Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, originally known as Fushouquan ("Fortune and Longevity in Full"), is a legendary delicacy from Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province. According to legend, the dish was created during the Qing Dynasty by Zheng Chunfa, founder of the famed Juchunyuan Restaurant in Fuzhou. It began as a popular banquet dish among locals and later became part of the imperial cuisine for its exquisite flavor. Today, it is regarded as the highest form of hospitality in Fuzhou and a shining symbol of Fujian cuisine. In 2008, the art of making Buddha Jumps Over the Wall was inscribed on China's National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Buddha Jumps Over the Wal

The name "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" carries a poetic legend. It is said that the aroma of the dish was so enticing that even a monk, upon catching its scent, leapt over a monastery wall to taste it, hence the name. The dish was originally called "Fushouquan" (meaning "Fortune and Longevity in Full"), which sounds similar to "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" in the Fuzhou dialect, symbolizing blessings of health and long life.

The ingredients used are the epitome of luxury. More than twenty premium delicacies, including mountain treasures, seafood, poultry, and mushrooms, are meticulously prepared over several days, then simmered gently for hours. The result is a golden, crystal-clear broth that is rich yet never greasy. Each spoonful reveals layers of flavor: abalone that's tender yet springy, sea cucumber that melts in the mouth, and scallops that burst with natural sweetness. Together, they embody the essence of Fujian cuisine—freshness, fragrance, richness, and smoothness.

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall

In Fuzhou, you can enjoy Buddha Jumps Over the Wall at both century-old establishments and hidden neighborhood gems, each offering its own take on flavor, presentation, and cultural charm.

The Juchunyuan·Sanyouzhai Buddha Jumps Over the Wall Theme Restaurant is one of the city's culinary landmarks, famous for serving the most authentic version of this classic dish. Other excellent choices include the Hexieyuan Intangible Heritage Buddha Jumps Over the Wall Restaurant and Zheng Chunfa Buddha Jumps Over the Wall Restaurant, both celebrated for preserving the traditional craftsmanship and flavor of this legendary delicacy.