Kaifeng Attractions - Things to Do

Always known for historical attractions, Kaifeng City was established more than 2700 years ago and today is considered one of the seven ancient capitals of China. During the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), it was the political, economic and cultural center for all of China, and this elevated the city to the stature of an international metropolis. Influences of later dynasties still remain in the various cultural relics and historical sites and visitors to Kaifeng will have much to see and do. The downtown tourist area is divided into two parts (North and South) by Daliang Road, which runs east to west.
 

Top Things to Do

 Dragon Pavilion
 Iron Pagoda
 Memorial Temple of Lord Bao
 Millennium City Park
 Xiangguo Temple
 

North route: Iron Pagoda – Dragon Pavilion – Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden – Imperial Street of Song Dynasty


Iron Pagoda is located in Iron Pagoda Park, which is in the northeastern part of the city. The pagoda still presents an imposing figure even after hundreds of years. The Iron Pagoda is appropriately named. Covered with glazed tiles in the color of iron, it looks like an iron pillar from a distance.

Situated in Dragon Pavilion Park in the northwest part of the city, Dragon Pavilion is actually a palace and not a traditional pavilion. The 'must see' sights in Dragon Pavilion Park include examples of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) architectures, the Pan and Yang lakes and the renowned landscaped gardens.
Iron Pagoda
Iron Pagoda
Stone statue in Dragon Pavilion Park
Stone Statue in Dragon Pavilion Park
The painting Chinese Symphonic Picture Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival, by Zhang Zeduan of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), captures the prosperity of ancient Kaifeng City. Millennium City Park is a large-scaled scenic amusement park which offers tourists an opportunity to step back in history and explore both the flourishing sights of the ancient city and to experience the daily routines of the ancient inhabitants.

With the length of more than 400 meters (about 437.4 yards), Imperial Street of Song Dynasty is a recreation of the original Imperial Street which flourished with merchants during the Song Dynasty. Rows of antique stores line the street and browsing through their treasures conjures memories of old Kaifeng.
 

South route: Lord Bao Temple - Kaifeng Yamun - Xiangguo Temple - Kaifeng Museum

Located on the west bank of Baogong Lake, the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao is an excellent example of a complex built in the architectural style of the Song Dynasty. Lord Bao was an exemplary official and his name became a household word in China. Tourists will learn about the incorruptibility of Lord Bao through the historical materials, inscriptions and waxwork exhibits on display in the temple.

Kaifeng Yamun (administration office) is a theme-based scenic spot which recreates the stateliness and honest politics of Lord Bao and the Kaifeng Yamun. This is an excellent place to experience the Chinese culture of Yamun.
Memorial Temple of Lord Bao
Memorial Temple of Lord Bao
Xiangguo Temple
Xiangguo Temple
Built in AD 555 in the city center, Xiangguo Temple flourished with the support of the imperial family of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). With the large-scaled area and various Buddhist activities, the temple is one of the ten famous ancient Buddhist temples in China.

Completed and opened to public in 1988, Kaifeng Museum (which was the former Henan Provincial Museum) exhibits the revolutionary achievements of the city in Modern China. Also on display are exhibits highlighting the most representative period of the history of the city - Song Dynasty, which is considered the glory days of Kaifeng.
- Last updated on Apr. 15, 2021 -
Questions & Answers on Kaifeng Attractions
Asked by TT from SINGAPORE | Mar. 18, 2019 21:11Reply
Buses For North & South Routes in Kaifeng
When you classified the places of attraction by the North and South Routes, is it because there are tourist buses plying these attractions? If so could you provide details? Otherwise how could I visit them via public city buses? Thank you
Answers (1)
Answered by Mia from FINLAND | Mar. 24, 2019 22:44
00Reply


No, it only divided into North and South by Daliang Road because of the geographical reason.
Asked by Cee from THAILAND | May. 19, 2018 06:39Reply
There have a bus from Kaifeng North station to the Town? If it have,what number?
Answers (1)
Answered by Tom from NETHERLANDS | May. 21, 2018 21:25
10Reply


Yeah, the bus line 8 can take you from the train station to the urban area.
Asked by Elena from RUSSIA | Feb. 14, 2017 05:16Reply
Where the night market in Kaifeng location? What is it name?
Answers (1)
Answered by Grace from GERMANY | Feb. 14, 2017 19:52
00Reply


Yes, you are advised to go to Xiaosongcheng Night Market and Wuyi Road Night Market. Hereunder are the detailed location information:
Xiaosongcheng Night Market: the intersection of Daliang Road and Yishan Avenue
Wuyi Road Night Market: along the Wuyi Road, Gulou District
Hope you like. :)
Asked by Chong from MALAYSIA | Aug. 02, 2012 04:44Reply
Is 2 days enough to see the major attractions in Kaifeng ?
Is it easy to take public transport in that city?
Is 1 to 2 days enough to see the top attractions ?
Answers (1)
Answered by Flora | Aug. 04, 2012 21:41
10Reply


Yes, but two-day traveling is a little urgent to visit the city because the top attractions may take you much time. Anyway, it is ok, but three day traveling is better.
The local public bus service can easily be taken, so don't worry too much about the transport.
The major attractions, such as Dragon Pavilion (Long Ting), Memorial Temple of Lord Bao & Iron Pagoda and others can be enjoyed in two days.
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