A Sweet 3-Day Guide for Couples in Fuzhou: Tested and Guaranteed to Blow Up Your Social Media!

As someone who just returned from Fuzhou with my partner, our 3-day, 2-night romantic getaway was perfect! Combining our personal experiences with travel guides, I've put together this super practical itinerary and food guide to help you avoid the tourist traps! Day 1: A Citywalk Weaving Through Ancient Charm and Bustling Life Itinerary: Sanfang Qixiang (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys) → Lin Zexu Memorial Hall → Hua Xiang Church → Shangxiahang Night View - In the morning, head straight to Sanfang Qixiang (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys), known as "half of China's modern history." Stroll hand-in-hand through the bluestone alleys, check out the Sanfang Qixiang-Love Tree and the popular ancient-house cafes. I recommend the shark meatballs at Yonghe Fish Balls (Nanhou Street Branch) and the freshly wrapped meat swallow dumplings at Tongli Rouyan Old Shop (Sanfang Qixiang Branch) . One bite and you'll be filled with the old flavors of Fuzhou. - In the afternoon, take a 10-minute walk to Lin Zexu Memorial Hall to appreciate the patriotism of this national hero (free and not crowded, perfect for a quiet chat). Then, head to the pink Hua Xiang Church, a modern building with stained glass windows that's perfect for taking Instagram-worthy couple photos (note that it's only open for internal visits on weekends). - In the evening, take a taxi to Shangxiahang. When the lanterns light up along the riverbank, it's like a scene from a Jiangnan water town. I recommend enjoying the river view while eating sweet and sour pork at Wangzhuang Ami Seafood Restaurant (Shangxiahang Branch). The fried liver and fish dumplings are must-orders! Day 2: Romance Blending Nature and Ritual Itinerary: Fuzhou National Forest Park → Love Island → Yantai Mountain Stroll - In the morning, go to Fuzhou National Forest Park to breathe in the fresh air. Walk hand-in-hand through the ancient banyan tree forest, and you might even encounter free-range peacocks (remember to wear comfortable shoes). - In the afternoon, I highly recommend the new romantic destination for couples: Love Island on Jiangxin Island! With its heart-shaped marriage registry, Cupid tree, and lawn of true love, we booked a picnic setup in advance and exchanged handwritten letters by the Acacia Bridge, creating the perfect atmosphere. - In the evening, head to the artistic Yantai Mountain, where century-old foreign buildings meet trendy shops. I recommend pairing "Cui Jiang Fried Chicken" with beer and enjoying the healing view of the Min River at night from the rooftop. Day 3: Limited Island Romance Itinerary: Pingtan Island Tear-Chasing Trip - Take a 1.5-hour chartered car ride to Pingtan Island. Rent an electric bike and cycle around the island. The fine sand and blue sea of Tannan Bay are perfect for taking couple photos. In the evening, watch a sunset at the windmills on Changjiang Ao Beach. The highlight is the "blue tears," which are only visible from April to June! We were lucky enough to see the fluorescent waves on Longfengtou Beach, like crushed diamonds scattered in the dark sea. My partner exclaimed, "It's even more dazzling than diamonds!" Food Recommendations (Personally Tested) - Fotiaoqiang (Buddha Jumps Over the Wall): The signature dish of Juchunyuan, it's a bit pricey per person, but the soup is rich and mellow. - Guobianhu (Pot Edge Paste): The wood-fired pot edge paste + shrimp crisps are the soul of breakfast, and it's only CNY 5 to fill you up. - Peanut Soup: The peanut soup at Mei Ya Bo Peanut Soup Shop (Laoyaozhou Branch) is sweet but not greasy, and it's perfect with taro paste. - Seafood: The stir-fried double crisp at Wangzhuang Ami and the fish dumplings at Lao Chuanzhang are incredibly delicious. Tips: Fuzhou has a developed public transportation system with buses and subways, but the attractions are scattered, so I recommend taking taxis. For accommodation, choose Sanfang Qixiang or Dongjiekou, which are convenient for getting around the city center. I recommend the Meixiyueshe Hotel (Sanfang Qixiang Dongjiekou Subway Station Branch).