Kaifeng

Kaifeng is suitable for tourists who enjoy history, ancient city culture, Song Dynasty stories, and local snacks. It's not a city primarily focused on natural scenery, but rather perfect for leisurely exploring historical sites, watching performances, enjoying night markets, and experiencing the atmosphere of the Northern Song Dynasty capital. Who is Kaifeng suitable for? Kaifeng is suitable for: Tourists who enjoy Chinese history and ancient capital culture People interested in Song Dynasty culture People who enjoy ancient cities, temples, old streets, and night markets Tourists on a day trip from Zhengzhou Families and those on a relaxed cultural tour How many days are suitable for visiting Kaifeng? 1 day Suitable for short-distance travelers departing from Zhengzhou. Highlights: Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, Longting Park, and the Drum Tower Night Market. 2 days Highly recommended. You can visit Song Dynasty cultural sites during the day, explore the night market in the evening, and then spend the next day visiting temples, ancient pagodas, and the old city streets. The pace is more relaxed. 3 days Suitable for in-depth cultural travelers. You can add attractions such as the Xiangguo Temple, Iron Pagoda, Kaifeng Prefecture, Bao Gong Temple, and the Bookstore Street, allowing more time for leisurely dining and sightseeing. Main Tourist Areas Song Dynasty Cultural Area Representative Attractions: Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, Longting Pavilion, Kaifeng Prefecture. Suitable for first-time visitors to Kaifeng, allowing them to quickly grasp the city's theme. Ancient Sites and Temples Area Representative Attractions: Xiangguo Temple, Iron Pagoda, Bao Gong Temple. Suitable for those who appreciate ancient architecture, Buddhist culture, and historical stories. Old City Night Market Representative Locations: Drum Tower Night Market, Bookstore Street, Old City Streets and Alleys. Suitable for evening visits, focusing on snacks and the local atmosphere. Recommended Itineraries Kaifeng One-Day Tour Zhengzhou → Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden → Longting Park → Drum Tower Night Market → Zhengzhou Suitable for tourists with limited time or first-time visitors to Henan. Kaifeng Two-Day Tour Day 1: Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden → Longting Park → Drum Tower Night Market Day 2: Daxiangguo Temple → Iron Pagoda → Kaifeng Prefecture / Bao Gong Temple Suitable for most tourists, comprehensive itinerary, and relaxed pace. Henan Cultural Route Zhengzhou → Kaifeng → Luoyang Zhengzhou offers convenient transportation; Kaifeng showcases the ancient capital of the Song Dynasty; Luoyang features the Longmen Grottoes and Tang Dynasty culture. This route is suitable for first-time visitors seeking a deeper understanding of Henan. Travel Recommendations The attractions in Kaifeng city are not particularly far apart, so you can easily navigate the city by taxi or on foot. If you're making a day trip from Zhengzhou, or want to see multiple attractions in one day, it's recommended to plan your transportation in advance to avoid wasting time on the road. Allow ample time for Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden; a quick visit is not recommended. The Drum Tower Night Market is best visited in the evening, but it gets very crowded on holidays. Kaifeng is hot in summer, so it's advisable to visit in the early morning or late evening; there are fewer tourists in winter, but be sure to dress warmly. Overall, Kaifeng is best suited for a 1-2 day cultural trip. If time is limited, a day trip from Zhengzhou is an option; for a more comprehensive understanding of the ancient capital's culture, staying overnight is recommended.

Kaifeng is a city in Henan province that's great for enjoying local snacks. The food here mainly consists of noodles, soups, night market snacks, and traditional Henan cuisine, offering simple flavors at relatively affordable prices. Must-Try Foods 1. Soup Dumplings (灌汤包) One of the most representative foods of Kaifeng. Thin-skinned and filled with broth, be careful not to burn yourself when eating. Price reference: ¥20–50 / cage 2. Bucket Chicken ( 桶子鸡) A traditional Kaifeng braised dish, the chicken is savory and fragrant, best enjoyed cold or as an appetizer with drinks. The flavor is stronger than regular poached chicken. Price range: ¥40–100, depending on portion size. 3. Lamb Pancake ( 羊肉炕馍) Crispy on the outside, filled with lamb and scallions, it's a common snack in Kaifeng's night markets. Perfect for eating on the go. Price Reference: ¥10–25 / piece 4. Stir-fried Liangfen ( 炒凉粉) A common snack in Kaifeng, it has a soft and chewy texture and a distinct savory sauce flavor. Suitable for tourists who want to try local street food. Price Reference: ¥8–15 / serving 5. Lamb Intestine Soup (羊双肠汤) A relatively local breakfast or soup dish with a rich flavor. Suitable for tourists who want to try local cuisine. Price Reference: ¥15–30 / bowl 6. Braised Fish (黄焖鱼) A traditional Kaifeng dish, the fish is flavorful and suitable for a main meal. It's more enjoyable to sit down and savor than night market snacks. Price Reference: ¥50–120 / serving Where to eat? Gulou Night Market:The most famous, popular with tourists, and offers a wide variety of choices. Suitable for first-time visitors to Kaifeng. Good options include: mutton flatbread, stir-fried mung bean jelly, barbecue, and snacks. Xisi Night Market:More local than Gulou Night Market, with a stronger local atmosphere. Suitable for those wanting to experience a local night market. Old City Street Restaurants:Suitable for traditional dishes such as soup dumplings, braised chicken, and braised fish. More suitable for a proper meal than at the night markets.

Kaifeng is located in eastern Henan, close to Zhengzhou. Most tourists arrive in Zhengzhou first and then travel to Kaifeng by high-speed train or chartered car. The city center is compact, making it convenient to take a taxi between the main attractions. How to get to Kaifeng? 1. By plane Kaifeng does not have a major international airport. The nearest and most convenient airport is: Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport Suitable for: Flying from cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu International tourists transiting through Henan Those who want to visit Zhengzhou, Kaifeng, and Luoyang simultaneously From Zhengzhou Airport to Kaifeng: Chartered car/private transfer: Approximately 1.5–2 hours High-speed rail + city transportation: Approximately 1.5–2.5 hours 2. High-Speed ​​Rail Arrival The main high-speed rail station in Kaifeng is: Kaifeng North Railway Station Common Routes: Zhengzhou → Kaifeng North: Approx. 20–30 minutes Luoyang → Kaifeng North: Approx. 1–1.5 hours Xi'an → Kaifeng North: Approx. 2.5–3.5 hours Beijing → Kaifeng North: Approx. 3.5–5 hours Shanghai → Kaifeng North: Approx. 4.5–6 hours Kaifeng North Station is some distance from the city center and major attractions. It is recommended to take a taxi or arrange pick-up and drop-off in advance upon arrival. How to get around Kaifeng city? 1. Taxi / Didi There is no subway in Kaifeng city. The most convenient way for tourists is to take a taxi or use Didi. Estimated costs: Short trips within the city: Approximately ¥10–25 High-speed rail station to city center: Approximately ¥30–60 City center to Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden: Approximately ¥15–35 2. Public Transportation Kaifeng has public transportation, but it may not be convenient for foreign tourists. If you have ample time and a limited budget, you can use it; if your schedule is tight, taking a taxi is recommended. Suitable for: Budget-friendly travel Solo travelers People who are not in a hurry 3. Walking Some attractions in Kaifeng's old city are walkable, such as the Drum Tower Night Market, Bookstore Street, and parts of the old city area. However, it is still recommended to take a taxi between Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, Longting Pavilion, Iron Pagoda, and Xiangguo Temple. For your first visit to Kaifeng, the most convenient way is: Arrive at Zhengzhou Airport or Zhengzhou High-Speed ​​Railway Station → Head to Kaifeng → Take a taxi to explore the city. If you're taking a day trip from Zhengzhou, hiring a car is recommended; if you're staying in Kaifeng, taxis are readily available throughout the city.