Fuzhou, also Fu-chou, or Foochow, city in southeastern China, capital of Fujian Province, an industrial center and seaport on the Min River. Manufactured products include chemicals, silk and cotton textiles, iron and steel, and processed food. Among its exports are fine lacquerware and handcrafted fans and umbrellas. The city's trade is mainly with Chinese coastal ports; exports of timber, food products, and paper move through the harbor at Guantou (Kuan-t'ou), which is located about 50 km (30 mi) downstream of Fuzhou on the Min River. Fuzhou consists of an old walled city, about 3.2 km (about 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 noted pagodas and temples are nearby. The strategically located island of Matsu, held by Taiwan, is near Fuzhou, in 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 city's other 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 center. Population (1991) 1,652,228.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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