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July 25, 2025
3 Days Romantic Journey in Kaifeng: Ancient Towns & Culinary Delights for Couples
Explore the charm of China's historic capital with your partner through well-preserved Song Dynasty culture and mid-range travel experiences.
Couples TravelAncient TownsMid-Range Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 开封
Location: Henan Province, Central China
Famous For: Song Dynasty heritage,Imperial architecture,Traditional snacks
Daily Cost: $80-120 USD
Best Season: March-May, September-October
Introduction: Why visit Kaifeng?
Kaifeng, once the capital of nine Chinese dynasties including the prosperous Song Dynasty, offers couples a unique blend of historical depth and romantic ambiance. Wander through Qingming Riverside Park, savor world-famous local delicacies at Shanxi Alley, and discover the city's poetic charm along the ancient Bian River. This guide ensures budget-conscious travelers can experience the best of Kaifeng's preserved heritage and vibrant culture.
Best time to visit Kaifeng
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) for blooming flowers, Autumn (September-October) for mild climate
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) and cherry blossoms at Tie Pagoda Park create perfect photo opportunities for couples.
☀️Summer: Hot (30°C+) but lively with traditional festivals at Daxiangguo Temple. Book accommodations with pool access.
🍁Autumn: Pleasant weather (18-22°C) during Mid-Autumn Festival with lantern displays along City Moat Waterway.
❄️Winter: Cold (0-5°C) but peaceful exploration of Longting Imperial Palace without crowds. Budget for warm clothing.
Arriving and leaving Kaifeng
Use Didi for $3-6 USD point-to-point rides. Bicycle rentals (20 CNY/day) ideal for exploring Song Dynasty Theme Park area. Metro Line 3 connects major attractions.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport [Recommended]
Major international hub (80km from Kaifeng). High-speed train from Zhengzhou East to Kaifeng North takes 30 mins ($15 USD). Taxis to city center cost $60-80 USD (1.5hrs). Airport shuttle bus available for $10 USD.
Kaifeng Railway Station
Direct high-speed trains from Beijing (3.5hrs, $40 USD) and Shanghai (5hrs, $60 USD). Taxi from station to city center: $8 USD (20 mins).
Where to stay in Kaifeng: Best Neighborhood
Songcheng Road District
Historic atmosphere with hotels near Qingming Riverside Park. Recommended: Kaifeng Overseas Chinese Hotel (mid-range with rooftop views)
Longting Lake Area
Scenic location near Longting Imperial Palace. Try Kaifeng Tianyuan Hotel with lake-view rooms and traditional courtyard design
Top Things to do in Kaifeng
Qingming Riverside Park
A 12th-century culture park recreating scenes from the famous Song Dynasty scroll painting. Perfect for evening strolls with recreated markets and traditional performances.
Longting Imperial Palace
Preserved imperial palace complex with terraced gardens overlooking Lake Longting. Don traditional Hanfu clothing for special couple photos.
Daxiangguo Temple
Active Buddhist temple known for its bell tower and vegetarian cooking classes. Visit during morning chanting sessions for spiritual experiences.
Tips
Purchase combo tickets for multiple attractions to save 20-30%. Visit temples during early morning for peaceful atmosphere.
What to eat: Kaifeng food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Yihe Xuan Restaurant
Heritage restaurant serving traditional Kaifeng cuisine in a restored courtyard. Signature dish: Sweet & sour yellow croaker fish. Average spend: $25 USD per person.
2. Baoxiang Restaurant
Family-run spot famous for soup dumplings since 1912. Cozy interior with live folk music performances in evenings.
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3. Shanxi Alley Food Street
Open-air market with 30+ street food vendors. Try grilled skewers and soybean milk for breakfast. Budget-friendly option ($5-10 USD per meal).
Signature Dishes
1. Kaifeng Soup Dumplings
Delicate pork dumplings served in bowls to drink the savory broth first. Best enjoyed at Baoxiang Restaurant established in 1912.
2. Braised Carp with Noodles
Signature Yellow River carp served with broad egg noodles. Must-try at century-old Yihe Xuan restaurant near Shuncheng Park.
3. Steamed Stuffed Buns
Thicker dough than Shanghai xiaolongbao, perfect with vinegar dipping sauce. Recommended at Luyi Steamed Bun chain locations.
Kaifeng itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
Qingming Riverside Park:Explore Song Dynasty-themed performances and market streets. Rent traditional attire for couple photos.
🥗Lunch at Yihe Xuan Restaurant:Taste Yellow River carp noodles and imperial-style desserts
Longting Imperial Palace:Walk through preserved royal gardens and view the city from Dragon Pavilion
🍽️Dinner at Baoxiang Restaurant:Savor authentic soup dumplings with handmade vinegar
DAY 2
Daxiangguo Temple:Watch morning Buddhist chanting and learn vegetarian cooking in workshops
🍳Breakfast at Shanxi Alley:Try soybean milk with fried dough sticks and local street snacks
Kaifeng City Museum:Interactive exhibits on Song Dynasty innovations and maritime history
🍽️Riverside Dinner Cruise:Romantic evening cruise with traditional music and regional dishes served on board
DAY 3
Iron Pagoda Park:Visit the glazed-tile pagoda and try tea tasting at lakeside pavilions
🥗Lunch at Liyuan Hotel:Modern take on traditional Henan dishes with riverside views
Kaifeng Artisan Workshop:Create personalized Song-style embroidered souvenirs together
🍽️Farewell Dinner at Shuiyan Restaurant:Gourmet water banquet experience with 12-course imperial-inspired dishes
Kaifeng Travel FAQs
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