history of more than 2,200 years and a spirit of inclusiveness, Fuzhou has nurtured the Mindu Culture, exemplified by the Tanshishan historic sites, Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, Fujian Navy Yard, and Shoushan Stone. The city has produced a galaxy of outstanding figures.
Fuzhou features convenient transportation and a unique geographical location. Located in the southeastern part of China, Fuzhou faces Taiwan across the Strait, stands close to Hong Kong and Macao, and has a close relationship with Southeast Asian countries. Its multi-dimensional and integrated sea, land, and air transport network has continued to improve. As one of 25 major Chinese coastal ports, Fuzhou Port handles a cargo throughput of over 300 million tons annually, ranking among the top 20 worldwide. The Fuzhou Changle International Airport now runs 115 domestic and international air routes, with an annual passenger traffic of more than 10 million.
Fuzhou boasts a thriving economy and broad development prospects. It has been granted preferential policies by the central government including the Demonstration Zone for Integrated Cross-Strait Development, Fuzhou New Area, the Core Area of the Maritime Silk Road, Fuzhou Area of China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone, National Pilot Zone for Ecological Conservation, National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone, and Demonstration Zone of Marine Economy Development. The China-Indonesia "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project stands as a flagship project of the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Fuzhou boasts six 100-billion-yuan industries and 19 enterprises with an annual revenue of over RMB 10 billion. In 2023, its GDP exceeded RMB 1.29 trillion, with an increase of 5.2%. Since the start of reform and opening up, Fuzhou’s paid-in foreign investment has exceeded USD 29 billion.
Fuzhou is close to Taiwan, home to many overseas Chinese, and boasts a high level of openness. Over 4.3 million overseas Chinese of Fuzhou ancestry live and work in more than 170 countries and regions worldwide. There are more than 800,000 people of Fuzhou origin living in Taiwan, playing a crucial role in promoting cross-strait integration and opening up. The city invests in and trades with over 200 countries and regions. It has established friendship city relationship with 23 foreign cities, enlarging an international circle of friends.
Fuzhou has beautiful natural landscapes. As a riverfront and coastal city, Fuzhou features a pleasant environment and climate. It is home to major national scenic spots such as Gushan Mountain and Qingyun Mountain, 5A tourist attraction Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, over 150 famous historic sites, and 37 gardens of various types. It ranks second among Chinese provincial capitals in forest coverage and fourth among 168 major Chinese cities in air quality.
In recent years, Fuzhou has vigorously promoted the digital economy, marine economy, green economy, and culture and tourism economy, with a focus on building itself into a smart, open, green, and livable city brimming with innovation and vitality. In addition, Fuzhou has won the China "Internet Plus Government Services" Innovation Award and the first Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities.
