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July 25, 2025
Kaifeng 5-Day Travel Guide: Discover Ancient China with Your Partner
A romantic, budget-friendly itinerary exploring Kaifeng's historical sites and culinary treasures
Couples TravelAncient TownsBudget Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 开封
Location: Henan Province, Central China
Famous For: Seven Ancient Capitals,Song Dynasty Culture,Local Snacks
Daily Cost: $30-40
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Why Visit Kaifeng?
Once the capital of 8 dynasties, Kaifeng offers a unique glimpse into China's imperial past through its well-preserved Song Dynasty architecture, traditional markets, and romantic riverside scenery. This guide helps couples create unforgettable memories through ancient temple visits, lantern-lit walks, and shared culinary adventures.
Best Time to Visit Kaifeng
Ideal Seasons: Spring and Autumn for comfortable weather
🌱Spring: Pleasant temperatures (15-25°C) with blooming cherry blossoms at Qingming Riverside Park
☀️Summer: Hot (28-35°C) but perfect for night market snacks like cold noodles
🍁Autumn: Mild weather (12-20°C) ideal for temple visits and photography
❄️Winter: Cold (0-8°C) but offers unique hot pot dining experiences
Arriving and Leaving Kaifeng
Bicycles ($1.5/day), ride-hailing apps (~$3-5 rides), and tourist buses to main attractions
Kaifeng Station [Recommended]
Central railway station with direct high-speed trains to Beijing (2.5h), Shanghai (4h). Taxi from station to city center takes 15min (~$8)
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport
Nearest airport (1h drive). Shuttle buses available to Kaifeng (~$12) or private transfer options (~$40)
Where to Stay in Kaifeng: Best Neighborhood
Gulou Square Area
Heart of the old town with traditional guesthouses. Close to night markets and walking distance to Daxiangguo Temple
Qingming Riverside Park Area
Riverside hotels with Song Dynasty architecture themes. Perfect for romantic walks and temple visits
Top Things to do in Kaifeng
Qingming Riverside Park
A living replica of the famous Qingming Scroll painting with street performances, traditional boats, and romantic evening lights
Iron Pagoda Park
Magnificent 11th-century glazed brick pagoda with climbing opportunities for panoramic views
Baogong Temple
Tribute to China's most famous upright official with interactive crime-solving exhibits and traditional garden settings
Tips
Buy combo tickets for multiple attractions (~$35) to save 30%
Kaifeng Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Huangjia Teahouse
Centuries-old establishment serving perfect soup dumplings and Song Dynasty-style desserts
2. Mayuxing Restaurant
Family-run eatery with 80-year heritage specializing in steamed chicken and local delicacies
3. Xisi Night Market
Romantic open-air food paradise with 200+ snack stalls from sunset to midnight
Signature Dishes
1. Soup Dumplings
Delicate steamed dumplings with savory soup inside, best enjoyed at Huangjia Teahouse
2. Steamed Chicken
Famous marinated chicken dish with crispy skin and tender meat, a must-try at Mayuxing Restaurant
3. Yellow River Crucian
Traditional clay-pot cooked fish with medicinal herbs for couples' wellness
Kaifeng 5 Days Itinerary
DAY 1
Visit Qingming Riverside Park:Explore 1:1 scale Song Dynasty city with street performers and traditional boats
🥗Lunch at Yellow Dragon Restaurant:Try steamed carp and Song Dynasty imperial porridge
Walk around Daxiangguo Temple:Marvel at the ancient Buddhist temple's architecture and bell-chime rituals
🍽️Dinner at Xisi Night Market:Share skewers, stinky tofu, and sweet pastries at romantic lantern-lit market
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Old Town Alley:Try sesame cakes and hot bean milk like locals
Visit Iron Pagoda:Climb China's most beautiful glazed pagoda for city views
🥗Lunch at Baogong Restaurant:Try the signature steamed chicken and yellow wine
Explore Baogong Temple:Learn about ancient Chinese justice system through interactive exhibits
🍽️Dinner at Songcheng Restaurant:Song Dynasty themed dining with live performances
DAY 3
Calligraphy Class at Cultural Center:Learn brush writing together in traditional courtyard
🥗Lunch at Suzhou-style Restaurant:Delicate Jiangnan cuisine with vegetarian options
Day Trip to Zhuxian Town:Visit China's most famous woodblock print village and Yang's General Temple
🍽️Dinner in Zhuxian Town:Taste the legendary pork knuckle and traditional rice wine
DAY 4
Visit Longting Palace:Stroll through imperial gardens and watch traditional performances
🥗Lunch at Plum Blossom Restaurant:Enjoy lake-view dining with delicate yellow croaker dishes
Boating on Yangqiao Lake:Rent a paddle boat for two and explore the historic lake
Explore Tianbo Mansion:Visit Yang Family Warriors' legendary estate with romantic pavilions
🍽️Dinner at Riverside Teahouse:Tea pairing with sweet lotus paste desserts and pipa music
DAY 5
Woodblock Printing Workshop:Create traditional Zhuxian Town woodblock prints as souvenirs
🥗Farewell Lunch at Heritage Restaurant:Special meal with Kaifeng's signature dishes and tasting menu
Visit City Museum:Free museum with interactive displays tracing the city's golden age
Shopping at Songdian Street:Buy traditional silk products and souvenir teapots
Kaifeng Travel FAQs
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