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July 25, 2025
5-Day Kaifeng Travel Guide for Couples: Historical & Cultural Experience on a Budget
Discover Kaifeng's ancient charm with this budget-friendly itinerary perfect for couples
HistoryCultureBudget TravelCouples
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 开封市
Location: Henan Province, China
Famous For: Ancient Capital Heritage,Song Dynasty Culture,Traditional Snacks,Historical Architecture
Daily Cost: $50-70 per couple
Best Season: Spring & Autumn
Why Visit Kaifeng: China's Ancient Capital of Culture
Kaifeng Kaifeng stands as one of China's Seven Ancient Capitals, offering couples a unique journey through 4,100 years of history. This budget-friendly destination preserves remarkable Song Dynasty Song Dynasty heritage through attractions like the China Prime Minister Temple Bao Gong Ci, Ancient Watchtower Kaifeng Iron Tower, and the world's first astronomical observatory Yingtian Gate. Perfect for history-loving couples seeking cultural immersion without breaking the bank.
Best Time to Visit Kaifeng
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) with blooming flowers at Dragon Pavilion Park Long Ting Park. Ideal for outdoor exploration.
☀️Summer: Hot (25-36°C) with occasional rain, best for visiting indoor attractions like Kaifeng Museum Kaifeng Museum
🍁Autumn: Pleasant weather (18-25°C) during National Day holidays, perfect for night market experiences at Shang Ting Shanting Night Market
❄️Winter: Cold but festive atmosphere at Traditional Architecture District Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, with cultural events at Song Dynasty City Song Dynasty Ancient City
Arriving and Leaving Kaifeng
Economical options include shared e-bikes (¥1/hour), buses (¥1-2), and taxis (¥10-20 for short trips). For couples, pre-booked airport transfer with Kaifeng Travel Service (¥80) ensures hassle-free arrival.
Kaifeng Railway Station [Recommended]
Centrally located (3km from city center) with frequent high-speed trains to Zhengzhou (20min) and Beijing (3h). Taxis available 24/7 (¥15-20 to downtown)
Kaifeng High-Speed Railway Station
Newer station (15km east) serving long-distance routes. Airport shuttle buses and taxis available (¥40-50 to city center)
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO)
Primary international airport (80km away) with shuttle buses to Kaifeng (¥50, 1.5h) and taxi options (¥600+)
Where to Stay in Kaifeng: Best Neighborhoods for Couples
Longting District [[龙亭区]]
Historic area near Dragon Pavilion Long Ting with boutique hotels and easy access to major attractions like Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden Qingming Shanghe Park. Romantic canal views and traditional architecture.
Gulou District [[鼓楼区]]
Nightlife hub with Shanting Night Market Shanting Night Market and budget-friendly guesthouses. Walking distance to Ancient Watchtower Kaifeng Iron Tower and City God Temple Kaifeng Chenghuang Temple.
Chenggong District [[金明区]]
Modern area with business hotels near Zhengzhou University Campus. Good value for money with convenient transport to Song Dynasty Ancient City Song Dynasty Ancient City attractions.
Top Historical Attractions in Kaifeng
Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden [[Qingming Shanghe Park]]
A full-scale recreation of Song Dynasty life with traditional performances, river cruises, and cultural workshops. Open 8:00-21:00 with night illumination.
Kaifeng Iron Tower [[Kaifeng Iron Tower]]
900-year-old glazed brick pagoda with panoramic city views. Adjacent Iron Tower Park Iron Tower Park has Song Dynasty cultural displays.
China Prime Minister Temple [[Bao Gong Ci]]
Memorial to honest official Bao Zheng with traditional gardens and legal culture exhibitions. Includes replica ancient courtrooms.
Tips
Purchase combined tickets for major sites (¥300 for 5 attractions) and book in advance during holidays.
What to Eat in Kaifeng: Street Food and Budget Bites
Recommended Restaurants
1. Weijia Liangfen Weijia Liangfen
Local favorite for authentic stir-fried noodles (¥8-15). Open 6:00-22:00. Try their signature spicy pork noodles.
2. Huangjia Baozi Huangjia Baozi
Historic bun shop since 1863. Signature soup buns (¥3-6 per piece) and traditional Kaifeng snacks. Branches in Longting and Gulou areas.
3. Shanting Night Market Shanting Night Market
Signature Dishes
1. Soup-filled Buns Goubuli Baozi
Steamed buns filled with savory meat broth, best enjoyed at Huangjia Huangjia Baozi (established 1863). Try the pork and crab variation.
2. Stir-fried Noodles Chao Liang Fen
Kaifeng specialty with soft rice noodles stir-fried with pork, bean sprouts, and chili. Authentic version at Weijia Weijia Liangfen night stall.
3. Lotus Root Stuffed Glutinous Rice Ou He Zhu Mi
Traditional dessert with glutinous rice filled in lotus root segments. Try the version at Songcheng Songcheng Restaurant with osmanthus syrup.
Kaifeng Itinerary 5 Days: Cultural Couples Journey
DAY 1
Visit Dragon Pavilion Park Long Ting Park:Historic imperial gardens with Song Dynasty architecture and panoramic lake views
🥗Lunch at Huangjia Baozi Huangjia Baozi:Try their signature soup-filled buns and local appetizers
Explore Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden Qingming Shanghe Park:Immerse in Song Dynasty culture through living performances and traditional markets
🍽️Dinner at Shanting Night Market Shanting Night Market:Sample local specialties like spicy noodles and sweet tofu
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at local noodle shop:Try hand-pulled noodles with soy sauce
Visit Kaifeng Iron Tower Kaifeng Iron Tower:Climb China's tallest glazed brick pagoda with 900-year-old history
🥗Lunch at Xiangji Temple Vegetarian Restaurant Xiangji Temple Vegetarian Restaurant:Traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine in serene setting
Explore Tianbo Yang Residence Tianbo Yang Residence:Reconstructed ancestral home of famous military family with traditional gardens
🍽️Dinner at Ancient City Family Restaurant Ancient City Family Restaurant:Try their Song Dynasty-inspired dishes in traditional setting
DAY 3
Visit China Prime Minister Temple Bao Gong Ci:Explore the memorial of Song Dynasty's honest official Bao Zheng
🥗Lunch at Old Street Traditional Restaurant Old Street Traditional Restaurant:Try local specialties like steamed fish and Kaifeng-style dumplings
Explore City God Temple Kaifeng Chenghuang Temple:Traditional temple with bustling market selling handicrafts and souvenirs
Song Dynasty Culture Experience:Participate in traditional tea ceremony, calligraphy, and other Song Dynasty activities
Evening Show at Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden Qingming Shanghe Park:Watch traditional performances under historic lighting
DAY 4
🍳Breakfast at local steamed bun shop:Try sesame paste buns and soy milk
Visit Kaifeng Ancient City Wall Kaifeng Ancient City Wall:Walk or bike along the restored sections of the ancient city walls
🥗Lunch at countryside farm restaurant:Experience rural Kaifeng with fresh local dishes
Explore Fan Tower Fan Tower:Visit one of China's oldest surviving Buddhist pagodas
🍽️Dinner at traditional courtyard restaurant:Enjoy dinner in a restored traditional Kaifeng residence
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Enjoy a relaxing final breakfast
Shopping at Traditional Craft Center:Buy souvenirs like Song Dynasty-style ceramics and Kaifeng embroidery
🥗Lunch at Song Dynasty Cultural Street Song Dynasty Cultural Street:Enjoy traditional farewell meal in historic setting
Departure:Transfer to railway station or airport for departure
Kaifeng Travel FAQs
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