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July 25, 2025
5 Days in Kaifeng: Budget-Friendly Solo Travel Guide to Ancient Towns
Explore Kaifeng's historical charm without breaking the bank
Ancient TownsSolo TravelBudget Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 开封
Location: Eastern Henan Plain, Yellow River's southern bank
Famous For: Ancient Capital Heritage,Song Dynasty Culture,Songcheng Theme Park
Daily Cost: $30-40 USD
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Introduction: Why Visit Kaifeng
As one of China's Seven Ancient Capitals, Kaifeng Kaifeng offers a unique blend of Song Dynasty Song Dynasty heritage and budget-friendly travel options. Walk the reconstructed streets of Qingming Shanghe Park, explore centuries-old temples like Daxiangguo Temple, and experience living history through traditional performances.
Best Time to Visit Kaifeng
Ideal Seasons: Mild spring/fall temperatures perfect for exploring ancient sites
🌱Spring: Pleasant 15-25°C weather with blooming plum blossoms at Iron Pagoda Park
☀️Summer: Hot (30-38°C) but vibrant lotus blooms at Dragon Pavilion
🍁Autumn: Crisp 12-22°C conditions ideal for city wall walks and Kaifeng City Moat tours
❄️Winter: Chilly (0-10°C) with reduced crowds and special winter lantern festivals at Qingming Shanghe Park
Arriving and Leaving Kaifeng
Bus routes 1/10/20 connect major attractions. Metro Line 1 (under construction). Bike rentals ¥15/day near Qingming Shanghe Park
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport [Recommended]
135km from Kaifeng. Airport express train to Zhengzhou East Station (¥26) then high-speed rail to Kaifeng (¥35-50, 40min). Taxi to Kaifeng costs ¥350-400 (2h)
Kaifeng Railway Station
Main station for conventional trains. Connects to Beijing (Z-series ¥180-250, 6h), Shanghai (T-series ¥220-300, 8h). 3km from city center (taxi ¥20-30)
Songcheng Road Railway Station
Secondary station for high-speed trains. 10km from city center (taxi ¥40-50, 25min). Connects to Luoyang (G-series ¥120-180, 1.5h)
Where to Stay in Kaifeng
Gulou Night Market Area
Traditional courtyard hotels like Kaifeng Hanfu Homestay (¥120/night) with easy access to street food and night markets
Qingming Shanghe Park District
Budget-friendly chain hotels like 7 Days Inn (¥150/night) near Songcheng Theme Park
Top Things to Do in Kaifeng
Qingming Shanghe Park
Reconstructed Song Dynasty Song Dynasty cityscape with costumed performers, canal cruises, and traditional teahouses. Best visited early morning (8:00-10:00) to avoid crowds
Iron Pagoda Park
1,000-year-old glazed brick pagoda known as the 'Iron Pagoda' for its dark color. The park's Song Dynasty calligraphy exhibits (¥10 extra) showcase ancient writing techniques
Kaifeng City Wall
One of China's best-preserved ancient city walls. Rent a bike (¥15/day) to cycle the complete 13.7km circuit. Sunset view from Anying Gate recommended
Tips
Purchase the Kaifeng City Card (¥120) for entry to 8 major attractions
What to Eat: Kaifeng Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
![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)
1. Gulou Night Market
Budget-friendly street food paradise from 17:00-24:00. Must-try: stuffed pig intestines (¥8), sweet rice wine (¥5), and sesame candy (¥3/100g)
2. Yuebin Lao Restaurant
Local favorite serving authentic Kaifeng dishes like steamed pork shank (¥38) and three-treasure tofu (¥22). Cash only, no English menu
Signature Dishes
1. Kaifeng Soup Dumplings
Delicate dumplings served in a bowl with vinegar and chili oil. Best tried at Huangjia Xiaolong (黄家小龙) in Gulou Night Market (¥12/6 pieces)
2. Braised Carp with Noodles
Kaifeng specialty combining sweet-and-sour carp fillet with hand-pulled noodles. Try at Lao Fan Lou restaurant (老范楼) near Daxiangguo Temple (¥28)
Kaifeng Itinerary 5 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Yuebin Lao Restaurant:Try sesame cake and sweet soy milk
Visit Qingming Shanghe Park:Watch traditional tea ceremony performance at Heyan Hall
Explore Kaifeng City Wall:Walk segment from Anying Gate to Zhongyi Gate
🍽️Dinner at Gulou Night Market:Sample local specialties at different food stalls
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at local teahouse:Try steamed buns with preserved egg
Visit Daxiangguo Temple:Watch monks' morning chanting ceremony
🥗Lunch at Tianyige Restaurant:Taste Kaifeng specialty 'Hundun Noodles'
Explore Kaifeng Museum:Free admission, special exhibits on Bianliang city life
Kaifeng Travel FAQs
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