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Songkou Ancient Town, located in the southwest of Yongtai County, Fuzhou City, is the only Chinese historical and cultural town in Fuzhou. Known as Songyang in ancient times, Songkou boasts a long history. Ancient Yue people lived there as early as the Neolithic period, and eight Neolithic sites have been discovered. During the Southern Song Dynasty, Songkou gradually developed into a thriving small market. After it was established as a town during the Yuan Dynasty, it gradually became a major southwestern Yongtai town, boasting a dense population, a constant flow of cargo ships, and a thriving commercial port.
The town's most famous historic house is the Yongtan House in Xiaban Village, built over 160 years ago . According to descendants, Yongtan House is most famous for its sixteen folding screens, which have been passed down through six generations. These screens are carved from precious yellow pear wood and gilded with gold leaf by Changle goldsmiths. The entire house took 27 years to build, and the carving of these sixteen panels alone took 24 years.
At present, there are more than 120 magnificent and quaint ancient houses and many mysterious drum towers, ancient castles, ancient temples, etc. preserved, which convey the prosperity of Songkou in the past and tell the vicissitudes of the history of the ancient town on this ancient land.
These ancient dwellings are scattered all over the place, hidden deep in the mountain streams and rivers, and in the fields. Each one has its own unique features with carved beams and painted buildings, rich in the southern architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The courtyard halls, corridors, house eaves, window lattices, door lintels, foundation stones and beams are full of ancient carving arts such as wood carvings, stone carvings, brick carvings, clay sculptures, murals, etc. The carvings are delicate, the patterns are bright and clear, and the pictures are fresh and lively. It is known as the " Folk Ancient Dwelling Museum " .
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Songkou Ancient Town is a historic town in Fuzhou, famous for its well-preserved ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage. It has long been an important trade and cultural hub in the region and remains a vibrant reminder of Fujian's past.
Songkou Ancient Town is located in the northern part of Fuzhou, about 40 km from the city center. You can reach it by taxi or bus. The town is not accessible by metro, but public buses run regularly from downtown Fuzhou.
The town is open all day for exploration, with most attractions accessible from early morning to evening. The best times to visit are in spring or autumn when the weather is mild, and the town is less crowded.
There is no entrance fee to explore the town itself. Some specific attractions, like temples or museums, may charge a small fee. Tickets can be purchased on-site.
No advance booking is necessary for the town itself. If you plan to visit specific attractions, it's advisable to check for any special events or temporary closures.
A visit to Songkou Ancient Town can take about 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the streets, shops, and local sites. For a more leisurely visit, half a day is recommended.
Guided tours are available, but it's best to check with local tour agencies. English-speaking guides may be limited, so a Chinese-speaking guide is more common.
Start at the main entrance and explore the ancient streets first, followed by a visit to the local temples. End your visit with a walk along the river for some scenic views and relaxation.
Night visits are possible, but there are no major light shows or special night tours. The town has a peaceful atmosphere at night, which is ideal for a quiet walk.
The town can get crowded on weekends and during holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the morning.
The town has basic facilities like public restrooms and rest areas. There are small shops offering local snacks and souvenirs. It's best to bring your own water, as not all areas have drinking water stations.
The town is mostly accessible, but some of the streets and temples may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven pathways. Children can enjoy walking around the town and visiting the cultural sites.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely used and preferred in most places.
Vegetarian options are available at many local restaurants. Halal food options are limited, but there are some restaurants in Fuzhou city catering to Muslim diets.
There are small souvenir shops selling local crafts, Fujian tea, and traditional snacks. Handicrafts such as pottery and embroidery are also popular souvenirs.
