Fuqing is located on the north-central section of the coast of Fujian, south of the urban area of Fuzhou and north of Putian.
The highest point of Fuqing is Guya Peak (Chinese: 古崖山尾; pinyin: Gǔyá Shānwěi), which is situated on its border with Minhou County to the north, and has a height of 1,003 metres (3,291 ft) above sea level.
A prominent part of its territory is the Longgao Peninsula (龙高半岛; 龍高半島; Lóng-Gāo Bàndǎo),[2] named for two of its major towns, Longtian and Gaoshan.
The jagged coastline has given rise to a multitude of harbors and ports, including Haikou, situated at the mouth of the Lóng.
The first wave of emigration[8][9] started in late 19th century; most common destinations during that time were Indonesia, Singapore, and East Malaysia.
[12] Fuqing is located in the coastal hills, subtropical climate, warm and rainy, but the river is short and shallow.
Fuqing customs have four obvious influences: (1) the legacy of ancient Yue; (2) ancient Central Plains culture; (3) religion, especially Buddhism and Taoism; (4) in modern times, foreign culture Unlike other areas of China, the top part of the couplets traditionally put up during the Chinese New Year are white, not red.
It is said that in 1562 on New Year's Eve, when the Japanese invaded Fuqing, people had to escape shortly after putting up the Spring Festival couplets.
Upon returning after General Qi Jiguang's victory, people changed the couplets from red, which represents joy and celebration, into green or added white on the top to mourn for their family and friends who had died in the conflict.
[15] On the first day of the new year, people in Fuqing like many across the Eastern Fujian region commonly eat xianmian (Chinese: 线面; pinyin: xiànmiàn), an extra-thin wheat noodle, with the addition of two duck eggs to represent longevity.
A similar combination is also commonly eaten on birthdays, where it is dubbed 'longevity noodles' (Chinese: 长寿面; pinyin: chángshòu miàn).
[18] The most important part of the winter solstice festival is making glutinous rice balls and preparing the red-orange and ten pairs of chopsticks.
[19] The essential part of the Qingming Festival is to offer sacrifices that are often made from paper, as well as fire incense and firecrackers in front of the tomb.