Fuzhou Songkou Ancient Town: A Stunning Peach Blossom Fairyland

First Impressions of Songkou In the hustle and bustle of city life, sometimes you need a spontaneous trip to seek out those corners gently touched by time. Fuzhou Songkou Ancient Town is the destination of my soul-searching journey. Songkou, a millennium-old town nestled in the heart of Minzhong, surrounded by mountains and water, attracts countless travelers with its long history, quaint streets, and rich cultural heritage. Impressions of the Ancient Town Stepping into Songkou, the first thing that catches the eye is the orderly cluster of ancient buildings with gray bricks and black tiles, upturned eaves, resembling a delicate ink painting slowly unfolding. The streets are narrow but exceptionally clean, with stone slabs stretching beneath your feet, each step echoing history. Shops line both sides, including old stores selling local specialties and small shops showcasing traditional handicrafts, all exuding a strong sense of life and cultural charm. Exploring Historical Sites Songkou Ancient Town’s history dates back to the Song Dynasty and was once an important hub for ancient trade. I first visited the town’s landmark—the Songkou Ancient Wharf. Standing on the wharf, gazing at the quietly flowing creek, it’s easy to imagine the bustling scene of boats coming and going and merchants gathering in the past. Then, I strolled to the Yongtai Fortified Villages, which served not only as strongholds against invaders but also as a concentrated expression of ancient family culture. Each village tells a family story, inspiring admiration for both the architectural beauty and the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients. Tasting Local Cuisine No trip is complete without food! Songkou’s cuisine offers authentic Fujian flavors with unique innovations. I tried the local Songkou Egg Swallow, a specialty snack made from duck eggs and sweet potato starch, with a smooth and tender texture and delicious taste. There’s also Songkou Li Gan, a sweet and sour treat that’s a rare delight on the road. Of course, you can’t miss a genuine Yongtai farmhouse meal, where fresh ingredients and simple cooking methods bring out the purest flavors. Experiencing Folk Customs As night falls, the ancient town reveals another face. I participated in local folk activities and watched a traditional Min opera performance. The melodious erhu and vivid singing deeply conveyed the charm of Fujian’s local culture. Additionally, I tried my hand at making a small bamboo woven basket during a handicraft workshop. Though clumsy, the sense of accomplishment was indescribable. Conclusion Songkou Ancient Town, a corner forgotten by time, tells stories of the past and present in its unique way. Here, time seems to slow down, allowing one to forget the hustle and bustle and immerse in tranquility and beauty. This trip not only let me appreciate the town’s scenery but also served as a spiritual cleansing. Songkou is a place worth revisiting, and I look forward to the next reunion, with more stories waiting to be discovered. 1. Preparation Before the Trip - Best Time to Visit: March to May, with continuous spring rain, the town lush and green, ancient houses blending beautifully with greenery; September to November, with crisp autumn air and comfortable climate, perfect for strolling the streets and exploring nearby ancient villages, avoiding the summer heat and winter dampness for a better experience. - Transportation Guide: - Public Transport: Take the high-speed train from Fuzhou Railway Station/Fuzhou South Station to Minqing North Station, then a 1-hour taxi ride to the ancient town (about 50 RMB); or transfer at Minqing North Station to Minqing Bus Route 6 to Minqing Bus Station, then take a shuttle bus to Songkou Town (about 1.5 hours, ticket 15 RMB). - Self-Driving: About 1.5 to 2 hours from downtown Fuzhou, navigate to “Songkou Ancient Town Visitor Center.” Free parking is available at the visitor center and around the town for convenient travel. - Ticket Information: The core street area of the ancient town is free to enter. Some special ancient houses (such as Zhang Yuangan Former Residence and Dexing Tower) are free to visit. Some cultural exhibition halls require a small minimum spend, with no compulsory charges. 2. Core Attractions - Songkou Ancient Street: The soul of the town, located along Dazhang Creek, paved with bluestone slabs throughout. Dozens of shops and residences from the Ming, Qing, and Republic periods remain, featuring wooden arcades and carved doors and windows that showcase Min-style architecture. Along the street, you can find old craft stalls and traditional snack shops, full of lively local atmosphere. - Dexing Tower: A landmark building originally built in the Song Dynasty, now reconstructed. The pavilion’s flying eaves and upturned corners offer panoramic views of the town and Dazhang Creek. Inside, exhibits of historical relics and folk culture provide a quick understanding of Songkou’s thousand-year heritage. - Zhang Yuangan Former Residence: The hometown of the famous Southern Song poet Zhang Yuangan, a typical Min-style ancient house with a one-entry, three-courtyard layout, gray bricks and black tiles, carved beams and painted rafters. The courtyard is lush with greenery, exuding a scholarly atmosphere, ideal for literature enthusiasts. - Ningyuan Fort: A Qing Dynasty fortress about 1 km from the town center, built on a hillside with sturdy walls, lookout towers, and shooting holes. It served both residential and defensive purposes. The fort is well preserved, quiet, and less crowded, offering a peaceful village atmosphere. - Along Dazhang Creek: The town lies beside Dazhang Creek, with a waterside walkway along the bank. An evening stroll here, watching the sunset’s glow on the water and feeling the breeze, is a perfect way to enjoy the water town’s charm and a great spot for photos. 3. Food Recommendations - Must-Try Signature Dishes: - Songkou Egg Swallow: A local staple made by hand from duck eggs and sweet potato starch into thin pancakes, cut into strips and stir-fried or boiled, served with shredded meat and vegetables, chewy and flavorful. - Jiuchong Cake: A traditional northern Fujian snack made by steaming layers of glutinous rice batter, soft, sticky, and sweet. It can be eaten plain or dipped in sugar or crushed peanuts, available at street stalls and breakfast shops. - Dried Creek Fish Braised Tofu: Dried fish made from fresh Dazhang Creek fish, braised with local soft tofu, rich in flavor and perfect with rice, available at street restaurants in the town. - Qingming Cake: A seasonal specialty made from mugwort or mouse ear herb mixed with glutinous rice flour, filled with dried bamboo shoots, minced meat, or red bean paste, available in savory or sweet versions, fragrant and not greasy. - Other Special Snacks: Scallion pancakes (crispy outside, tender inside, savory and flavorful), mouse ear cakes, glutinous rice balls, handmade maltose candy, and local fruits like olives and hibiscus plums, sweet and refreshing, great as snacks or souvenirs.