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July 25, 2025
7-Day Kaifeng Couples Travel Guide: History, Culture & Budget Tips
Explore ancient Chinese dynasties on a budget with this romantic itinerary
HistoryCultureBudget TravelCouples Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 开封
Location: Henan Province, Central China
Famous For: Ancient capital of eight dynasties,Song Dynasty culture,Historic pagodas and temples
Daily Cost: $30-40 USD per couple
Best Season: April-June, September-October
Why Visit Kaifeng?
Kaifeng, Dragon Pavilion capital during China's golden age, offers couples a romantic journey through Iron Pagoda architectural wonders and Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden Song Dynasty recreations. With budget-friendly attractions and UNESCO-listed sites like Kaifeng Xiangguo Temple, this ancient metropolis blends history with modern accessibility.
Best Time to Visit Kaifeng
Ideal Seasons: Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October)
🌱Spring: Mild 18-25°C temperatures perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like Iron Pagoda with cherry blossoms blooming along the moats
☀️Summer: Hot 30°C+ with humidity - focus on indoor sites like Kaifeng Museum and early morning temple visits
🍁Autumn: Crisp 15-22°C autumn air ideal for walking tours through Gulou historical quarter
❄️Winter: Cold 0-10°C with occasional snow transforming Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden into a winter wonderland
Arriving and Leaving Kaifeng
Rent bicycles from hotel (¥20/day) or use Didi taxis (¥5-15 per ride). Bus routes 1, 10 and 20 connect major attractions with 2-yuan (~$0.30 USD) fares.
Kaifeng Railway Station
Central hub with direct high-speed trains to Zhengzhou (20 mins) and Beijing (3 hours). Taxis to city center cost ¥30-50 (~$4-7 USD) with 15-minute travel time.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport [Recommended]
37km from Kaifeng. Airport shuttle buses run hourly (¥50/$7 USD, 1 hour) with taxis costing ¥300-400 (~$40-55 USD). Connect to Kaifeng via high-speed rail.
Where to Stay in Kaifeng
Central Historical District
Closest to Dragon Pavilion and Kaifeng Xiangguo Temple. Budget options include 7 Days Inn Kaifeng Train Station and mid-range hotels near Gulou
Zhengbin District
Modern area near high-speed rail station with budget hostels and restaurants serving local specialties like steamed buns with pork soup
Top Historical Attractions in Kaifeng
Dragon Pavilion
Iconic 90-meter high pavilion built on Yuan Dynasty palace ruins. Offers panoramic views of the city and Song Dynasty cultural performances.
Iron Pagoda
1049 AD glazed-tile Buddhist pagoda renowned for its iron-like appearance. Nearby Iron Pagoda Park offers tranquil walking paths.
Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden
8km² Song Dynasty recreation with costumed performers, ancient markets, and boat rides. Best visited in morning for photo ops.
Tips
Buy combined tickets for multiple attractions to save 30-40% on entrance fees.
What to Eat: Kaifeng Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Kaifeng Old Restaurant
Family-run eatery near Dragon Pavilion serving Song Dynasty-era dishes like roasted duck and stir-fried river fish.
2. Xiangguo Temple Noodles
Budget-friendly noodle shop near Kaifeng Xiangguo Temple with handmade wheat noodles and vegetarian options.
Signature Dishes
1. Steamed Buns with Pork Soup
Local specialty of thin-skinned buns filled with pork broth, best dipped in vinegar and chili oil.
2. Chrysanthemum Tea
Famous for Tieguanyin Chrysanthemum grown in Kaifeng's gardens. Served in traditional tea houses near Gulou
Kaifeng Itinerary: 7 Days & 7 Nights
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Kaifeng Old Restaurant:Try local steamed buns with pork soup
Visit Dragon Pavilion:Explore the iconic imperial pavilion and its museum
🥗Lunch at Xiangguo Temple Noodles:Handmade wheat noodles with sesame paste
Explore Iron Pagoda Park:Walk among Song Dynasty relics and take photos of the Iron Pagoda
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel restaurant:Enjoy traditional soy milk and scallion pancakes
Morning at Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden:Wander through recreated Song Dynasty streets with costumed performers
🥗Lunch at Riverside Garden Café:Try Song Dynasty-inspired dishes like lotus-wrapped rice
Afternoon at Kaifeng Museum:Free admission with rotating exhibits on eight dynasties
Kaifeng Travel FAQs
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