Fudao

Fudao

Fudao, also known as Fuzhou Urban Forest Trail, features the nation’s first cantilevered steel-frame design. Its main axis stretches 6.3 kilometers, with a total loop length of approximately 19 kilometers. The trail connects to Zuohai Park in the northeast and the Minjiang River Corridor in the southwest, running along the ridgeline of Jinniu Mountain in between. It traverses Zuohai Park, Meifeng Mountain Park, Jinniu Mountain Sports Park, Guoguang Park, and Jinniu Mountain Park.

With a total length of 19 kilometers, Fudao has 10 entrances. It links the Zuohai Lakeside Boardwalk in the northeast and the Minjiang River in the southwest, spanning the ridges of Xiangshan, Houxian Mountain, Meifeng Mountain, and Jinniu Mountain. The trail runs through five major parks in Fuzhou, making it the city’s first urban mountain-water ecological recreation and fitness corridor.

The main structure of Fudao is made of hollow steel pipe trusses, and the deck is constructed with grating panels with gaps no more than 1.5 centimeters wide. This design not only accommodates wheelchair access but also maximizes growing space for vegetation below the walkway. On the elevated loop sections, scenic elevators have been added to reduce detour time. Additionally, to ensure quick and convenient travel for visitors, Fudao integrates three systems—elevated boardwalks, hiking trails, and vehicle roads—into a seamless circular route.

In terms of design, the trail links together over a dozen natural and cultural attractions like a string of pearls, including Azalea Valley, Cherry Blossom Garden, Purple Bamboo Grove, Cliff Carvings, and Orchid Stream. Besides meeting the recreational and fitness needs of residents, it also offers excellent viewpoints for enjoying the city and landscape.