Sanfang Qixiang, Nanhou Street, Yijin Lane, Wenru Lane, Guanglu Lane, Langguan Alley, Ta Alley, Huang Alley, Anmin Alley, Gong Alley, Jibi Alley, Yangqiao Alley, Mount Wushi, Mount Yu

Did you know there’s a street in Fuzhou that spans 1,700 years?

Nanhou Street. Three lanes to the west: Yijin, Wenru, Guanglu. Seven alleys to the east: Langguan, Ta, Huang, Anmin, Gong, Jibi, Yangqiao.

This is Sanfang Qixiang—40 hectares of land, 200+ Ming and Qing ancient buildings, 9 of which are National Major Cultural Relics Protection Units.

As someone once said: “One Sanfang Qixiang, half a history of modern China.”

Not an exaggeration.

The “Fishbone” Laid in the Tang Dynasty

The layout of Sanfang Qixiang was laid in the Tang Dynasty.

In 881 AD, Fuzhou expanded southward, creating a fishbone pattern with Nanhou Street as the spine, three lanes to the west, and seven alleys to the east. This pattern survives to this day.

During the Northern Song, commerce rose and the closed Lifang began transforming into open streets. But Sanfang Qixiang miraculously preserved the essence of the Lifang system: central symmetry, deep courtyards.

By the Ming and Qing dynasties, it became home to high-ranking officials and literary giants.

Over 60% of the residences have “three-entry” structures or more.

Every courtyard is a solidified family history.

Langguan Alley: Yan Fu’s Final Home

In 1902, Yan Fu returned to Fuzhou from Tianjin and settled in Langguan Alley.

He translated Evolution and Ethics. He wrote “survival of the fittest.” He became the first president of Peking University.

But few know that the traces of this Enlightenment master’s final years are preserved in a 600-square-meter residence on this alley.

The three-entry layout is intact. The courtyard has exquisite stone carvings. Three stone steles record the Yan family’s legacy.

This is where the “Father of Chinese Enlightenment” spent his last days.

Yijin Lane: The Water Pavilion Stage

Yijin Lane was renamed during the Northern Song when the Lu brothers served as high officials simultaneously.

It’s deeply tied to the national hero Lin Zexu.

But the most remarkable thing in Yijin Lane isn’t a famous resident—it’s a theater stage built over water.

Over 2,000 square meters. More than 100 wooden Dougong brackets.

It’s the only remaining ancient stage built over water in all of Fuzhou.

Imagine: moonlight reflecting on the water, the sound of gongs and drums echoing through the lanes.

That’s Fuzhou’s cultural memory.

Huang Alley: Migrants from 1,700 Years Ago

The oldest of the seven alleys—Huang Alley.

307 AD. The Yongjia Unrest in the Western Jin. The ancestors of the Huang family migrated here from central China. The alley was named after them.

In 879, when Huang Chao’s rebel army entered Fuzhou, legend says they posted notices at the alley entrance: “Strictly forbidding the harassment of residents.”

Today, Huang Alley is about 240 meters long and 3 to 5 meters wide—preserving the original Tang and Song street proportions.

Walk through it, and you’re walking through more than just a road.

Anmin Alley: A Fortress in Wartime

Anmin Alley was renamed during the Tang Dynasty when Huang Chao entered the city and appeased the people.

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, neighborhood security offices were located here.

Today, Anmin Alley has 36 ancient residences, including 2 sites that served as secret liaison points during the War of Resistance against Japan.

This land wasn’t just a gathering place for scholars. When the nation was in crisis, it was also a fortress.

Under the Horse-head Walls

The most visually striking feature of Sanfang Qixiang is the high, curved “Horse-head walls.”

They began to be widely built during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty—originally for fire prevention.

Average height: 6 to 8 meters. The highest points reach 12 meters.

Inside the walls lies exquisite interior decoration.

Over 1,200 Qing Dynasty wooden doors and windows, each one a work of art using openwork and bas-relief techniques. The themes are drawn from Confucian classics and stories of loyalty and filial piety.

“Simple exterior, lavish interior”—that’s the character of Fuzhou residences.

Not flashy. But profound.

Sanfang Qixiang in Numbers

  • 40 hectares: Total protected area
  • 200+: Ming and Qing ancient buildings
  • 9: National Major Cultural Relics Protection Units
  • 60%: Proportion of three-entry residences
  • 600 m²: Yan Fu’s former residence
  • 2,000 m²: Water Pavilion Stage
  • 1,200+: Qing Dynasty wooden doors and windows
  • 240 m: Length of Huang Alley
  • 36: Ancient residences in Anmin Alley
  • 1,700 years: Span of history

From its founding in 881 AD to today.

Every bluestone slab in Sanfang Qixiang carries the soul of Fuzhou.

It’s not a tourist attraction. It’s a history of China, written in brick and tile.

Walk through Sanfang Qixiang, and you walk through 1,700 years.