Location: Located in the south end of Fujian
Province, Zhangzhou neighbors Guangdong Province in the southwest,
and is separated from Taiwan by the Taiwan Strait in the east.
It lies in the half way between two special economic zones, Xiamen
in Fujian and Shantou in Guangdong.
History: The earliest records about the administrative
history of Zhangzhou area should be traces back to the Eastern
Jin Dynasty (317-420). During the Sui Dynasty (581-618), Longxi
County was established here, falling into the clutches of Quanzhou
(present Fuzhou). Zhangzhou was set up later in southern part
of the Longxi County in 686, Tang Dynasty (608-907).
Physical Features: Zhangzhou's northern area
is mountainous, and its southwestern end is adjacent to the sea.
That is the main trends the terrain of the city slopes along.
Jiulong River, the second largest river in Fujian, flows through
the city, producing valleys and basins on the river banks. On
the lower reaches of the Jiulong River lies the largest plain
of the province, Zhangzhou Plain.
Climatic Features: Zhangzhou enjoys a moderate
weather all the year round, bearing the subtropical humid monsoon
climate. Its annual average temperature reaches 21 degree centigrade
(70 degree Fahrenheit).
When to Go: Zhangzhou is favorable for visiting
during the whole year, especially from February to October.
Special Local Products: Zhangzhou abounds with
flowers and fruit. Daffodil, camellia and orchid growing here
are of good quality. Fruits prolific in Zhangzhou are Mandarin
Orange, lithe, banana, longan, grapefruit and pineapple. Boasting
a spacious sea area, the city is also teeming with various sea
products.
Scenic Spots:
Dongshan Island stands off the coastal area of southern Zhangzhou,
comprising of forty three islets. Weather in the island is pleasant.
White sails on the blue sea, soft and flossy beach, brilliant sunshine
and green forest make the island a fine holiday resort. In the northeast
of Dongshan Island is the Ancient Town of Zhongshan built in the
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Hakka's Roundhouses spread all over the city, including counties
of Hua'an, Pinghe, Zhao'an, Yunxiao and Zhangpu. The original roundhouse
is lives as barracks, castle or mountain fastness constructed with
clay mixed with many other materials into different shapes. There
are entirely more than eight hundred roundhouses in total.
Other Scenic Spots: Zhangzhou Seashore Volcanic National Geo-park,
Nanshan Temple, Sanping Temple
Tourist Tips:
1. Zhangzhou has no airport because it is only 70 kilometers (43
miles) from Xiamen
Gaoqi International Airport. After arriving Xiamen, visitors
can change to the buses and trains to Zhangzhou.
2. It is convenient to get to Zhangzhou from Xiamen by bus. From
Xiamen South Hubin Bus Station, buses to Zhangzhou leave every 20
minutes. Train is not suggested between these two cities, because
the whole journey will take one hour or even longer by train but
within 30 minutes by bus through the Haicang Bridge.