Get Your Travel Plan
July 25, 2025
5 Days in Kaifeng: A Budget Solo Traveler's Guide to Ancient China
Explore 8 dynasties' heritage, UNESCO sites, and authentic Henan cuisine without breaking the bank
HistoryCultureBudget TravelSolo Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 开封
Location: Henan Province, Central China
Famous For: Dragon Pavilion Park,Iron Pagoda,Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden
Daily Cost: $30-50 USD
Best Season: March-May / September-October
Introduction: Why Kaifeng for Budget History Lovers?
Step into Kaifeng's glorious past as China's capital during eight dynasties. Unlike more commercialized destinations, this ancient city offers authentic cultural experiences at affordable prices. From towering Song Dynasty relics to vibrant street markets serving 1,000-year-old recipes, Kaifeng delivers immersive history without the crowds.
Best time to visit Kaifeng
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-October)
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) with blooming flowers at Dragon Pavilion Park. Perfect for exploring open-air archaeological sites.
☀️Summer: Hot (30°C+) but offers unique experiences like the June Dongjing Dream Pond lotus festival.
🍁Autumn: Cool breezes (20°C) and clear skies ideal for full-day temple visits to Daxiangguo Temple.
❄️Winter: Cold but budget-friendly season with fewer tourists at Kaifeng Museum's Song Dynasty exhibits.
Arriving and leaving Kaifeng
Bicycles (¥5/day) and electric scooters (¥8/day) perfect for historical districts. Bus routes 1/10 connect major attractions.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport [Recommended]
30km west of Kaifeng. High-speed rail to Zhengzhou (20min) then bus to Kaifeng (50min). Taxi cost: ~$25 USD
Zhengzhou Railway Station
Connects to Kaifeng via frequent intercity buses (¥15/$2). 10min taxi ride to downtown Kaifeng.
Where to stay in Kaifeng: Best Neighborhood
Gulou District
Historic heart with budget hostels like Yingbin Hotel. Walkable to night markets and Kaifeng Eye Ferris Wheel.
Longting District
Near Dragon Pavilion Park. Mid-range options like Chunsheng International Hotel with Song Dynasty decor.
Top Things to do in Kaifeng
Dragon Pavilion Park
Explore the iconic Song Dynasty palace platform offering panoramic views. Walk the ancient city wall segment.
Iron Pagoda
Marvel at this 1049 AD glazed-tile masterpiece with 54m twisted design. Nightlight shows in summer.
Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden
Recreate the Along the River During the Qingming Festival painting with costumed actors and boat rides.
Tips
Purchase the ¥120/$17 combo ticket for 5 major attractions to save 30%
What to eat: Kaifeng food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Gulou Snack Street
Open-air food court with 30+ budget stalls selling sesame candy and roasted duck for ¥10.
2. Songcheng Restaurant
Experience Song Dynasty dining with live performances. ¥30 set menu with local delicacies.
Signature Dishes
1. Steamed Bun (Baozi)
Delicate pork-filled buns served at Gulou Night Market. Try with vinegar dip.
2. Braised Yellow River Carp
Traditional Song Dynasty dish featuring tender river fish with soy sauce glaze.
Kaifeng itinerary 5 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Gao Lao Da Baozi:Try pork baozi and soy milk in this 30-year-old bakery
Visit Dragon Pavilion Park:Explore the Song Dynasty palace platform and imperial gardens
🥗Lunch at Da Ban Ren Noodles:Enjoy authentic hand-pulled noodles with lamb stew
Explore Kaifeng Museum:Free admission with Song Dynasty porcelain exhibits
🍽️Dinner at Gulou Snack Street:Sample 10+ street food varieties from ¥5 per serving
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Tea House:Green tea paired with steamed dumplings in traditional setting
Visit Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden:Walk through recreated Song Dynasty scenes with live performances
🥗Lunch at Garden Teahouse:Try the delicate fish soup buns (xiao long bao)
Walk Kaifeng City Wall:Stroll 3.7km of preserved Ming Dynasty walls with panoramic views
Kaifeng Travel FAQs
Welcome to China
Go2China
Your AI-powered China travel companion