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July 25, 2025
7-Day Kaifeng Couples' Travel Guide: Exploring Ancient Towns on a Budget
Discover Kaifeng's cultural treasures and romantic spots with this budget-friendly itinerary for two
Couples TravelAncient TownsBudget TravelKaifeng
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 开封
Location: Henan Province, China
Famous For: Ancient Capital Heritage,Song Dynasty Culture,Traditional Night Markets
Daily Cost: $35-50 per couple
Best Season: April-October
Introduction: Why Visit Kaifeng?
Experience the charm of Kaifeng as you walk through its centuries-old streets and immerse yourselves in Song Dynasty culture. This budget-friendly destination offers romantic canals, historic temples, and authentic local cuisine perfect for couples seeking cultural adventures without breaking the bank.
Best Time to Visit Kaifeng
Ideal Seasons: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)
🌱Spring: Pleasant temperatures around 20°C with blooming flowers creating romantic backdrops. Ideal for exploring Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (28-35°C) but offers vibrant night markets and occasional cultural festivals
🍁Autumn: Mild weather (18-25°C) with golden foliage along the ancient canals. Perfect for sunset strolls
❄️Winter: Cold (0-10°C) with fewer tourists. Offers unique winter markets and indoor cultural experiences
Arriving and Leaving Kaifeng
Bicycles (¥15/day), electric scooters (¥20/day), and buses (¥1-2) perfect for budget travelers. App-based taxis (¥8-20) for romantic evening returns
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport [Recommended]
1-hour train to Zhengzhou (¥22) + 45-minute bus to Kaifeng (¥30). Taxis available at airport (¥700-900 to Kaifeng)
Kaifeng Railway Station
Direct high-speed trains from Beijing (5 hours, ¥320) and Shanghai (7 hours, ¥450). City center location with easy taxi access (¥10-15 within city)
Where to Stay in Kaifeng: Best Neighborhood
Songcheng Ancient Town
Immerse yourselves in Song Dynasty ambiance with boutique hotels and proximity to Iron Pagoda Park and Daxiangguo Temple
New District
Modern amenities with budget-friendly options like Kaifeng Jinming Square Area|Jinming Square hotels and easy access to local food streets
Top Things to do in Kaifeng
Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden
Step into a living Song Dynasty painting with recreated markets, traditional performances, and romantic canal cruises for two
Iron Pagoda Park
Discover the 'Iron Pagoda' that isn't made of iron! This 55-meter Song Dynasty masterpiece offers scenic walks and photo opportunities
Xiangfu Temple
Experience the mystical 'Thousand-hand Guanyin' statue and enjoy traditional vegetarian cuisine at this active Buddhist temple
Tips
Visit temples early to avoid crowds. Book night cruise tickets in advance during festivals. Try local snacks at evening markets
What to Eat: Kaifeng Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Kaifeng Lou
Historic restaurant serving authentic Song Dynasty dishes in elegant surroundings. Try the 'Imperial Tasting Menu for Two'
![Gulou Night Market Tickets [2025] - Promos, Prices, Reviews ...](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fak-d.tripcdn.com%2Fimages%2F0100k12000eianv3lB2EC.jpg%3Fproc%3Dsource%252Ftrip&w=3840&q=75)
2. Drum Tower Night Market
Romantic evening destination with over 200 street food stalls offering everything from grilled skewers to sweet soups
3. Baojiu Restaurant
Local favorite for budget-friendly meals including signature 'Three-Treasure Tofu' and 'Stir-fried Yellow River Shrimp'
Signature Dishes
1. Braised Turtle
Kaifeng's signature dish combining tender turtle meat with rich soy sauce, best shared for two
2. Song Dynasty Porridge Dumpling
Unique rice flour dumplings served in warm porridge with aromatic sesame oil and scallions
3. Iron Pagoda Peanut Candy
Traditional sweet souvenir made with peanuts and maltose, perfect for gifting
Kaifeng Itinerary 7 Days
DAY 1
Check-in at Songcheng Ancient Town Hotel:Relax in traditional-style accommodation
Visit Iron Pagoda Park:Explore the iconic Song Dynasty pagoda and gardens
🥗Lunch at Baojiu Restaurant:Try signature 'Three-Treasure Tofu' and river shrimp
Explore Daxiangguo Temple:Marvel at ancient Buddhist architecture
Stroll through Kaifeng Ancient City Wall:Enjoy panoramic views of the city
🍽️Dinner at Drum Tower Night Market:Sample diverse street food options
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel with traditional snacks:Try local porridge and steamed buns
Full-day exploration of Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden:Watch street performances and take a romantic canal boat ride
🥗Lunch at Song Dynasty Style Restaurant inside the park:Dine in historic setting with imperial dishes
Attend traditional tea ceremony demonstration:Learn about Song Dynasty tea culture together
🍽️Dinner at Fulinmen Restaurant:Try 'Iron Pagoda Peanut Candy' dessert
Evening cruise on Dragon Pavilion Lake:Enjoy moonlit boat rides with live traditional music
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Local soy milk and scallion pancakes
Day trip to Qixian County (45 minutes drive):Visit preserved Ming-Qing era architecture and rural villages
🥗Lunch at local family-run restaurant:Experience authentic Henan home cooking
Visit traditional tofu workshop:Participate in making traditional soy products
Return to Kaifeng:Relax before evening activities
🍽️Dinner at Xinyi Pavilion:Try 'Braised Turtle' and other local specialties
Visit Kaifeng Library Ancient Book Hall:Romantic evening among historical texts and scrolls
DAY 4
🍳Breakfast at Kaifeng North Street food stalls:Try local 'four treasures' breakfast set
Visit Kaifeng Jewish Memorial:Learn about China's oldest Jewish community
🥗Lunch at Kaifeng Muslim Restaurant:Middle Eastern influenced dishes reflecting Jewish heritage
Calligraphy class at Kaifeng Calligraphy Institute:Learn traditional brush writing together
Visit Song Brocade Workshop:Watch master artisans and try basic embroidery
🍽️Dinner at Yihe Restaurant:Modern take on traditional Kaifeng dishes
Traditional music performance at Kaifeng Cultural Center:Enjoy guzheng and pipa duets
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Traditional breakfast before adventure
Visit Yellow River Gaoshan Observation Deck (1-hour drive):See the dramatic river bend and flood control systems
🥗Lunch at riverside restaurant in Zhongmou County:Fresh river fish and local specialties
Explore Yingtianfu Academy ruins:Ancient academy site with historical exhibits
Return to Kaifeng:Relax before evening activities
🍽️Dinner at Kaifeng Courtyard Restaurant:Modern interpretation of Song Dynasty dining
Leisure walk at Xuandu Lake Park:Romantic evening stroll by the lake
DAY 6
🍳Early breakfast at Zhongou Market:Join locals for morning soy milk and fried bread sticks
Visit Kaifeng Calligraphy Market:Browse traditional art and perhaps buy a keepsake
🥗Lunch at Xuji Roast Duck:Traditional duck banquet with unique Henan twists
Tea tasting at Song Dynasty Tea House:Compare different traditional Kaifeng teas
Visit Kaifeng Film Museum:Explore China's cinematic history with interactive exhibits
🍽️Dinner at Old Town Family Restaurant:Try 'Braised Pig's Feet' and other home-style dishes
Attend puppet show at Kaifeng Folk Art Theater:Traditional shadow puppet performance
DAY 7
🍳Breakfast at Kaifeng Ancient City Hotel:Enjoy signature Song Dynasty style breakfast
Shopping at Songcheng Folk Market:Purchase souvenirs like Iron Pagoda candy and Song porcelain
Last visit to Dragon Pavilion Park:Take romantic photos in the imperial gardens
🥗Final lunch at Zisheng Restaurant:Try 'Iron Pagoda Peanut Candy' for dessert
Departure to airport/train station:Begin journey home with new memories
Kaifeng Travel FAQs
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