Hidden in the mountains of Fuzhou: Boat Houses in Minhou – A Lesser-Known Gem
Nestled deep in the mountains is a century-old ship-shaped ancient house in Shangduan Natural Village, Banling Village, Zhuqi Township, Minhou County. Surrounded by the Xiaomu Creek and embraced by green mountains and clear waters, it's a tranquil haven with few crowds, perfect for taking stunning photos. A perfect combination for summer water activities and vintage-style shots! ✨
🚢About the Ship-Shaped House|A Republican-Era Legend Hidden in the Mountains
Its official name is Songting. Built in 1937 by local notable Yue Shiqin (also known as Yue Song, a graduate of the Whampoa Military Academy), it is one of only two ship-shaped Republican-era buildings in the entire province, and the only one in Fuzhou.
· Built along the water, this two-story brick, wood, and stone structure is 13.8 meters long. The entire building resembles a large boat moored on the stream, with clearly defined bow, hull, and stern.
· Constructed over three years on a 2-meter-high cobblestone foundation, it has withstood typhoons and floods for over a century.
· The exterior walls are inscribed with the characters "Song" and "Ting" in ink. The first floor features a square hot spring pool (with a carp-shaped spout), and the second-floor tea room offers mountain views. It was once an elegant place to entertain dignitaries and also houses the site of Minhou's first hydroelectric power station.
📸 4 Amazing Photo Spots
✅ Panoramic View from the Stream: Shoot from the opposite bank of the Xiaomu River; the boat-shaped house floats amidst the green hills and clear water, exuding a retro atmosphere. Aerial shots are even more stunning.
✅ Bow Front: Green tiles and stone walls + boat-shaped outline; low-angle shots instantly transport you to the Republic of China era, exuding a sophisticated feel.
✅ Second-floor tea room window view: Open the wooden window, dappled sunlight filters through, capturing the mountain and stream scenery – perfect for cool, artistic photos.
✅ Stream play spot: The shallows are crystal clear, ideal for splashing, taking photos of your back, and maximizing summer coolness.
🌊Summer water play + relaxation experience
Xiaomu Creek has cool, clear water, gentle shallows, and shady trees that prevent sunburn – perfect for splashing, stream tracing, and water fights. The grassy area by the creek is ideal for picnics and relaxing, listening to the babbling brook. The temperature feels several degrees lower than in the city – a perfect summer retreat and therapeutic experience.
📍Concierge-level travel guide
🔹Navigation: Shangduan Natural Village, Banling Village, Zhuqi Township, Minhou County – Lunchuancuo (Songting)
🔹Transportation: Approximately 35 km by car from the city center Free parking at the village entrance; public transportation is inconvenient, driving is recommended.
🔹Admission: Free admission. Privately owned ancient houses; please visit respectfully, refrain from noise, and do not graffiti.
🔹Tour Duration: 1-1.5 hours, suitable for a half-day trip, can be combined with a visit to Jinshui Lake.
🔹Attire: Light colors, modern Chinese style, solid-color long dress, paired with a straw hat – great for photos!
💡Blogger's Helpful Tips
❶ The ancient houses are privately owned; only the exterior and public areas are open for photography. Do not enter the interior without permission.
❷ The stream water is cool; it's more comfortable to play in the water in the afternoon; bring river trekking shoes, a change of clothes, and mosquito repellent.
❸ Weekdays are almost deserted, allowing you to enjoy the entire landscape and the ancient houses all to yourself for the best experience.
❹ Surrounded by rural areas with no commercial activity, bring your own water and snacks.
Away from the crowds, come to Zhuqi Ship House for a century-old boat house experience. Play in the water, breathe fresh air, and take stunning photos – a cure for all your summer heat and fatigue!🍃 A century-old ship house nestled deep in the mountains is hidden in Shangduan Natural Village, Banling Village, Zhuqi Township, Minhou County. Surrounded by the Xiaomu River and embraced by green mountains and clear waters, it's quiet, less crowded, and perfect for taking photos. Enjoy water activities and retro-style photos all in one summer!✨
🚢About Ship House|A Republican-era legend hidden in the mountains
Officially named Songting, it was built in 1937 by local gentry Yue Shiqin (also known as Yue Song, a graduate of the Whampoa Military Academy). It is one of only two ship-shaped Republican-era buildings in the entire province, and the only one in Fuzhou.
· Built along the water, this two-story brick, wood, and stone structure is 13.8 meters long. The entire building resembles a large boat moored on the stream, with clearly defined bow, hull, and stern.
· Constructed over three years on a 2-meter-high cobblestone foundation, it has withstood typhoons and floods for over a century.
· The exterior walls are inscribed with the characters "Song" and "Ting" in ink. The first floor features a square hot spring pool (with a carp-shaped spout), and the second-floor tea room offers mountain views. It was once an elegant place to entertain dignitaries and also houses the site of Minhou's first hydroelectric power station.
📸 4 Amazing Photo Spots
✅ Panoramic View from the Stream: Shoot from the opposite bank of the Xiaomu River; the boat-shaped house floats amidst the green hills and clear water, exuding a retro atmosphere. Aerial shots are even more stunning.
✅ Bow Front: Green tiles and stone walls + boat-shaped outline; low-angle shots instantly transport you to the Republic of China era, exuding a sophisticated feel.
✅ Second-floor tea room window view: Open the wooden window, dappled sunlight filters through, capturing the mountain and stream scenery – perfect for cool, artistic photos.
✅ Stream play spot: The shallows are crystal clear, ideal for splashing, taking photos of your back, and maximizing summer coolness.
🌊Summer water play + relaxation experience
Xiaomu Creek has cool, clear water, gentle shallows, and shady trees that prevent sunburn – perfect for splashing, stream tracing, and water fights. The grassy area by the creek is ideal for picnics and relaxing, listening to the babbling brook. The temperature feels several degrees lower than in the city – a perfect summer retreat and therapeutic experience.
📍Concierge-level travel guide
🔹Navigation: Shangduan Natural Village, Banling Village, Zhuqi Township, Minhou County – Lunchuancuo (Songting)
🔹Transportation: Approximately 35 km by car from the city center Free parking at the village entrance; public transportation is inconvenient, driving is recommended.
🔹Admission: Free admission. Privately owned ancient houses; please visit respectfully, refrain from noise, and do not graffiti.
🔹Tour Duration: 1-1.5 hours, suitable for a half-day trip, can be combined with a visit to Jinshui Lake.
🔹Attire: Light colors, modern Chinese style, solid-color long dress, paired with a straw hat – great for photos!
💡Blogger's Helpful Tips
❶ The ancient houses are privately owned; only the exterior and public areas are open for photography. Do not enter the interior without permission.
❷ The stream water is cool; it's more comfortable to play in the water in the afternoon; bring river trekking shoes, a change of clothes, and mosquito repellent.
❸ Weekdays are almost deserted, allowing you to enjoy the entire landscape and the ancient houses all to yourself for the best experience.
❹ Surrounded by rural areas with no commercial activity, bring your own water and snacks. Avoid the crowds and come to Zhuqi Boat House for a century-old boat-house experience. Play in the water, breathe in the fresh air, take amazing photos, and heal all your stress and fatigue! 🍃