Exploring Ancient Alleys for Coolness

When the Wind Blows in Three Lanes and Seven Alleys: My One-Day Summer Escape Guide in Fuzhou~ Early morning, slip into the ancient alleys while it’s still cool 7:30 AM early rise is key! Grab a shared bike at the hotel entrance and ride 10 minutes to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys. Morning light slants on the horse saddle walls, tree shadows dance—super soothing~ The highlight is visiting Lin Juemin’s Former Residence (opens at 8 AM with the fewest people). The bluestone slabs and cicada chirps, wearing a cotton-linen white dress, every snapshot looks like the heroine of a Republican-era drama! Breakfast secret: head straight to "Tongli Rouyan" for a bowl of iced fish ball soup (yes! There’s a cold version in summer), the bouncy fish balls + sweet clear broth instantly recharge you! Midday, water fun is the real deal 10:30 AM move to Shangxiahang, focus on the Sanjie River boat tour (with a canopy, no sun worries)! The boatwoman rows past stone bridges, reach out and splash the cool river water~ refreshing! After disembarking, head straight to "Faji Ice Room," a retro floral tile shop, where mango shaved ice piles like a small mountain, hiding taro balls and grass jelly underneath. Ate half a bowl before remembering to take photos, 12:30 PM walk 5 minutes to Cangxia Wharf, then take the Minjiang River ferry! The second-floor open deck has a strong river breeze, perfect for capturing stunning backshots with hair flying (watch your hat from flying away). Afternoon, hide in the shade of Yantai Mountain 1:30 PM walk along the shady west side of Yantai Mountain (Aiguo Road → Lequn Road), century-old banyan trees provide natural air conditioning! Buy a cup of olive iced Americano by the red wall of "Shicuo Church," its tartness and sweetness refresh you instantly~ 3:00 PM escape into the "Yantai Mountain Museum" for air conditioning (free!), see old photos of Fuzhou ladies in qipao~ Exit and turn right to "Chun Tea Room" for jasmine tea jelly, smooth with floral fragrance, with crushed ice at the bottom. Evening, meet the night’s lively atmosphere and evening breeze 6:30 PM return to the hotel to shower and change, then stroll to "Dadao Food Street"! Key points: At "Meiyabao Peanut Soup," order the iced version! The peanuts are soft and sticky, paired with a spoonful of melting taro paste, perfectly sweet~ At "Chen Jinlan Restaurant," must try the hot and sour squid soup! The squid is crispy and bouncy, with Fujian aged wine in the soup, the spicy and sour taste makes you sweat but feels great! Summer survival tips (for women) Physical sun protection trio: Jiao Xia sun umbrella + small neck fan + cooling patch for the back Makeup rescue: bring oil-absorbing sheets! Use wet wipes to wipe sweat before powder touch-up Mosquito defense: Fuzhou mosquitoes are fierce! Apply Thai herbal balm on ankles, stash individual mosquito repellent patches in your bag Outfit trick: bring an extra sun-protection cardigan, perfect for air-conditioned rooms and doubles as a photo prop~ Route tweaks are key Avoid outdoor walking during 12:00-14:00 peak sun hours Prefer boat/ferry rides > walking, museums/cafes > open-air spots Final notes: remember to use a face mask from the hotel freezer to cool your face and wrists~ Summer in Fuzhou feels like a steamer, but the tree shadows and river breeze hide so many little beauties. Only by strolling slowly can you truly feel its gentleness.