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July 25, 2025
Kaifeng Ancient Charm 5-Day Itinerary for Couples
Discover Kaifeng's millennium-old heritage, from Song Dynasty landmarks to romantic river cruises, perfect for budget-conscious couples
Kaifeng TravelAncient TownsCouples TravelMid-Range Budget
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 开封
Location: Henan Province, Central China
Famous For: Song Dynasty Cultural Heritage,Ancient City Walls,Imperial Examination System Sites
Daily Cost: $35-50/person (mid-range)
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Introduction: Why visit Kaifeng?
As the ancient capital of seven dynasties including the prosperous Song Dynasty, Kaifeng preserves unique cultural treasures. Couples can explore well-preserved city gates, enjoy traditional tea ceremonies by the Yuwang Palace, and savor centuries-old culinary traditions in Gulou Square. With proper planning, this 5-day itinerary balances historical immersion with romantic moments.
Best time to visit Kaifeng
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) for pleasant weather, Autumn (September-November) for cultural festivals
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) ideal for exploring ancient sites. Cherry blossoms at Tieying Temple create romantic backdrops.
☀️Summer: Hot (28-35°C) but hosts Song Culture Festival in June. Visit early mornings to avoid heat.
🍁Autumn: Cool (12-22°C) with vibrant foliage at Longting Park. October's Chrysanthemum Festival features stunning displays.
❄️Winter: Cold (0-8°C) but festive atmosphere with traditional lantern markets. Ideal for indoor activities like tea tasting.
Arriving and leaving Kaifeng
Metro Line 1 connects major districts. 24-hour bike-sharing system for exploring ancient areas. Standard taxi fare: first 2km ¥6, then ¥1.5/km
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport [Recommended]
36km west of Kaifeng. Airport express trains to Kaifeng Railway Station (¥22, 45min). Taxi from airport costs ¥180-250 (1.5 hours)
Kaifeng Railway Station
Central station connecting Beijing-Wuhan trains. 10min walk to Songdu Hotel. Taxi within city costs ¥8-15
Kaifeng North Railway Station
Modern station serving high-speed trains (Shangqiu-Luoyang line). 20min taxi ride to city center
Where to stay in Kaifeng: Best Neighborhood
Gulou Square Area
Historic heart with boutique hotels like Songdu Hotel and vibrant night markets. 10min walk to most attractions.
Zhengyi Gate District
Charm-filled area near Kaifeng City Museum, offering heritage-style guesthouses like Hanfu Courtyard Hotel.
Top Things to do in Kaifeng
Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden
Reconstructed Song Dynasty city with live performances, traditional workshops, and canal cruises. Wear Hanfu for immersive experience.
Kaifeng Iron Pagoda
1049 AD glazed-tile stupa with audio guides explaining its earthquake resistance. Sunset view from nearby viewing platform.
Song Dynasty Artifacts Museum
Interactive exhibits where couples can try ancient printing techniques and create calligraphy scrolls.
Tips
Buy combo tickets at major sites to save 20-30%. Visit temples during morning hours for authentic rituals.
What to eat: Kaifeng Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. First Building Restaurant
Heritage restaurant since 1741 serving authentic baozi. Book morning sessions for cooking demos.
2. Youyiyuan Restaurant
Award-winning venue for Song Dynasty-inspired cuisine. Try their 'Eight Treasures Banquet' for two.
3. Nanmenwai Night Market
Open-air food street with 30+ stalls. Must-try: lamb skewers with sesame paste and scallion pancakes.
Signature Dishes
1. Baozi (Steamed Buns)
First Building Restaurant's 180-year-old recipe with 18 folds representing prosperity. Try the pork-egg yolk combination.
2. Stewed Carp
Braised with vinegar and pepper at Youyiyuan Restaurant, best served with yellow rice wine.
3. Chrysanthemum Tea
Handcrafted at Jinming Chrysanthemum Workshop, served in Song-style porcelain cups with honey.
Kaifeng Itinerary 5 Days for Couples
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at First Building Restaurant:Try their signature pork and egg yolk baozi
Visit Kaifeng City Museum:Free admission with interactive Song Dynasty exhibits
🥗Lunch at Youyiyuan Restaurant:Try their stewed carp with yellow rice wine
Explore Zhengyi Gate Ruins:Ancient city gate with panoramic views
🍽️Dinner at Nanmenwai Night Market:Sample street food including lamb skewers
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Hanfu Courtyard Hotel:Traditional breakfast set with porridge and dim sum
Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden:Full-day pass for cultural performances and tea ceremonies
🥗Lunch at Garden Teahouse:Song-style boxed meal with steamed rice and pickled vegetables
Song Dynasty Artifacts Museum:Interactive workshops for creating calligraphy scrolls
🍽️Dinner at Jinming Chrysanthemum Workshop:Chrysanthemum tea pairing with traditional desserts
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Songdu Hotel:Western and Chinese breakfast options
Visit Daxiangguo Temple:Famous for its ancient bell and giant Buddha statue
🥗Lunch at Tianjiu Teahouse:Zen-inspired vegetarian dishes and flower tea
Explore Bao Gong Temple:Learn about China's legendary 'Judge Bao' through multimedia exhibits
Relax at Yuwang Palace:Scenic park perfect for romantic sunset walks
🍽️Dinner at Xianxian Restaurant:Try their signature 'Bao Gong Black Bean' stew
DAY 4
🍳Breakfast at Hanfu Courtyard Hotel:Continental breakfast with fresh fruit platter
Rent bikes at Gulou Square:Cycling along Songjing River Greenway
🥗Lunch at Riverside Café:Canal view restaurant serving fusion dishes
Take a Canal Cruise:2-hour guided boat tour with traditional pipa music
Visit Pan Building:Ming Dynasty pagoda with hidden viewing platform
🍽️Dinner at Yueyahe Restaurant:Candlelight dining by the lake with personalized menus
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at Jinming Chrysanthemum Workshop:Chrysanthemum-infused breakfast including flower pancakes
Visit Kaifeng Embroidery Museum:Watch artisans create intricate silk embroidery
🥗Lunch at Heritage Teahouse:Try their 'Song Dynasty Imperial Feast' tasting menu
Shop at Guguxiang Perfume Workshop:Create custom perfume using traditional recipes
Final Walk at Iron Pagoda Park:Golden hour photos with the 950-year-old pagoda
🍽️Farewell Dinner at First Building:Special set menu with baozi-making demonstration
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