First Time in Kaifeng? This Guide Is All You Need
Hey everyone👋! I'd seriously cry if you haven't been to Kaifeng in April😭! This ancient capital of eight dynasties captures the vibrant atmosphere from "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" painting, with its Iron Pagoda, ancient streets, and delicious food... you'll feel like you've traveled back to the Song Dynasty in minutes! Save this fresh guide right now👇!
📍Kaifeng, Henan's "Capital of Eight Dynasties"👏! This was once the Northern Song Dynasty capital known as Dongjing Bianliang, where the bustling markets depicted in "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," the legendary cases of Judge Bao, and the heroic tales of the Yang Family Generals all took place. In April, the city is filled with the fragrance of sophora flowers, and ancient buildings peek through lush trees and blooming flowers - every casual photo looks like a classical masterpiece📸!
🚗【Transportation Guide】
✈️Fly to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, then take the direct airport bus to Kaifeng (about 1.5 hours);
🚄Take high-speed rail to Kaifeng North Station, then grab a taxi or bus to downtown - super convenient! For getting around the city, shared bikes are recommended, riding through the Imperial Street of the Song Dynasty feels amazing; attractions are close to each other, so taxis are affordable too~
🗺【Recommended Itinerary】
Day 1: Millennium City Park - Song Dynasty Martial Arts City
Rush to Millennium City Park in the morning! Wear Hanfu for the full time-travel experience👘! Watch folk performances, take a boat ride on the Bian River, and take photos with "Wu Dalang"! For lunch, try a lamb meat baked bun in the park - crispy on the outside with generous lamb filling! In the afternoon, head to Song Dynasty Martial Arts City to watch live martial arts performances with spectacular sword fights, and the evening iron flower show will make you scream with delight😭!
Day 2: Kaifeng Prefecture - Judge Bao Temple - Drum Tower Night Market
Visit Kaifeng Prefecture early! Watch "Judge Bao" hold court and try cases, and explore the integrity culture area which is very educational~ For lunch, try a bowl of Xing Family pot stickers with crispy golden skin that burst with juice when you bite into them! In the afternoon, visit Judge Bao Temple to learn about the legendary life of Judge Bao. In the evening, head straight to Drum Tower Night Market for stir-fried bean jelly, sweet potato mash... eat your way from one end to the other!
Day 3: Dragon Pavilion Park - Iron Pagoda Park - Return Trip
Explore Dragon Pavilion Park in the morning, climb up to Dragon Pavilion Hall for a panoramic view of Pan and Yang Lakes - the royal garden atmosphere is magnificent! For lunch, try bucket chicken - tender and flavorful! In the afternoon, visit Iron Pagoda Park to see the thousand-year-old glazed pagoda and take amazing photos! Before leaving, grab some Xingshengde spicy peanuts as a snack for your trip home~
🌟【5 Must-Do Activities】
📍Millennium City Park: Immersive experience of Song Dynasty urban life
📍Song Dynasty Martial Arts City: Watch live martial arts performances and feel the heroic spirit
📍Kaifeng Prefecture: Visit "Judge Bao's" workplace and experience integrity culture
📍Drum Tower Night Market: Enjoy authentic Kaifeng cuisine with vibrant local atmosphere
📍Dragon Pavilion Park: Overlook Pan and Yang Lakes and experience the charm of royal gardens
📌【Practical Tips】
🎫Millennium City Park costs 120 yuan, Song Dynasty Martial Arts City all-day ticket is 80 yuan, buy online in advance for discounts!
👗April in Kaifeng is neither hot nor cold, perfect for wearing Hanfu! Remember to bring comfortable shoes as you'll easily walk over 10,000 steps at the attractions
📸The Rainbow Bridge at Millennium City Park, Kaifeng Prefecture Hall, and Dragon Pavilion Hall are all prime photo spots!
🍜【Local Food Recommendations】
🥟Xing Family Pot Stickers: Crispy and fragrant with juicy meat filling that bursts in your mouth
🐔Bucket Chicken: Firm meat with savory flavor that gets more delicious with each bite
🍠Stir-fried Sweet Potato Mash: Sweet and smooth, melts in your mouth, perfect for cleansing the palate
🥘Lamb Baked Bun: Crispy bread filled with lamb, so delicious you'll lick your fingers
🌶️Stir-fried Bean Jelly: Fragrant and tender with a tangy spiciness, a must-try at the night market
🥜Xingshengde Spicy Peanuts: Savory with a hint of spice, addictively delicious
🏨【Accommodation】
📍Near Millennium City Park: Kaifeng Millennium City Park Official Inn, traditional architecture, right next to the scenic area
📍Drum Tower Square: Kaifeng Zhongzhou Elegant Hotel, with the night market right downstairs for convenient dining and shopping
📍Next to Dragon Pavilion Park: Kaifeng Dingli International Hotel, comfortable environment with attractions concentrated nearby
💖【Travel Impressions】
Kaifeng is truly a city that blends history with everyday life! Experience the prosperity of the Song Dynasty at Millennium City Park, feast at the Drum Tower Night Market, and touch a thousand years of history among ancient relics... every brick and tile, every flavor and taste tells the story of its past glory! Come on everyone, rush to experience this time-traveling journey through an ancient capital~