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July 25, 2025
Romantic Kaifeng: 3 Days of History, Culture & Scenic Beauty
Discover Kaifeng's imperial heritage and riverside charm with your loved one
Kaifeng TravelCultural TravelRomantic Getaways
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 开封
Location: Henan Province, China
Famous For: Historical capital of Northern Song Dynasty,Iron Pagoda of Kaifeng,Qingming Riverside Park
Daily Cost: $70-100 per couple
Best Season: Spring & Autumn
Introduction: Why visit Kaifeng?
Kaifeng 开封 beckons couples with its living history and romantic waterways. Once the world's largest city during the Song Dynasty, it preserves ancient traditions through Qingming Riverside Park's immersive Song culture, Iron Pagoda's ninth-century grandeur, and the Dragon Pavilion's imperial gardens. Stroll hand-in-hand along the Sui and Tang Grand Canal or share a traditional tea ceremony in a Song-era teahouse.
Best time to visit Kaifeng
Ideal Seasons: March-May (Spring) | September-October (Autumn)
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (12-22°C) perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like Qingming Riverside Park during its blooming season
☀️Summer: Hot (25-35°C) with occasional rain showers - ideal for visiting indoor attractions like Kaifeng Museum
🍁Autumn: Cool breezes (15-25°C) enhance the dramatic autumn foliage at Tianbo Yang's Mansion
❄️Winter: Cold (0-8°C) but serene, offering unique photography opportunities at the ice-covered Golden Basin
Arriving and leaving Kaifeng
Mid-range couples can use Didi taxis (¥10-30 rides) and bike-sharing systems around scenic areas. Traditional rickshaws available at major attractions for romantic tours.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport [Recommended]
2-hour train to Zhengzhou + 45-minute high-speed rail to Kaifeng | Airport taxis to Zhengzhou station: ¥150 (~$20) | Shuttle buses: ¥25-35 (~$3-5)
Kaifeng North Railway Station
Direct high-speed rail connections to Beijing (3h), Shanghai (5h), and Xi'an (2.5h) | Taxis from station to city center: ¥20-30 (~$2.5-4) in 15 minutes
Where to stay in Kaifeng: Best Neighborhood
City Center near Weishui Park
Convenient access to Dragon Pavilion and Iron Pagoda within 20-minute drives. Mid-range options include Kaifeng Jinming Hotel and Yitel Hotel Kaifeng Railway Station
Cultural District near Qingming Park
Immersive Song Dynasty atmosphere with traditional-style hotels like Kaifeng Songcheng Hotel located 10 minutes from Qingming Riverside Park entrance
Top Things to do in Kaifeng
Qingming Riverside Park
Step into Song Dynasty life with costumed performers, ancient architecture, and boat rides along the reconstructed Bian River. Must-see: Grand View Garden and folk art demonstrations.
Iron Pagoda Park
Marvel at China's most complete Song Dynasty glazed-brick pagoda (1049 AD) surrounded by peony gardens. Take your partner to the top for panoramic city views.
Dragon Pavilion
Romantic imperial gardens with lotus ponds and the largest palace complex from the Song Dynasty. Enjoy evening light shows reflecting on Lake Pan and Lake Yang.
Tips
Purchase combo tickets for multiple attractions to save 20-30%
What to eat: Kaifeng food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Songcheng Hotel Restaurant
Dine in Song Dynasty ambiance with live traditional music. Must-try: Imperial feast set menu for two (¥288/$38)
2. Hegang Xiaolongbao
Modern take on classic dishes in a romantic garden setting. Perfect for sunset dinners with their signature crab roe soup dumplings
3. Ancient City Tea House
Tea ceremony experiences in a restored Ming Dynasty building. Try the jasmine pearl tea paired with sweet osmanthus cakes
Signature Dishes
1. Song Dynasty Imperial Noodles
Hand-pulled wheat noodles served in a delicate broth with pork ribs and century egg. Best at Tianyuan Restaurant near Dragon Pavilion
2. Braised Soft-Shell Turtle
Tender turtle cooked in a sweet soy sauce with goji berries and Shaoxing wine. Try the version at Yongxing Restaurant, a family business since 1937
3. Eight Treasures Porridge
Sweet rice porridge with eight dried fruits and nuts, symbolizing marital bliss. Available at morning markets like Xuande Market
Kaifeng itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Ancient City Tea House:Enjoy traditional breakfast of soy milk and scallion pancakes while learning tea etiquette
Visit Dragon Pavilion:Walk through the Song Dynasty palace complex and take photos at the Dragon Stairway
🥗Lunch at Hegang Xiaolongbao:Try the restaurant's signature crab roe soup dumplings
Explore Kaifeng Museum:See Song Dynasty artifacts and interactive exhibits about imperial court life
Riverside Walk at Sui and Tang Grand Canal:Enjoy sunset views along the historic waterway with traditional architecture reflections
🍽️Dinner at Songcheng Hotel Restaurant:Dine in Song Dynasty attire with live traditional music accompaniment
DAY 2
Enter Qingming Riverside Park:Witness Song-era life reconstructions including bridge-crossing ceremonies and calligraphy demonstrations
🥗Lunch at Song-style Food Street:Sample street food like scallion pancakes and sweet tofu pudding from traditional food stalls
Visit Iron Pagoda Park:Explore China's best-preserved glazed-brick pagoda surrounded by peony gardens
Tea Ceremony at Tianbo Yang's Mansion:Experience Song-era hospitality in a historic Yang family residence
🍽️Dinner at Yongxing Restaurant:Savor time-honored dishes in a restored 1930s building
DAY 3
Morning Walk at Weishui Park:Stroll through traditional Chinese gardens and enjoy morning tai chi demonstrations
Visit Xiangguo Temple:Hear temple bells and watch incense offerings in this 1,400-year-old Buddhist temple
🥗Lunch at Tianyuan Restaurant:Try their famous 'Song Dynasty Imperial Noodles'
Shop for Song Dynasty Crafts:Buy traditional silk products and Song-style calligraphy at Song Imperial Street
Final Canal Cruise:Relax on a boat ride with traditional pipa music along the ancient canal
Kaifeng Travel FAQs
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