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July 25, 2025
5 Days Family Travel in Kaifeng: Uncover Ancient China's Legacy
Explore Kaifeng's historical wonders, UNESCO sites, and budget-friendly family activities in this comprehensive travel guide.
Family TravelHistory & CultureBudget Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 开封
Location: Henan Province, China
Famous For: Song Dynasty heritage,Qingming Riverside Scene Park,Iron Pagoda,Chinese Calligraphy culture
Daily Cost: $30-40
Best Season: April-October
Introduction: Why visit Kaifeng?
Once the capital of seven dynasties including the glorious Song Dynasty, Kaifeng offers a unique window into China's medieval golden age. This ancient city blends UNESCO World Heritage Sites with family-friendly attractions, making it perfect for history-loving travelers seeking authentic experiences without breaking the budget.
Best time to visit Kaifeng
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-October)
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) and blooming flowers create perfect conditions for exploring outdoor attractions like Qingming Riverside Scene Park. The city hosts traditional Qingming Festival activities during April.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (28-35°C) but offers special cultural events like the Dragon Pavilion Park lotus festival. Best to visit early morning/late afternoon.
🍁Autumn: Pleasant weather (18-22°C) with clear skies ideal for temple visits and city wall exploration. The Kaifeng Chrysanthemum Festival in October transforms the city with stunning floral displays.
❄️Winter: Cold (0-10°C) but offers lower prices and fewer crowds. Indoor attractions like Kaifeng Museum and Bao Gong Ci become particularly appealing.
Arriving and leaving Kaifeng
Affordable options include metro line 2 extensions, bus routes 28/31 to major attractions, and bike-sharing near tourist areas. Family taxi rides typically cost ¥10-25 per destination.
Kaifeng North Railway Station [Recommended]
10km from city center, connects to Zhengzhou (40min) and major cities via high-speed rail. Taxis cost ¥30-40 (15min).
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (Transfer)
Main international gateway (70km away), offers airport shuttle buses to Kaifeng (¥50, 1.5hr) and high-speed rail connection (Zhengzhou to Kaifeng, ¥28, 30min).
Where to stay in Kaifeng: Best Neighborhood
Zhongmu County
Near Qingming Riverside Scene Park, offering themed hotels and easy access to the city's main attraction. Budget family-friendly options like Kaifeng Resort Hotel available.
Gulou District
Historic downtown area with traditional guesthouses, street food markets, and proximity to Iron Pagoda Park and Kaifeng City Wall.
Top Things to do in Kaifeng
Qingming Riverside Scene Park
Step into a living Song Dynasty masterpiece with over 100 historical recreations from the famous Qingming scroll painting. Enjoy boat rides on the Bian River and traditional performances.
Iron Pagoda Park
Marvel at the 'Iron Pagoda' (actually glazed brick), an 11th-century architectural wonder standing 56.88 meters tall. The park surrounding it hosts traditional lantern festivals.
Kaifeng City Wall
Walk the restored sections of this 13.7km ancient defensive wall, with highlights including the Zhengyi Gate tower offering panoramic city views and night illuminations.
Tips
Purchase combo tickets for multiple attractions (¥120) and visit UNESCO sites early morning to avoid crowds.
What to eat: Kaifeng food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Bao Gong Ci Snack Street
Food paradise near Bao Gong Ci temple offering 30+ local specialties in a historic setting. Family set meals available from ¥40.
2. Da Xiang Guo Temple Vegetarian Restaurant
Monk-cooked Buddhist vegetarian meals with Song Dynasty recipe adaptations. Try their mock meat dishes.
3. Tie Ye Lou Restaurant
Legendary 1890s establishment specializing in Kaifeng's signature Stuffed Noodles and Braised Duck.
Signature Dishes
1. Steamed Bun (Baozi)
The original 'Kaifeng soup dumpling' featuring thicker skins and meat broth, best enjoyed at local breakfast spots like Bao Gong Ci Snack Street.
2. Stuffed Noodles (Chunmian)
Unique Kaifeng noodles filled with minced pork, served in a clear broth with soy sauce and vinegar on the side.
3. Braised Duck (Suya Ji)
Traditional Song Dynasty dish with crispy skin and tender meat, preserved using secret herbs from the Kaifeng Duck Restaurant.
Kaifeng itinerary 5 Days
DAY 1
Qingming Riverside Scene Park:Start with this living history park, featuring Song-era street performers, traditional tea houses, and architectural recreations from the famous painting.
🥗Lunch at Qinghe Restaurant:Enjoy Song Dynasty-inspired dishes like stuffed noodles and steamed buns in traditional surroundings.
Iron Pagoda Park:Visit the iconic 11th-century glazed brick pagoda, known as 'Iron Pagoda' despite being made of brick.
🍽️Dinner at Da Xiang Guo Temple Restaurant:Taste Buddhist vegetarian specialties in a temple setting with serene courtyard seating.
DAY 2
Kaifeng Museum:Discover Kaifeng's glorious past as Song Dynasty capital through artifacts and interactive exhibits.
🥗Lunch at Hanfu Cuisine:Try modern interpretations of ancient recipes in a traditional Hanfu-themed dining environment.
Hanyuan Calligraphy Workshop:Experience Chinese calligraphy under master guidance in China's largest stone inscription forest.
Kaifeng City Wall Walk:Stroll the restored section of ancient city defenses with panoramic views of modern and historic architecture.
DAY 3
Bao Gong Ci:Visit the memorial hall dedicated to 'China's Sherlock Holmes', Magistrate Bao, featuring ancient case exhibits.
🥗Lunch at Zhu Xian Zhen Restaurant:Savor authentic Zhu Xian town cuisine including famous stuffed tofu and braised duck.
Dragon Pavilion Park:Explore Song Dynasty palace ruins and enjoy the imperial garden's lotus pond and Qing-era architecture.
Gulou Street Food Tour:Snack through historic night market stalls offering local specialties like steamed buns and Jianbing crepes.
DAY 4
Travel to Zhu Xian Town:Take a morning bus (1hr) to China's birthplace of New Year woodcut art, passing through rural Henan countryside.
Zhu Xian Woodcut Workshop:Create your own traditional woodcut print under local artisans' guidance in this 900-year-old craft's birthplace.
🥗Lunch at Zhu Xian Old House:Sample regional delicacies including boiled pork knuckle and millet porridge in a traditional setting.
Zhu Xian Mosque:Explore this Ming Dynasty mosque blending Islamic architecture with Chinese design elements.
DAY 5
Fusheng Calligraphy Market:Purchase traditional brushes, ink, and paper souvenirs from local artisans while observing master demonstrations.
Tea Ceremony at Song Dynasty Teahouse:Experience traditional Chinese tea ceremony in recreated Song Dynasty teahouse environment.
🥗Farewell Lunch at Bianjing Restaurant:Enjoy fusion dishes combining modern techniques with ancient recipes in an elegant setting.
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