Get Your Travel Plan
July 25, 2025
7-Day Kaifeng Couples Travel Guide: History, Culture & Mid-Range Budget
Explore Kaifeng's ancient charm with a romantic itinerary focusing on historical landmarks and local cuisine.
KaifengCouples TravelHistory & Culture
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 开封
Location: Henan Province, China
Famous For: Ancient Capital Heritage,Night Markets,Song Dynasty Culture
Daily Cost: $80-120 per person
Best Season: Spring/Autumn
Introduction: Why Visit Kaifeng
Kaifeng City Wall, once capital of eight dynasties, offers couples a unique blend of historical depth and romantic charm through its Qingming Riverside Scene Park re-creations, ancient Iron Pagoda vistas, and legendary Daxiangguo Temple incense rituals.
Best Time to Visit Kaifeng
Ideal Seasons: April-May & September-October
🌱Spring: Spring (March-May) brings blooming cherry blossoms at Tie Pagoda Park and pleasant temperatures for exploring historical sites.
☀️Summer: Summer (June-August) offers vibrant Gulou Night Market nights but requires preparedness for heat and occasional rains.
🍁Autumn: Autumn (September-November) provides perfect weather for City Wall walks with golden leaves enhancing the ancient atmosphere.
❄️Winter: Winter (December-February) features traditional Winter Solstice celebrations with hot lamb dishes at Kaifeng Muslim Street.
Arriving and Leaving Kaifeng
Metered taxis (¥7起步/2km) and ride-hailing apps (Didi) recommended for couples. Electric bike rentals (¥20/day) ideal for short historical district explorations.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport [Recommended]
45 km from Kaifeng. Taxi takes 70 minutes (¥300). Airport express trains to Zhengzhou East Station (¥12) connect to Kaifeng via intercity rail (20 minutes/¥35).
Kaifeng Railway Station
City center station connecting to major cities via high-speed rail (Beijing: 2h10m/¥400, Shanghai: 4h30m/¥720). Local taxi rates: ¥80-120 for major attractions.
Where to Stay in Kaifeng: Best Neighborhood
Zhongmu District
Near Qingming Riverside Scene Park with modern hotels like Kaifeng Xinye Resort (¥400/night). Perfect for cultural immersion.
Gulou Square
Historic heart with romantic boutique hotels like Jinming Art Hotel (¥350/night) steps from night markets and Kaifeng City Museum.
Top Things to Do in Kaifeng
Qingming Riverside Scene Park
Giant Song Dynasty re-creation park with live performances of ancient street theatre, boat rides on the Bian River, and over 100 traditional buildings.
Tie Pagoda
Eleventh-century 'Iron Pagoda' made from glazed bricks, standing 55.88 meters tall with spiral staircase offering panoramic city views.
Kaifeng City Wall
Preserved sections of ancient Ming Dynasty city walls perfect for sunset strolls, connecting Gulou to Dazhongsi Pagoda.
Tips
Purchase a combined ticket (¥200) for 3-5 major attractions to save 30%. Visit Iron Pagoda during sunset for stunning photography.
What to Eat: Kaifeng Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Shunde Restaurant
Historic 100-year-old establishment famous for its signature Braised Lamb with Wheat Noodles served in elegant garden setting.
2. Songcheng Restaurant
Authentic Song Dynasty-style restaurant offering imperial cuisine experiences with traditional performances and period costumes.
3. Qingfeng Dumpling House
Specializing in delicate pork dumplings with thin translucent wrappers, popular local spot with romantic outdoor seating.
Signature Dishes
1. Braised Lamb with Wheat Noodles
Slow-cooked lamb in aromatic broth served with thick wheat noodles, best experienced at Shunde Restaurant (established 1922).
2. Song Dynasty Lotus Root Stuffed Rice
Traditional sweet dessert combining glutinous rice and lotus root steamed in bamboo tubes, available at Kaifeng Night Market.
3. Sandalwood Fish
Steamed carp marinated with sandalwood spices, showcasing Song Dynasty culinary techniques at Songcheng Restaurant.
Kaifeng Itinerary 7 Days & 7 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Qingfeng Dumpling House:Try signature pork dumplings while overlooking the garden.
Visit Qingming Riverside Scene Park:Walk through the Song Dynasty re-creation park and enjoy traditional performances.
🥗Lunch at Songcheng Restaurant:Experience Song Dynasty imperial dining with themed decor and live music.
Explore Tie Pagoda Park:Climb the 11th-century Iron Pagoda for panoramic city views.
🍽️Dinner at Shunde Restaurant:Savor the century-old braised lamb noodles in their traditional garden.
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Gulou Night Market:Sample local breakfast staples like scallion pancakes and soy milk.
Tour Daxiangguo Temple:Marvel at the 2000-year-old temple's intricate architecture and sacred atmosphere.
🥗Lunch at Kaifeng Muslim Street:Taste authentic lamb dishes and street food specialties.
Visit Kaifeng Museum:Explore exhibits on the city's rich history from the Song Dynasty to modern times.
Stroll Kaifeng City Wall:Enjoy sunset views over the city from the preserved Ming Dynasty walls.
🍽️Dinner at Night Market:Sample diverse street food options including scorpion skewers and lotus root desserts.
Kaifeng Travel FAQs
Welcome to China
Go2China
Your AI-powered China travel companion