Fuzhou

Fuzhou (also Fu-chou, Fuchow, or Foochow), city in south-east China, capital of Fujian Province, an industrial centre and seaport on the Min River. Manufactured products include chemicals, silk and cotton textiles, iron and steel, and processed food. Among its exports are notable lacquer work and handmade fans and umbrellas. The city's trade is mainly with Chinese coastal ports; exports of timber, food products, and paper move through the harbour at Guantou (Kuan-t'ou), which lies about 50 km (30 mi) downstream of Fuzhou. Fuzhou consists of an old walled city, approximately 3.2 km (2 mi) from the Min River, and a modern riverside quarter which is connected by bridge to Nantai Island. A university is in the city, and several important pagodas and temples are nearby. The strategically located island of Matsu, held by Taiwan, is near Fuzhou in the Taiwan Strait.

Fuzhou, founded in the 2nd century bc, was absorbed into China during the 6th century ad. It was opened to foreign trade in 1842 as a concession to the British after China was defeated in the first Opium War. From then until the late 19th century, Fuzhou was a major port for the export of tea. The remainder of the city's trade declined after contacts with nearby Taiwan, a traditional commercial partner, were severed in 1949. Thereafter, Fuzhou was linked (1958) by rail to northern China and grew as an industrial centre. Population 1,619,400 (2004 estimate).