Kaifeng Travel Guide
Kaifeng, historically known as Dongjing and Bianjing (also referred to as Daliang and Bianliang), is a city in China with a rich heritage and historical significance. Abbreviated as Bian, it boasts the titles of “Ancient Capital of Ten Dynasties” and “Metropolis of Seven Dynasties.” Notably, Kaifeng is the only city in the world whose central axis has never changed throughout its history. The unique “city over city” archaeological layers in Kaifeng are unparalleled in the world’s archaeological and urban history, with six ancient cities buried beneath the current one due to repeated flooding by the Yellow River over two millennia.
With over 3,000 years of history and seven dynastic changes, Kaifeng’s legacy is vividly depicted in the famous painting “Along the River During the Qingming Festival,” illustrating the bustling prosperity of Bianjing during the Northern Song Dynasty. The book “Dream of the Eastern Capital” further evokes the grandeur of its imperial past. Today, the grandeur of Kaifeng’s ancient architecture stands in poignant contrast to its modern vibrancy.
In autumn, the city transforms into a golden sea of chrysanthemums, painting the town in rich hues. The ancient buildings take on an even more profound and venerable appearance under the setting sun. At night, the bustling Drum Tower night market offers a lively display of local life and culture. The contemporary city of Kaifeng, with its blend of historical depth and modern dynamism, continues to surprise and captivate visitors.
Most Popular Kaifeng Attractions
Other Attractions in Kaifeng
My long-awaited trip to Kaifeng was marred the moment I stepped into Wansui Mountain. As soon as I entered the tourist area, I was robbed of my phone after it was in my pocket. I realized it was missing about 20 minutes later when I tried to make a call, only to find it was turned off. My friend immediately called the police, and we checked the surveillance footage to track its location. We spent the entire afternoon searching and… Read more »
Don’t miss out on the snacks in Kaifeng, such as the Kaifeng Soup Dumplings , Peanut Cake, Bucket Chicken , and Big Knife Noodles. They are all delicious, and many people from surrounding cities come to Kaifeng just to enjoy these snacks.
Don’t spend too much time looking at the ancient buildings in Kaifeng because most of them are replicas. The original structures have been buried underground by the silt of the Yellow River.
I thought it would be a historic city with rich cultural heritage before arriving, but after visiting several attractions, I found that many of them were newly constructed artificial landscapes. Additionally, there were plenty of rickshaws zooming around, and it was hard to predict when one might suddenly appear at an intersection.
I visited the Qingming Shanghe Gardenin Kaifeng, and my biggest impression was the heat. From the moment I got off the bus in Kaifeng, I couldn’t stop sweating. The temperature outside was 33°C, and the enthusiasm of the visitors was high. The performances that left the strongest impression on me were the “Defense of Tokyo” and “Yue Fei Lifts the King Liang.” These realistic and interesting shows were truly impressive. I arrived around 2 PM and after about an hour… Read more »
Must-Visit Five Attractions in Kaifeng 1. Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden (清明上河园): This large scenic area has relatively higher prices. Recommended must-see performances include “Yue Fei Challenging Xiao Liang Wang” and “Great Song·Defense of Tokyo.” The park not only offers beautiful scenery and great photo opportunities but also free amusement facilities, making it a perfect place to bring children for a visit. 2. Wansui Mountain (万岁山): This relatively small scenic area can be easily covered quickly. Prices are normal, and there… Read more »
Day 1:
1. Great Song Imperial River/Bao Gong Temple (Yanqing Guan) – Kaifeng Fu – Zhouqiao and Bianhe Ruins – Grand Xiangguo Temple – Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Gansu Guild Hall – Drum Tower Night Market.
Day 2:
1. Songdu Yujie – Dragon Pavilion Park – Tianbo Yang Mansion – Wanshishan Da Song Wuxia City – Qingming Riverside Garden – Kaifeng Ancient City Wall. (If it’s a three-day trip, the second day can be split into two days).