Kaifeng Travel Guide 2026: Attractions, Itinerary & Tips

Kaifeng Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Guide for International Visitors

Kaifeng, as the ancient capital of eight Chinese dynasties, is particularly renowned as “Dongjing Bianliang,” the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty. Located just a 30-minute high-speed rail ride from Zhengzhou, this city is an ideal destination for exploring ancient Chinese civilization and savoring authentic local cuisine. This guide provides comprehensive information on everything from itinerary planning and recommended attractions to dining tips, transportation, and accommodations, helping you enjoy a hassle-free trip to Kaifeng.

Why Choose Kaifeng?

Kaifeng is a historic city known as a “city within a city”—due to sediment deposits from the Yellow River, the city walls of different dynasties lie layered one atop another beneath the ground. Today’s Kaifeng features not only a reconstructed Song Dynasty-themed park and authentic millennium-old relics, but also a vibrant night market culture. Here, you can:
Step into the bustling world of the Northern Song Dynasty depicted in Along the River During the Qingming Festival.
Savor the soup dumplings hailed as “a culinary masterpiece of Central China.”
Experience China’s oldest nightlife at the Drum Tower Night Market.
Visit the Iron Pagoda and the Fan Pagoda, both of which have stood for over a thousand years.

Best Time to Visit Kaifeng

Best seasons: Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October). Temperatures are comfortable, making these ideal times for outdoor sightseeing. In particular, during mid- to late October, Kaifeng hosts the “Chrysanthemum Culture Festival,” when the entire city is adorned with chrysanthemums, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
Avoid: Chinese national holidays (National Day, October 1–7; May Day), as attractions are overcrowded.
Summer: Hot and rainy, but the night markets are at their liveliest.
Winter: Cold and dry, with few tourists, making it ideal for quiet museum visits.

Must-See Attractions in Kaifeng

1. Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden — An Immersive Song Dynasty-Themed Park

Why it’s a must-see: This large-scale theme park, spanning 600 mu, was reconstructed based on Zhang Zeduan’s famous painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival. The park’s architecture, streets, waterways, and boats have all been meticulously recreated to match the painting. You can witness live reenactments of everyday life in the Song Dynasty, such as Yue Fei Spears the Young Prince Liang and The Great Battle on the Water, which are truly spectacular. You can also experience ancient crafts and sample Song Dynasty snacks.
Practical Information: Admission is 120 yuan (some performances require an additional fee). We recommend setting aside 4–5 hours. In the evening, there is a large-scale live performance titled The Splendor of the Great Song: Dongjing, which requires a separate ticket.
Tip: Pick up an English map upon entry and check the performance schedule.

2. Dragon Pavilion Park — Ruins of the Song Dynasty Imperial Palace

Why it’s a must-visit: This site was once the rear imperial garden of the Northern Song Dynasty’s palace, built on a tall blue-brick platform. Climb the Dragon Pavilion for a panoramic view of Pan Lake and Yang Lake (legend has it that these were the sites of the residences of the treacherous minister Pan Renmei and the loyal minister Yang Jiye, respectively). The park houses the Song Dynasty Imperial Palace Ruins Exhibition Hall, which displays findings from archaeological excavations.
Practical Information: Admission is approximately 35 yuan. It is adjacent to the Qingming Shanghe Garden so you can visit both together.

3. Iron Pagoda Park — The Millennium-Old Glazed Brick Pagoda

Why it’s a must-see: The Iron Pagoda is not actually made of iron, but rather of iron-brown glazed bricks. Built in the first year of the Huangyou era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1049), it stands 55.88 meters tall and has withstood 37 earthquakes and 18 floods. The pagoda is adorned with exquisite relief carvings of celestial maidens, qilin, and other motifs. It is one of Kaifeng’s oldest authentic historical sites.
Practical Information: Admission is 30 yuan. Visitors may climb the pagoda (subject to opening hours); the interior staircase is narrow and steep.

4. Kaifeng Prefecture Office — Judge Bao’s Magistrate’s Office

Why it’s a must-see: A reconstructed Northern Song-era Kaifeng Prefecture Office, serving as the setting for the TV series Judge Bao, daily live performances include the “Opening of the Prefecture Ceremony” and “Judge Bao’s Execution of the Beauty.” The complex features exhibitions on Song Dynasty torture instruments and imperial examination culture.
Practical Information: Admission is 60 yuan. Please check the daily schedule for performance times.

5. Daxiangguo Temple — Imperial Temple

Why You Must Visit: A royal temple from the Northern Song Dynasty, this is also the site where Lu Zhishen uprooted a weeping willow in Water Margin. The temple houses a wooden carving of the Thousand-Handed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin (carved from a single ginkgo tree), a national treasure.
Practical Information: Admission is 40 yuan. Located near the Drum Tower Night Market, so you can visit both together.

6. Shanxi-Shaanxi-Gansu Guild Hall — A Magnificent Qing Dynasty Merchants’ Guild Hall

Why it’s a must-see: Built in Kaifeng by merchants from Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces during the Qing Dynasty, this guild hall is renowned for its “Three Masterpieces” of brick, stone, and wood carvings. The carvings primarily depict folk tales and auspicious patterns, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Ideal for visitors interested in traditional Chinese architectural art.
Practical Information: Admission is 25 yuan. Located in the city center, the site is compact; one hour is sufficient to explore.

7. Gulou Night Market & Book Street — Food and Shopping

Why You Should Visit: Gulou Square is the heart of Kaifeng and transforms into a food paradise at night. At the night market stalls, you can sample soup dumplings, stir-fried jelly, almond milk tea, lamb-stuffed flatbread, and braised fish. Adjacent Book Street serves as a cultural hub by day and features food stalls by night.
Practical Information: The night market opens daily in the evening, approximately from 6:00 PM to midnight. It’s recommended to visit on an empty stomach.

Recommended Foods in Kaifeng

For more details, please refer to my previous article, “Recommended Foods in Kaifeng.” Here is a summary of the must-try dishes:
Soup-filled buns (Diyilou, Huangjia Laodian)
Barrel-roasted chicken (Mayuxing)
Stir-fried cold jelly (night market)
Carp with fried noodles (Diyilou)
Almond milk tea (night market)
Lamb-stuffed flatbread (night market)

Suggested Itinerary for Kaifeng

One-Day Tour (Compact Version)

Morning: Qingming Shanghe Garden (4 hours)
Lunch: Dine near Qingming Shanghe Garden or at Drum Tower
Afternoon: Iron Pagoda Park (1.5 hours) → Longting Park (1.5 hours) → Kaifeng Prefecture (1.5 hours, optional)
Evening: Drum Tower Night Market (2 hours), then return to Zhengzhou or stay overnight in Kaifeng

Two-Day Tour (In-Depth Version)

Day 1: Arrive in the morning, visit Iron Pagoda Park → Longting Park → Lunch → Qingming Shanghe Garden (afternoon through evening; night show available) → Night Market.
Day 2: Morning visit to Daxiangguo Temple → Shan-Shan-Gan Guild Hall → Kaifeng Prefecture → Lunch → Afternoon stroll along Bookstore Street and shopping for local specialties (peanut cakes, barrel chicken) → Return trip.

Transportation from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng

High-Speed Rail (Highly Recommended): From Zhengzhou East Station to Kaifeng North Station, the journey takes 20–30 minutes, and tickets cost approximately 20–30 yuan. Kaifeng North Station is about 10 kilometers from the city center; you can take a bus or a taxi (approximately 20–30 yuan) to get into the city.
Regular Train: From Zhengzhou Station to Kaifeng Station, with a travel time of about 40–50 minutes and a fare of approximately 12–15 yuan. Kaifeng Station is closer to Drum Tower, about a 10-minute taxi ride away.
Long-distance Bus: Buses depart from Zhengzhou Passenger Transport Center, with a travel time of about 1.5 hours.
Private Car/Day Tour: You can book a day tour departing from Zhengzhou.

Transportation within Kaifeng

Taxis/Ride-hailing: The starting fare is about 7–8 yuan; trips between attractions within the city generally cost 10–20 yuan. Didi Chuxing is available.
Buses: The fare is 1 yuan, covering major attractions, but there may be no English announcements.
Bike-sharing: Services like Meituan and Hello Bike are suitable for short rides. Please note designated parking areas.
Walking: The Drum Tower, Dragon Pavilion, Daxiangguo Temple, and Shan-Shan-Gan Guild Hall are within walking distance of each other.

Recommended Accommodations in Kaifeng

Drum Tower Area: Most convenient for exploring the night market and dining in the evening. Recommendations: Kaifeng Drum Tower Hotel, Home Inn.
Near Qingming Shanghe Garden: Pleasant surroundings, ideal for entering the park early the next morning. Recommendations: Kaifeng Banmu Garden, Huazhu·Bianhe Renjia.
Near the Train Station: For those on a tight budget or catching an early morning train the next day. Recommendations: Hanting, Jinjiang Inn.

Practical Travel Tips for Kaifeng

Language: Scenic areas have English signage, but restaurants and taxi drivers generally speak only Chinese. Download the Google Translate app and save common phrases.
Payment: WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Night market stalls also support mobile payments, but it’s recommended to carry 100–200 yuan in cash.
Tickets: For some popular attractions (such as the Qingming Shanghe Garden), purchase tickets in advance via apps like Ctrip or Meituan to avoid long lines.
Attire: Dress modestly when visiting temples and historical sites (avoid tank tops and very short skirts). Summers are hot, so be sure to apply sunscreen; winters are cold, so wear a down jacket.
Drinking Water: It is not recommended to drink tap water directly from the hotel; buy bottled water or boil it before drinking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Kaifeng

Q: Is one day enough for a trip to Kaifeng?
A: You can cover the main attractions, but it will be a bit rushed. We recommend spending at least two days there so you can enjoy the night markets and Song Dynasty culture at a more leisurely pace.

Q: Is the night show at Qingming Shanghe Garden worth seeing?
A: The live-action show The Splendor of the Song Dynasty: Dongjing is truly spectacular. If your time and budget allow, I highly recommend it. Tickets must be purchased separately and cost approximately 200–300 yuan.

Q: Are there any local specialties in Kaifeng suitable for bringing home?
A: Peanut cakes (I recommend “Bai Ji”), vacuum-packed whole chicken, and Kaifeng’s specialty pickled vegetables.

Q: What is the cost of living in Kaifeng?
A: Moderate to low. A full meal costs 30–50 yuan per person, night market snacks range from 5–20 yuan per serving, and budget hotels cost 150–250 yuan per night.

Kaifeng is a living ancient city. Here, the Song Dynasty isn’t just artifacts in a museum—it’s the bustling energy of the night markets, the burst of broth from the first bite of a soup dumpling, and the resilience of the Iron Pagoda, standing tall for over a thousand years. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply a traveler seeking an authentic Chinese experience, Kaifeng will surprise you.
Plan your trip to Kaifeng and embark on a journey through time spanning over a thousand years!