The City of Banyans is distinct from the mainstream inland cultures of central China, and in details varies from other areas of Maritime China
Language and art
Besides Mandarin Chinese, local residents of Fuzhou also speak Fuzhou dialect, a language that is considered to be the standard form of the Min Dong dialect.
Min opera, also known as Fuzhou drama, is one of the major operas in Fujian Province. It enjoys popularity in Fuzhou area, and neighboring parts of Fujian such as the northeast and northwest areas where the Fuzhou dialect is spoken, as well as in Taiwan and the Malay Archipelago. It became a fixed opera in the early 20th century. There are more than 1000 plays of Min opera, most of which originate from folk tales, historical novels, or ancient legends, including such traditional plays as "Making Seal", "The Purple Jade Hairpin" and "Switching Fairy Peach with Litchi".
Religion
The two traditional mainstream religions practiced in Fuzhou are Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism. Traditionally, many people practice both religions simultaneously. The city is also home to many Buddhist monasteries/Taoist temples and Buddhist monks.
Islam and Christianity are practised to a lesser degree.
Apart from mainstream religions, a number of religious worship sites of various local religions, are situated in the streets and lanes of Fuzhou.
The origins of local religion can be dated back centuries. These diverse religions incorporated elements such as gods and doctrines from other religions and cultures, such as totem worship and traditional legends. For example, Monkey King, originated to monkey worship among local ancients, gradually came to embody the God of Wealth in Fuzhou after the novel [[Journey to the West]] was issued in Ming dynasty.
As the most popular religion in the Min River Valley, the worship of Lady Linshui (临水夫人) is viewed as one of the three most influential local religions in Fujian, the other two being the worship of Mazu (妈祖) and Baosheng Dadi (保生大帝).
Local cuisine
Fuzhou cuisine is one of the four traditional cooking styles of Fujian cuisine, which in turn is of the eight Chinese regional cuisines. Dishes are light but flavourful, with particular emphasis on umami taste, known in Chinese cooking as "xiānwèi" (traditional Chinese: 鮮味; simplified Chinese: 鲜味), as well as retaining the original flavour of the main ingredients instead of masking them. In Fuzhou cuisine, the taste is light compared to that of some other Chinese cooking styles, and often have a mixed sweet and sour taste. Soup, served as a indispensable dish in meals, is cooked in various ways with local seasonal fresh vegetables and seafood.
Special crafts
Bodiless lacquerwares (脱胎漆器), paper umbrellas (纸伞) and horn combs (角梳) are the "Three Treasures" of Fuzhou traditional arts. In addition, bodiless lacquerwares, cork pictures (软木画) and Shoushan stone sculptures (寿山石雕) are called "Three Superexcellences" of Fuzhou.
OPEN HOURS Sunday - Thursday:
10:30 am - 9:30 pm
Friday - Saturday:
10:30 am - 10:00 pm
