This park was the first in Fujian Province to be designated a National Forest. It opened in 1959 and now has the aim of combining scientific research and education with recreation and sightseeing. It is regarded to be one of the ten finest parks in China even though it is relatively small by Chinese standards, covering only a little over eight and a half square kilometers.
Much of the park is covered in lush forests and tall peaks including Maitreya, Pen Rack, Cockscomb and the Cat's Head. Many rare and protected plants grow in the Fuzhou National Forest Park, including Metasequoia glyptostroboides'' (Dawn Redwood), the Chinese Dove Tree, golden tea blossoms and Ginkgo trees, to name just a few.
Sections within the park include the Bamboo Garden, a Tree Appreciation Garden and the Banyan Scenic Zone. The most famous individual plant in the forest is the "Banyan King" of Fuzhou which stands looking over the clear waters of Bayi Reservoir. It is said that the tree was planted by Zhang Boyu an official of Fuzhou in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Fuzhou is often called the ''City of Banyan Trees'' and these pretty trees are an important symbol for the area.
Bird-song Woods in the park are home to large numbers of rare and exotic birds, many of which have their own areas including Ostrich Park, Swan Lake, Crane Pool, Mandarin Duck Home, Longchuan Waterfall and the World of Flying Birds.
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