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Climb to the top of Zhenhai Tower for panoramic views of Fuzhou city, visit the museum inside the tower to learn about its history, and enjoy the scenic surroundings of Wuyi Square.
Located atop Pingshan Mountain, Fuzhou's Zhenhai Tower is a renowned tourist attraction. Construction began in 1371, the fourth year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty. Originally intended as a model for city gate towers, it was later renamed Zhenhai Tower. As the tallest tower in Fuzhou's ancient city, it served as a landmark marking the city's north direction and a sign for ships entering the city at dusk. "Viewing the Sea from the Model Tower" was once one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Fuzhou's West Lake.
Zhenhai Tower has endured over 600 years of vicissitudes, undergoing repeated destruction and reconstruction. The current Zhenhai Tower, rebuilt in 2006, comprises a base, a terrace, and a two-story pavilion, reaching a total height of 31.3 meters (of which the terrace is 10 meters high). The base houses an underground palace, while the terrace and the first floor of the pavilion serve as exhibition halls, and the second floor is a viewing and leisure area. The completed structure is appropriately proportioned in height, volume, form, and color. The pavilion offers views of Fuzhou's Three Mountains and the surrounding West Lake, perfectly aligning with the characteristics of Fuzhou's ancient city and its overall urban layout. Its double-eaved, soaring roofs evoke the majestic presence of Fuzhou's Zhenhai Tower.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for about half an hour
free
9:00-17:00
Zhenhai Tower, also known as the "Tower of the Sea," was built during the Tang Dynasty and has served as a military defense tower and a landmark in Fuzhou for centuries. It offers a glimpse into the city’s strategic importance during the imperial era.
Zhenhai Tower is located in Wuyi Square in the center of Fuzhou. It can be accessed by metro, bus, or taxi. The Fuzhou Metro Line 1 stops nearby at Wuyi Square Station, making it easy to reach the tower by public transport.
Zhenhai Tower is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler temperatures.
The entrance fee is typically 30 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through online booking platforms.
Booking in advance is not required but recommended during peak tourist seasons. Booking a day or two in advance should suffice.
You will need approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore Zhenhai Tower, including the climb to the top and a visit to the museum inside.
The main highlights include the panoramic views from the top of the tower, the historical artifacts in the museum, and the surrounding gardens that offer a relaxing atmosphere.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides in English are available at the entrance for a small fee.
The best viewpoint is from the top of the tower, where you can capture stunning views of Fuzhou’s cityscape, including the Min River and surrounding mountains.
Start by exploring the museum inside the tower, then climb to the top for panoramic views. Afterward, relax in the surrounding gardens and enjoy the peaceful environment.
Currently, Zhenhai Tower does not offer night visits or light shows. However, the tower is beautifully lit in the evening, making it a great spot for photos from the outside after dark.
The tower can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
There are toilets available on-site, and a small rest area where visitors can relax. However, there are limited food options inside the tower. You can find more dining options nearby in Wuyi Square.
Zhenhai Tower is accessible for elderly visitors and children, but the climb to the top involves a few stairs. The tower is not fully wheelchair accessible, but there is an elevator to access most levels.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are more commonly used and convenient for transactions. Credit cards are not widely accepted.
There are several restaurants and cafes in the vicinity of Wuyi Square, offering both Chinese and international cuisines. Popular options include local Fujianese food and Western-style cafes.
There are vegetarian and vegan options available in nearby restaurants. Halal food options may also be available in some of the larger restaurants in the area.
Several hotels are located near Zhenhai Tower, including budget hotels and mid-range options. For luxury stays, consider hotels in the city center like the Shangri-La Hotel or InterContinental.
Nearby attractions include Wuyi Square, the Fuzhou National Forest Park, and the Fuzhou Museum. These can be easily combined into a day trip with Zhenhai Tower.
There are small souvenir shops nearby offering traditional Chinese items such as tea sets, calligraphy, and local crafts. You can also find souvenirs at nearby markets.
After visiting Zhenhai Tower, you can easily continue your trip by taxi or public transport. Fuzhou’s metro system is convenient for getting to other attractions like Fuzhou National Forest Park or the West Lake Park.
