Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, a travel enthusiast with a deep passion for exploring the world. Over the years, I’ve traveled to every corner of the globe, falling in love with the history, culture, and immersive travel experiences I encounter. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through Fuzhou’s Shangxia Hang Historical Street, a district that carries centuries of history and rich commercial culture. If, like me, you have a keen interest in history and culture, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this journey into one of China’s most storied streets.

Summary

Shangxia Hang Historical Street Introduction

Shangxia Hang Historical Street is a AAAA-level tourist attraction in China, located along the central axis of Fuzhou city. Covering an area of 31.73 square kilometers, this district reached the peak of its commercial development during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China period. It combines trade, guild culture, and folk belief traditions, making it an important hub for both the origins of Fujian merchants and a key node in the Maritime Silk Road. Often referred to as “Fuzhou’s Traditional Commercial Museum,” Shangxia Hang still retains its layout from the Republic of China era. The district’s trade culture, guild culture, belief systems, and Confucian merchant traditions remain well-preserved, making it a true historical and cultural street.

  • Address: No. 82 Xing’an Bridge Road, Xinghe Alley, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, Fujian, China (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours, but most attractions are open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  • Suggested Visit Time: 3 to 4 hours.
  • Best Time to Visit: Year-round.
  • Admission: Free entry.
Aerial view of Shangxia Hang street and river.

Shangxia Hang Map

Illustrated map of Shangxia Hang area.

Why You Should Visit Shangxia Hang Historical Street

The Birthplace of Fujian Merchant Spirit

Shangxia Hang Historical Street once served as the financial and commercial center of Fuzhou from the Ming to the Republic of China period and is known as “Fuzhou’s Traditional Commercial Museum.” At its peak, over 260 shops and 40 money shops (or banks) thrived here, making it the starting point for Fujian merchants heading to Southeast Asia, and an important node in the Maritime Silk Road. The district is home to 14 guild halls, including the Yongde Guild Hall and the Gutian Guild Hall, which stand as witnesses to the prosperity of the Fujian merchant associations and the integration of Eastern and Western cultures.

Unlike the Ming and Qing architectural styles seen in Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, Shangxia Hang is primarily composed of early Republican-style buildings, which blend Chinese and Western influences. The district features “foreign-style” brick buildings with soaring commercial buildings, exquisite carvings, and gray sculptures that create a unique urban texture. Iconic historical buildings, such as Caifeng Villa, Gao’s Wenchang Pavilion, and Luo’s Silk Shop, have been revitalized, allowing visitors to step back in time to the early 20th century, when the area was known as a bustling “foreign concessions.”

The Authentic Local Atmosphere

What makes Shangxia Hang so special is that it’s not just a commercialized tourist attraction—it’s still a living neighborhood, home to local residents. The air is filled with the fragrance of jasmine from old tea stalls, and street corners are lined with local stores selling shrimp oil-flavored pastries. The district’s unique charm lies in its vibrant blend of old-school shops and modern creative stores. You can sample the iconic Meat Dumplings at the century-old restaurant Tongli Rouyan, or try a bowl of Taro Paste with Peanut Soup at Bindeqiao Mi Shi Guo, tasting the most authentic flavors of Fuzhou.

Top Things to Do in Shangxia Hang Historical Street

Major Attractions

Shangxia Hang Historical Street is primarily explored by walking along the roads of Shanghang Road, Xiahang Road, and Santong Road. Here are some must-see attractions. Please note that most of the attractions are open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Shui Bu Shang Shu Temple

Shui Bu Shang Shu Temple is dedicated to the ancient water affairs officials of Fuzhou, known as the Shui Bu Shang Shu. The temple houses the statue of the Shui Bu Shang Shu, highlighting Fuzhou’s emphasis on water management. The temple’s architectural style is both ancient and elegant, showcasing typical Fuzhou traditional temple culture. Visitors can immerse themselves in the strong religious atmosphere here while learning how water management contributed to the prosperity and development of Fuzhou and the greater Fujian region.

Shui Bu Shang Shu Temple with religious decorations.

Zhang Zhen Jun Ancestral Temple

Zhang Zhen Jun Ancestral Temple is an important Taoist site in Fuzhou. It is dedicated to Zhang Zhen Jun, a revered Taoist deity symbolizing longevity and well-being. The temple’s solemn and intricate architecture reflects classic Fuzhou Taoist architectural features. Every year, thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit to pray for health and long life.

Interior of Zhang Zhenjun Ancestral Hall.

Fuzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall

The Fuzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall is a venue dedicated to showcasing traditional Fuzhou crafts and intangible cultural heritage. The hall features rich exhibits, including Fuzhou craft umbrellas, embroidery, wood carvings, and ceramics. These displays highlight the city’s profound cultural legacy. Visitors can admire the exquisite traditional handicrafts while understanding Fuzhou’s historical contributions to cultural craftsmanship.

Display of cultural heritage artifacts in Fuzhou.

Caifeng Villa

Caifeng Villa is a historical villa built in the style of the Republic of China period, once owned by Malaysia’s wealthiest businessman, Yang Hongbin. The villa blends Western design with local culture, displaying Fuzhou’s unique architectural artistry. The villa features elements such as South Asian floral tiles, Roman arch windows, Chinese mortise-and-tenon window frames, and Gothic stained glass windows. The 60-meter-long stone path and custom “Caifeng” inscription tiles are marked with traces of history.

  • Inside the villa, there is a café and a gift shop, providing a great spot to rest and relax.
The historic Caifeng Villa entrance.

Though Shangxia Hang Historical Street is not large, there are many attractions to visit. Most visitors start from the nearby subway station. Here’s a suggested walking route:

  • Dadao Subway Station C Exit → Chen Wenlong Shangshu Temple → Cross Santong Bridge to the Tourist Center (grab a guide map) → Yongde Guild Hall → Zhang Zhen Jun Ancestral Temple → Xing’an Bridge → Guanyin An → Suigong Pavilion → Jinyin Lane → Xiankang Canhao → Luo’s Silk Shop (Fuzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall) → Fuzhou No. 8 Plastic Factory (Bamin Merchants’ Wharf Museum) → He’s Ancestral Hall → Fuzhou Chamber of Commerce → Caifeng Villa → Jianjun Guild Hall → Gutian Guild Hall

Shangxia Hang offers a wide variety of restaurants where you can try traditional Fuzhou specialties such as Meat Dumplings, Lychee Pork, and Peanut Soup. For more Fuzhou food recommendations, check out our Fuzhou Food Guide.

Local Fuzhou street food, dumplings and fish balls being cooked.

We recommend staying near the Dongjiekou Subway Station next to Sanfang Qixiang, Fuzhou’s city center. This area is surrounded by shopping malls and food streets, with Sanfang Qixiang just a short walk away. From here, you can easily take the subway to reach Shangxia Hang Historical Street and Gushan. For more hotel recommendations, check out our Fuzhou Hotel Guide.

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 Shangxia Hang from Fuzhou City Center

It’s easy to reach Shangxia Hang via the Fuzhou Metro. Take Line 1 and get off at Dadao Station, Exit C, then walk 7 minutes to the historical street. It will take about 30 minutes, and the fare is 2 CNY.

FAQ

Is Shangxia Hang suitable for strollers and wheelchairs?

Most areas are fairly accessible, though some parts may be slightly bumpy or require walking up a few steps. Overall, it is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

Where can I store my luggage?

There are luggage storage lockers at Dadao Subway Station near Shangxia Hang, with prices ranging from 3 to 6 CNY per hour. Additionally, some nearby shops offer luggage storage services for a similar price.

Essential Fuzhou Travel Resources