Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, a seasoned traveler with extensive international experience. I have a passion for delving into history, culture, and deep exploration. In this article, I will take you to the heart of Fuzhou’s history—Three Lanes and Seven Alleys—to explore this historical and cultural district that blends ancient charm with modern allure. Whether you are interested in architectural art or want to experience the rich traditions of Fuzhou, Three Lanes and Seven Alleys offers a visually and spiritually enriching journey.

Summary

Introduction to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys

Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, formally known as the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Historical and Cultural District, is a top-rated national AAAA scenic area in China. Originating during the Jin Dynasty, it took shape during the Tang and Five Dynasties, became more complete in the Song Dynasty, and flourished during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is hailed as a “living fossil” of the ancient “Li Fang System” and as a “Ming and Qing Architectural Museum.” The district is centered around South Back Street, with the three lanes on the west side: Yijin Lane, Wenru Lane, and Guanglu Lane, and seven alleys on the east side: Yangqiao Alley, Langguan Alley, Ta Alley, Huang Alley, Anmin Alley, Gong Alley, and Jibi Alley, collectively known as the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys. It is not only the most representative historical and cultural district in Fuzhou but also one of the largest and best-preserved historical areas in China.

  • Address: 6 Wenrufang, Gulou District, Fuzhou City (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours; most shops and attractions are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Recommended Visit Duration: 3 to 4 hours
  • Best Seasons to Visit: All year round
  • Admission: Free; some attractions inside may charge an entry fee, which can be paid on-site.
Heart-shaped tree in Three Lanes and Seven Alleys

Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Map

Map of Three Lanes and Seven Alleys scenic area

Why You Should Visit Three Lanes and Seven Alleys

An Open-Air Museum of Architectural Art

Three Lanes and Seven Alleys is one of the best-preserved Tang and Song Dynasty alley layouts in urban China, hailed as a “living fossil” of the ancient “Li Fang System” and a “Ming and Qing Architectural Museum.” The district retains over 200 ancient buildings, with 15 of them being national key cultural heritage sites. The white walls, dark tiles, horsehead walls, and intricately carved window frames reflect the ultimate aesthetic and architectural wisdom of traditional Fuzhou residences.

A Hometown of Historical Figures, A Continuation of Culture

This area has been home to many historical figures who shaped modern Chinese history, including Lin Zexu, Yan Fu, Shen Baozhen, Lin Juemin, Bingxin, and Chen Baozhen, among others. Visiting their former residences, such as Lin Juemin and Bingxin’s former homes, Yan Fu’s residence, and Shen Baozhen’s residence, is like flipping through a three-dimensional history book of modern China, experiencing the stirring of intellectual awakening and patriotism.

Experience Intangible Cultural Heritage

The “Hairpin Experience” (also known as “Three Pins” or “Three Knives”) is a popular cultural symbol among Fuzhou women. Visitors can wear a traditional silver hairpin and transform into a character from ancient times, taking photos as they stroll through the alleys of the district. It’s a uniquely Chinese cultural experience that offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in traditional Chinese fashion and style.

Top Things to Do in Three Lanes and Seven Alleys

Main Attractions

Three Lanes and Seven Alleys can be divided into the main street and the alleys on both sides. The main street tends to be the busiest, with most of the shops located there. The memorial halls are located in the alleys, which are relatively quieter, providing a different atmosphere. The alleys are also more suitable for photography.

Lin Zexu Memorial Hall

The Lin Zexu Memorial Hall is located in Three Lanes and Seven Alleys and was established to commemorate Lin Zexu, one of the most influential national heroes in modern Chinese history. The hall displays numerous historical artifacts and pictures, detailing Lin Zexu’s heroic efforts during the Opium War and his significant contributions to China’s history. Visiting the memorial allows you to learn about Lin Zexu’s life while experiencing the enduring impact of his patriotism and dedication. It’s a cultural journey rich in history and significance.

Interior of Lin Zexu Memorial Hall

Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Restoration Exhibition

The Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Restoration Exhibition showcases the challenges and efforts involved in restoring this ancient district. The exhibition provides a detailed explanation of how the district’s architecture has been preserved while retaining its traditional style. The exhibit not only displays before-and-after comparisons but also educates visitors on cultural heritage preservation and restoration techniques. This is not only a great place to learn about Fuzhou’s history but also a deep reflection on the preservation of ancient architecture and the transmission of culture.

Exhibition on the restoration and protection of Three Lanes and Seven Alleys

Bingxin’s Former Residence

Bingxin’s Former Residence, located in Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, is a landmark in modern Chinese literature. Bingxin, a prominent female writer in modern China, deeply influenced generations of readers. The residence houses her manuscripts, letters, and personal belongings. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of her literary world and life background through these exhibits. This is a sacred site for literature lovers and also a window into modern Chinese culture.

Bing Xin’s Former Residence

Hairpin Experience

The Hairpin Experience allows visitors to personally engage in Fuzhou’s traditional culture, especially appealing to those who enjoy ancient Chinese aesthetics. Here, you can wear the traditional “Three Pins” (also known as “Three Knives”), a distinctive hairstyle ornament from Fuzhou. This experience offers visitors not only a chance to take beautiful photos but also to gain a deeper understanding of traditional Fuzhou women’s culture.

  • Cost: 90 CNY, including the hairpin and clothing. Makeup and photography services are available for an additional charge. Both men and women can participate, although it’s simpler for men.
  • Duration: 40 to 60 minutes.
Traditional flower hairpin

If you have enough time, it’s recommended to start from Nanmendou (Nanmendou Metro Station) and explore the main attractions of Three Lanes and Seven Alleys. For a shorter visit, you can begin at Dongjiekou Metro Station and enjoy a quick stroll.

  • Route Recommendation (3 to 4 hours): Nanmendou Metro Station → Wuta Park → Lin Zexu Memorial Hall → Liu Family Mansion + Restoration Exhibition → Love Tree (a representative site of Three Lanes and Seven Alleys) → Shen Baozhen’s Former Residence → Bingxin’s Former Residence → Daming Food Street → Dongjiekou Metro Station

There are numerous restaurants and snack bars in Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, making it a great place to eat while exploring. However, there are not many sit-down restaurants within the district. Fortunately, right next to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys is Daming Food Street, offering a wider selection of Fujian and Taiwanese cuisine at better prices.

  • Daming Food Street Address: 186 Daming Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou City (Apple Maps/Amap)
Fuzhou cuisine - Fish ball soup (Laohua)

The area surrounding Three Lanes and Seven Alleys is one of the most popular in Fuzhou. The metro provides direct access to most of Fuzhou’s major attractions. It’s recommended to stay near Dongjiekou Metro Station, which is close to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys and surrounded by shopping malls and food streets. From here, it’s easy to take the metro to explore other historical cultural districts like the Upper and Lower Xihu and Gu Mountain. For more hotel recommendations, visit Fuzhou Hotel Recommendations.

Fuzhou Juchunyuan Hotel

Fuzhou Juchunyuan Hotel
  • Location: 2 minutes walk from Dongjie Kou Metro Station
  • Price Range: 398 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 4.7 stars
  • Special Amenities: Family rooms, Quadruple rooms

Fantastic location in the city center, a well-established hotel, conveniently located across from the Dongbai Center Mall, with various renowned local food options available. Less than a ten-minute walk to Sanfang Qixiang and Daming Food Street, directly accessible by elevator from Exit A of Metro Line 1.

Rooms are spacious with quality bedding and well-maintained cleanliness. Noteworthy is the hotel’s breakfast, which varies daily, offering a wide variety and great taste.

AtourHotel Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Fuzhou

Atour Hotel Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Fuzhou
  • Location: 4 minutes walk from Dongjie Kou Metro Station
  • Price Range: 477 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: Trip 4.7 stars
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, Gym, Robot delivery service

Great location, directly across from Sanfang Qixiang and Dongbai Center Mall, just over 200 meters to Dongjie Kou Metro Station. Convenient metro travel to Fuzhou Station, Fuzhou South Station, and Pingtan.

Rooms are small but well-equipped, clean, and comfortable. Offers disposable towels and a rich breakfast, a standard for mid-range chain hotels.

Fuzhou Dongbaifang Alley Hotel

Fuzhou Dongbaifang Alley Hotel
  • Location: 3 minutes walk from Dongjie Kou Metro Station, 8 minutes walk from Ximen Metro Station
  • Price Range: 499 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 4.8 stars
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, Gym, Children’s playground, Family rooms

Excellent location, directly leads to Ta Lane in Sanfang Qixiang, close to the metro station, located behind the Dongbai Center.

Rooms are spacious with good bedding, offering views over the entire Sanfang Qixiang. Notable also for its breakfast, which features a wide range of local Fuzhou snacks.

How to Get to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys from Downtown Fuzhou

Taking the metro is the most convenient option. Fuzhou Metro is very accessible, and Three Lanes and Seven Alleys is just next to Dongjiekou Metro Station.

Metro

Take Line 1 or Line 4 and get off at Dongjiekou Metro Station. Exit from Gate C, and you’ll find Three Lanes and Seven Alleys right beside the station. The metro ride is cheap, usually costing around 2 to 3 CNY from other parts of the city.

Taxi/Online Car-Hailing

Taking a taxi or using an online car-hailing service from other parts of downtown Fuzhou to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys costs around 15 to 20 CNY and takes about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys from Fuzhou Changle Airport

It’s recommended to take the metro directly from Fuzhou Changle Airport to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys. The Fuzhou metro system is very convenient and affordable.

Metro

The airport has a metro line that takes you directly to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys. Take the Binhai Express Line and transfer to Line 4 at Dongmen Station, then get off at Dongjiekou Station. Exit from Gate C, and you will walk to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs around 17 CNY.

Airport Shuttle Bus

There is an airport shuttle bus that goes directly to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, called the Airport Express Line to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys. The fare is 45 CNY, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Taxi/Online Car-Hailing

A taxi ride directly from the airport to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys costs about 90 CNY and takes approximately 60 minutes.

FAQ

Is Three Lanes and Seven Alleys suitable for strollers and wheelchairs?

Yes, it is very suitable. Most of the pathways are flat, though a few alleys may require going up or down a couple of stairs. Overall, it is quite accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Where can I store my luggage?

There are luggage storage lockers at Dongjiekou Metro Station, next to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys. The cost is about 3 to 6 CNY per hour, and the maximum daily fee is between 15 to 30 CNY.

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