Zhenhai Tower on Pingshan Hill
镇海楼
A landmark at the north gate of Fuzhou's old city. The Ming-era city tower, rebuilt on top of Pingshan Hill, overlooks the old city's central axis and the Drum Tower.
Zhenhai Tower was first built in 1371, in the fourth year of the Hongwu era of the Ming, as the north gate tower of the Fuzhou prefectural city. In ancient times it also served as a navigation landmark. It was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries. The current tower was rebuilt in 2008 to the Ming-dynasty design, with a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof, and houses an exhibition on Fuzhou's urban history. Pingshan is one of the 'Three Hills'. From the summit platform, you can look south along the Bayiqi Road (817 Road) central axis toward Yushan and Wushan, and sunsets and night views are especially fine in the evening. Pingshan Park is free, and climbing the tower is generally free as well. It is closed on Mondays. Getting there: take Metro Line 1 to Pingshan Station, then walk about 10 minutes.
Opening hours
Pingshan Park open all day; Zhenhai Tower about 09:00–17:00 (closed Mondays)
Nearby sights
- Hualin Temple Main Hall
- Fuzhou West Lake Park
- Fujian Museum
- Kaiyuan Temple (Fuzhou)
- Daming Road Food Street
- Three Lanes and Seven Alleys
- Lin Zexu Memorial
- Wushan Hill & Black Pagoda