Things To Do
in Fuqing

Springy, bouncy fish or meat-stuffed balls often served in a clear broth; available at markets, breakfast stalls and small family restaurants.

Must-Try!

A rich, ceremonial soup with seafood and meat ingredients; usually served in specialized restaurants or on special occasions.

Slow-braised pork belly or lighter broths flavored with local soy and rice wine—commonly found in neighborhood eateries.

Simple fried seafood snacks and oyster omelettes at night markets or coastal stalls.

Morning wet markets sell fresh catches, live seafood and produce—perfect for trying local snacks and photographing food stalls. In the evenings, small street vendors sell fried snacks, skewers and sweets near transport hubs.

Small streets and alleys near busier neighborhoods where locals gather for late-night snacks and light meals; try skewers, rice noodle soups and sesame cakes.

Be respectful when photographing or entering temples—dress modestly, avoid blocking worship activities and ask before photographing people praying.

Use polite phrases, a calm tone and avoid confrontational behavior; saving face is culturally important, so handle disagreements gently.

In some traditional homes or smaller guesthouses you may be asked to remove shoes—follow hosts’ cues.

Many locals speak the Fuzhou (Mindong) dialect; Mandarin is widely understood but speaking slowly and using simple Mandarin phrases helps.

Tipping is not customary in most local restaurants or taxis, though rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated. In higher-end hotels or tourist-oriented services, small tips may be accepted but are not expected.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate daily transactions—carry a Chinese bank card or cash if you don’t have mobile payment set up. Major hotels and some restaurants accept credit cards; small stalls and markets are cash-only.

Mild temperatures, occasional rain and increasing humidity; good for visiting markets and temples as crowds are moderate. Bring a light rain jacket and layers.

Hot, humid and often rainy with the influence of the East Asian monsoon; coastal breezes can help but expect high humidity and sudden downpours. Best for seafood and beach scenes but bring sun protection and mosquito repellent.

Generally the most pleasant season with cooler, drier weather and clearer skies—great for photography and outdoor walks. Pack a light jacket for mornings and evenings.

Mild to cool and damp rather than freezing; heating is limited in some buildings so layers are useful. Foggy days are possible and seafood markets remain lively year-round.

The nearest major airport serving Fuzhou region—about an hour’s drive to Fuqing depending on traffic. Offers domestic flights and some international connections; ground options include taxis, buses and private transfers.

A larger international airport farther to the southwest; reachable by train or a longer bus/car ride and useful if combining Fuqing with a trip to Xiamen or southern Fujian.

Vegetarian options are available but limited; ask for vegetable-based soups, tofu dishes and stir-fried vegetables. Use the Mandarin phrase “我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)” to indicate vegetarian; confirm no fish sauce or meat stock if strictly vegetarian.

More challenging due to common use of meat stocks and fish sauces—explain restrictions clearly and choose simple vegetable or tofu dishes; bringing a translation card helps.

Rice-based dishes are common, but soy sauce contains wheat—request dishes without soy or with light seasoning and confirm preparation methods.

Seafood is prevalent—state allergies clearly in Mandarin (for example, “我对海鲜过敏 (wǒ duì hǎixiān guòmǐn)” for seafood allergy) and consider carrying medication if you have severe allergies.