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July 25, 2025
Kaifeng Family Historical Budget Travel Guide: 3 Days to Explore Ancient Capital
Discover Kaifeng's rich history and culture with kids-friendly budget activities, affordable eats, and easy navigation in this 3-day itinerary
Family TravelHistory & CultureBudget TravelKaifeng
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 开封
Location: Henan Province, China
Famous For: Ancient Capital of Song Dynasty,清明上河园 (Qingming Riverside Park),World's First City Map
Daily Cost: $35-45 USD
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Introduction: Why Kaifeng is Perfect for Family Historical Travel
Kaifeng, once known as Bianliang, served as capital during the Song Dynasty for 167 years. This city offers unique cultural heritage through its preserved sites like Qingming Riverside Park, Longting Park, and Kaifeng Iron Tower. Families can experience ancient Chinese life through interactive exhibits while enjoying budget-friendly accommodations and authentic local cuisine.
Best time to visit Kaifeng
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) for comfortable weather
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (12-22°C) ideal for outdoor exploration at Qingming Riverside Park. Cherry blossoms enhance historical sites' beauty.
☀️Summer: Hot (25-35°C) but perfect for visiting air-conditioned museums like Kaifeng Museum. Attend the Dragon Boat Festival in June.
🍁Autumn: Pleasant fall (18-25°C) creates perfect conditions for climbing Kaifeng Iron Tower and exploring Xiangguo Temple.
❄️Winter: Cold (0-10°C) but offers special winter lantern shows at Longting Park. Bundle up for historical walks.
Arriving and leaving Kaifeng
Bicycles (¥10/day) perfect for family use around historical sites. Public buses (¥1-2) connect major attractions. Ride-hailing apps like Didi recommended for family groups.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport [Recommended]
Main international airport 70km away. Taxi takes 1.5 hours (¥250), shuttle bus available (¥100). Connects to Kaifeng via intercity trains.
Kaifeng Railway Station
Local train station handling regional routes. Connects to Zhengzhou every 30 minutes (¥30, 30min). Taxi from station to city center takes 15min (¥15).
Where to stay in Kaifeng: Best Neighborhood for Family Travel
Zhongmu New District
Modern area near Qingming Riverside Park with budget hotels like Vienna International Hotel (¥250/night). Family-friendly facilities and easy access to historical sites.
Gulou (Drum Tower) Area
Historic neighborhood near Gulou Night Market with traditional courtyard hotels. Affordable options like Home Inn (¥180/night) offer local charm and easy access to food streets.
Top Things to do in Kaifeng with Family
Qingming Riverside Park
Massive Song Dynasty recreation with live performances, traditional architecture, and interactive experiences. Perfect for kids to explore ancient China.
Longting Park
Imperial palace complex with panoramic city views from the main hall. Contains cultural exhibitions and seasonal flower displays.
Kaifeng Iron Tower
1000-year-old glazed brick pagoda with spiral staircase ascent. Offers educational historical exhibits at base museum.
Tips
Purchase combined tickets for multiple attractions (¥120 vs separate ¥180). Visit historical sites in morning to avoid crowds. Bring reusable water bottles for hot seasons.
What to eat: Kaifeng Budget 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
Affordable street food haven with over 50 food stalls serving local specialties until midnight. Budget ¥30-40/family meal.
2. Liangyuan Restaurant
Family-run eatery serving authentic Song Dynasty-era dishes with kid-friendly portions. Try their chicken noodles.
3. First Restaurant
Historic establishment dating to 1922 offering premium versions of local dishes. Set menu options available for groups.
Signature Dishes
1. KaiFeng GuanTangBao
Delicate soup dumplings with thin wrappers, best dipped in vinegar and ginger. Try 10 pieces per person at budget spots.
2. Stuffed Chicken
Chicken filled with glutinous rice and mushrooms, steamed for tender flavor. Must-try at traditional restaurants.
3. Carp Baked in Noodles
Crispy fried carp served with noodle crust. Unique texture combination representing Kaifeng's river culture.
Kaifeng itinerary 3 Days for Family
DAY 1
Visit Longting Park:Explore Song Dynasty palace ruins and watch traditional music performances
🥗Lunch at Gulou Night Market:Sample local specialties like soup dumplings and stuffed chicken
Explore Xiangguo Temple:Admire ancient Buddhist architecture and giant incense burners
Check-in at Vienna International Hotel:Relax after first day's exploration with family-friendly amenities
🍽️Dinner at Liangyuan Restaurant:Enjoy traditional Kaifeng dishes in historic setting
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Start day with traditional soy milk and steamed buns
Full day at Qingming Riverside Park:Visit traditional workshops, watch water puppet shows, and dress in Hanfu
🥗Picnic lunch in park:Enjoy budget-friendly takeout from park vendors while resting
Visit Kaifeng Museum:Free admission with interactive exhibits about Song Dynasty
🍽️Dinner at First Restaurant:Treat family to premium versions of local specialties
DAY 3
Visit Kaifeng Iron Tower:Climb the spiral staircase while learning about Tang Dynasty architecture
🥗Lunch at Courtyard Hotel Restaurant:Try local noodle dishes in traditional courtyard setting
Explore China's Oldest Jewish Synagogue Site:Learn about Kaifeng's historic Jewish community at this cultural heritage site
Shopping at Traditional Snack Streets:Buy souvenir snacks like preserved eggs and sesame cakes
Return to hotel and departure:Pack up and head to train station or arrange transfer to airport
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