Zuohai Park Travel Guide: Encounter Fuzhou's Urban Oasis

Zuohai Park Travel Guide: Encounter Fuzhou's Urban Oasis Fuzhou Zuohai Park, like a shining pearl embedded in this historic and cultural city, exudes unique charm. It's not only a great place for locals to relax and have fun, but also a must-visit destination for tourists to experience Fuzhou's local culture. Here's a carefully prepared travel guide for Zuohai Park. Historical Background Built in 1990 with over ¥40 million raised by Hongshan Town farmers, Zuohai Park was designed with the theme of "Five Continents Scenery," aiming to provide citizens and visitors with a leisure space that combines natural beauty and multicultural elements. After years of development and improvement, Zuohai Park has become Fuzhou's largest urban park, carrying countless beautiful memories and serving as a vivid witness to Fuzhou's urban construction and development. Location Zuohai Park is located at No. 29 Tongpan Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, in the central area of Fuzhou. It borders West Lake Park to the east (connected by roads), Erhuan Road to the west (with convenient transportation), Tongpan Road to the north, and Xiangshan to the south. This prime location makes it a tranquil oasis in the city, attracting numerous visitors. Best Seasons to Visit Zuohai Park is suitable for visiting all year round. In spring, nature awakens with blooming flowers, making it perfect for flower viewing and outings. Summer offers shady trees and rippling lake waters - ideal for lakeside walks or boating. Autumn brings crisp air with golden leaves complementing the garden scenery. Winter in Fuzhou remains mild, and the park stays vibrant, suitable for outdoor leisure. Ticket Information Zuohai Park is free to enter, allowing visitors to freely enjoy its beauty. However, some attractions like the Underwater World and Ferris wheel require separate fees. The Underwater World ticket is typically ¥90/person (check official or ticketing platforms for updates). Prices for amusement rides vary and can be checked on-site. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Five Continents Square: Inside the north gate, this square features sculptures symbolizing five continents - an Asian pipa player, African lion tamer, Australian kangaroo with girl, European horse-riding lady, and American yak herder. These lifelike sculptures showcase unique exotic charm, perfect for photos. 2. Underwater World: Comprising Tropical Rainforest Hall, Marine Fish Hall, Seal Performance Hall, Underwater World Hall, and more, it's one of southeast China's most distinctive large underwater worlds, housing Fujian's largest Chinese sturgeon specimen. Visitors can interact with marine life and watch exciting seal performances. Mermaid/diving shows: 9:30 (summer/holidays), 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00 (holidays); Seal shows: 10:00, 11:00, 12:30 (holidays), 14:00, 15:30, 16:30. 3. Ferris Wheel: This colorful landmark offers panoramic views of Fuzhou and is popular for photos. Note it may close for maintenance - check availability before visiting. 4. Japanese Garden: Featuring traditional Japanese architecture with bridges, streams, and pavilions, it offers serene, elegant atmosphere to experience foreign culture and garden art. 5. "Little Chiang Mai" White Pagoda: A hidden Instagrammable spot with distinctive white pagoda that produces exotic-style photos. Accommodation Recommendations 1. GreenTree Inn Select Hotel (Fuzhou Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Zuohai Park Branch): Convenient location near Zuohai Park with clean rooms and good value. 2. Ji Hotel (Fuzhou West Lake Park Branch): Beautiful surroundings near both parks, offering simple comfort with quality bedding and toiletries. 3. Kolumb Hotel (Fuzhou Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Zuohai Park Branch): Prime location near multiple attractions with unique outdoor-themed style, ideal for active travelers. Food Recommendations 1. Buddha Jumps Over the Wall: Fuzhou's famous Fujian cuisine featuring abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw, and more stewed in broth and Fujian wine - rich, flavorful, and nutritious. 2. Sea Clam in Chicken Soup: Another Fujian delicacy featuring Zhanggang clams and chicken in clear yet flavorful broth. 3. Fish Balls: Traditional Fuzhou snack with tender, bouncy texture and juicy filling, best served with special broth. 4. Rouyan (Meat Swallow): Fuzhou specialty with paper-thin meat-starch wrappers enclosing meat filling, often served at celebrations. Photography Tips 1. Use natural light: Soft morning/evening light adds depth and atmosphere - perfect for shooting the Ferris wheel by the lake. 2. Find unique angles: Try low angles with flowers/water as foreground, or high vantage points for park panoramas. 3. Capture movement: Photograph swimming marine life or smiling riders on the moving Ferris wheel for dynamic shots. 4. Incorporate environment: Have subjects interact naturally with surroundings like strolling through flowers or feeding fish by the lake. Precautions 1. Check opening hours: Free areas have no time limit, but paid attractions like Underwater World operate 08:30-17:00 (until 17:30 on weekends/holidays). 2. Avoid scams: Compare prices/quality when buying snacks or souvenirs near the park. 3. Protect environment: Don't litter or damage plants to maintain park cleanliness. 4. Safety first: Follow ride safety rules, supervise children near water, and avoid hazardous areas.