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July 25, 2025
Kaifeng Romantic 3-Day Budget Travel Guide for Couples
Discover Kaifeng's historical charm with your partner without breaking the bank
Historical TravelCouples TravelBudget TravelKaifeng
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 开封
Location: Henan Province, Central China
Famous For: Song Dynasty Culture,Ancient City Walls,Traditional Cuisine
Daily Cost: $25-35 USD
Best Season: Spring & Autumn
Why visit Kaifeng?
Kaifeng 开封, once the capital of the Song Dynasty, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and romantic settings. With its well-preserved historical sites, unique food culture, and affordable prices, it's an ideal destination for budget-conscious couples seeking memorable experiences.
Best time to visit Kaifeng
Ideal Seasons: March-May & September-November
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-22°C) make spring perfect for exploring historical sites. Cherry blossoms at 龙亭湖风景区 create romantic photo opportunities.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-35°C) with frequent rains. Visit early morning to avoid crowds at 清明上河园.
🍁Autumn: Cool (18-25°C) with autumn foliage at 铁塔公园. Ideal for riverside strolls.
❄️Winter: Cold (0-8°C) but festive decorations at 宋都御街. Great for enjoying local winter specialties.
Arriving and leaving Kaifeng
Affordable options: 1-3 yuan ($0.15-$0.45) buses cover most attractions. Shared e-bikes (CNY1.5/hour) ideal for couples exploring historical districts.
Kaifeng Railway Station
Main railway hub with regular high-speed trains to Zhengzhou (28min). Taxi to city center costs ~$3 USD (8km)
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport [Nearest]
40km from Kaifeng. Airport shuttle bus to Kaifeng (CNY50) or transfer to Zhengzhou Railway Station for high-speed train
Where to stay in Kaifeng: Best Neighborhood
Top Things to do in Kaifeng
Qingming Riverside Park
Full-day immersive experience of Song Dynasty life with performers, traditional architecture, and cultural shows. Romantic evening light displays on the river.
Daxiangguo Temple
Famous Buddhist temple with massive incense burners and ancient architecture. Quiet courtyards perfect for peaceful walks together.
Kaifeng City Wall
Walkable ancient city wall offering panoramic views. Sunset time recommended for romantic photos.
Tips
Book combo tickets for multiple attractions to save 20-30%. Visit morning/evening to avoid crowds.
What to eat: Kaifeng food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. First Building Restaurant (Di Yi Lou)
Historic restaurant (est. 1860) specializing in bamboo basket buns and Song Dynasty imperial cuisine. Budget: CNY40-60 per person.
2. Ma Yuxing Roast Chicken
Legendary roasted chicken since 1830 with tender meat and aromatic spices. Bring back as picnic food for romantic outings. Budget: CNY20-30 per chicken.
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3. Drum Tower Night Market
Open-air market with 100+ food stalls offering everything from street snacks to full meals. Budget: CNY10-20 per dish. Romantic setting with lantern decorations.
Signature Dishes
1. Bamboo Basket Steamed Buns
Unique soup-filled buns served in bamboo steamers. Best enjoyed at 第一楼 where they've perfected the craft for over 100 years.
2. Kaifeng Yellow River Carp
Freshwater fish prepared with sweet and sour sauce, a traditional Song Dynasty dish. Try the claypot version at 又一新饭店.
3. Sticky Rice Pudding
Traditional dessert made with glutinous rice and red bean paste, often enjoyed with sweet osmanthus syrup. Available at all night markets.
Kaifeng itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Drum Tower:Try local specialties like sesame paste noodles and soybean milk at the bustling market
Visit Qingming Riverside Park:Explore recreated Song Dynasty city with traditional performers and boat rides
🥗Lunch at First Building Restaurant:Enjoy famous bamboo basket buns and imperial dishes in historic setting
Explore Daxiangguo Temple:Marvel at ancient Buddhist architecture and massive incense burners
🍽️Dinner at Drum Tower Night Market:Sample diverse street food under romantic lantern lights
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at local tea house:Traditional breakfast with baozi and green tea at historic teahouse
Climb Kaifeng City Wall:Walk along the ancient wall for panoramic city views, best at sunrise
🥗Lunch at Youyi Restaurant:Taste classic Kaifeng dishes like yellow river carp at reasonable prices
Visit Iron Pagoda Park:See the iconic 55m Song Dynasty pagoda and explore classical gardens
Relax at Dragon Pavilion Park:Enjoy traditional garden architecture and lake views before sunset
DAY 3
Visit Kaifeng Museum:Learn about Song Dynasty history through extensive collection of artifacts
Song Dynasty Costume Experience:Dress in traditional Hanfu and take romantic photos in historical settings
🥗Lunch at Imperial Chef Restaurant:Enjoy themed decor inspired by the legendary Bao Zheng while eating local delicacies
Visit China's Oldest Bookstore:Explore classical Chinese books and Song Dynasty woodblock printing
Traditional Craft Workshop:Create your own woodblock print souvenir to remember your trip
Kaifeng Travel FAQs
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