Humanistic Ingenuity—The Spiritual Temple of Celebrities and the Timeless Beauty of Architecture
The soul of Three Lanes and Seven Alleys lies in the names of those who once lived here and the architectural legacy they left behind.
The Light of Celebrities:The Cradle of Modern Chinese Thought
Lin Zexu Memorial Hall:Located on Macau Road,it commemorates Lin Zexu,the"first person to open his eyes to the world"and a national hero.The hall's Imperial Stele Pavilion,Shude Hall,and exhibition hall display Lin Zexu's life and deeds,as well as historical materials on the Humen Opium Destruction,making it an important base for patriotic education.Admission is free,but advance reservations are required.
Yan Fu's Former Residence:Located in Langguan Lane,this is the later residence of Yan Fu,a modern enlightenment thinker,translator,and translator of On the Origin of Species.The architecture blends traditional Fuzhou residential style with Western elements,and the lychee tree planted by Yan Fu in the backyard still flourishes.
Lin Juemin and Bing Xin's Former Residence:Located in Yangqiao Lane(now Yangqiao Road),this house houses two famous figures.It is where Lin Juemin,one of the Seventy-Two Martyrs of Huanghuagang,wrote A Letter to My Wife,and it is also the ancestral home of the famous writer Bing Xin.A copy of the original A Letter to My Wife can be seen in the residence;every word is heart-wrenching and deeply moving.
Shen Baozhen's Former Residence:Located in Gong Lane,this is one of the oldest and most historically and culturally valuable ancient houses in the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys area.As the son-in-law of Lin Zexu and Minister of the Naval Academy,Shen Baozhen lived here for many years.The renovated residence now houses the"Shen Baozhen's Founding of the Naval Academy and Inspection of Taiwan"exhibition.
The Beauty of Architecture:An Open-Air Museum of Ming and Qing Dynasty Architecture
The more than 200 ancient buildings in Three Lanes and Seven Alleys(Three Lanes and Seven Alleys)provide excellent models for studying Ming and Qing architecture.
Waterside Stage:Located in Yijin Lane,this is the best-preserved Qing Dynasty residential stage in Fuzhou and the only ancient stage built on water.The caisson ceiling carvings are exquisite.Listening to a Min opera performance here in summer when the lotus flowers are in full bloom is like traveling through time.Min opera excerpts are performed daily at 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM.
Xiaohuanglou(Little Yellow Building):Situated in Huang Lane,this is one of the most exquisite classical gardens still existing in Fuzhou.The Taihu stone rockery,the half-pavilion,and the snow cave(a natural air conditioner in summer)each have their own unique features.Around 3 PM,sunlight filters through the latticed windows,creating beautiful light and shadow effects,a favorite spot for photographers.
Ermei Study:Located in Ta Lane,this is the former residence of Lin Xingzhang,a Qing Dynasty bibliophile.The existing ancient bookshelves and reading space have been restored,and the gray-plastered seven-star cave in the backyard offers an excellent photo opportunity.
Ouyang Family Flower Hall:Located in Yijin Lane,it boasts the most exquisite existing folk-style stage in Fuzhou,with intricate and ornate coffered ceiling carvings.
Photography Tips:
The best panoramic viewpoint is the observation deck on the 10th floor of the Dongbai Center in the middle section of Nanhou Street,offering a magnificent view of the undulating green-tiled roofs;the waterside stage is ideal for photographing ancient buildings and their reflections in the water,with the best light in the afternoon;the lantern corridor in Huangxiang,illuminated at night,is a perfect setting for Hanfu(traditional Han clothing)photoshoots;the Heart Tree(middle section of Nanhou Street)is most beautiful at 3 PM and has become a new urban landmark of Fuzhou.
Natural Creation–The Charm of Gardens and Ancient Trees in the Lanes and Alleys
Although located in the bustling city,the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys are not lacking in natural charm.
Waterside Stage and Flower Hall Garden:The waterside stage in Yijin Lane perfectly integrates architecture and water,with koi swimming in the pond and lush flowers and trees along the banks,making it a model of classical Fuzhou gardens.
The Artificial Rockery and Unique Stones of Xiaohuanglou:The Taihu stone artificial rockery within Xiaohuanglou in Huangxiang Alley is exquisitely shaped,with winding paths leading to secluded spots,complementing the Banbian Pavilion and showcasing the delicate charm of Jiangnan gardens.
Ancient Trees and Famous Trees:Numerous ancient trees are scattered throughout the alleys.The lychee tree in the backyard of Yan Fu's former residence and the ancient banyan tree in the Lin Zexu Memorial Hall are witnesses to the passage of time.Strolling among them,the lush greenery,birdsong,and fragrant flowers make one forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
Guanglu Yintai:Located in Guanglu Lane,this is one of the four famous stones of Fuzhou,bearing numerous inscriptions by literati throughout history,a testament to the gatherings of Fuzhou's literati.
