Get Your Travel Plan
July 25, 2025
1 viewsKaifeng 3-Day Solo Travel Guide: Discover Ancient China's Capital
Explore Song Dynasty legacy, night markets, and cultural treasures in this immersive Kaifeng itinerary
HistorySolo TravelNight Market
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 开封市
Location: Henan Province, Central China
Famous For: Song Dynasty Heritage,Night Market Culture,Ancient Buddhist Temples
Daily Cost: $200-300 USD
Best Season: Spring (March-May), Autumn (September-November)
Introduction: Why visit Kaifeng?
As the former capital of eight dynasties, Kaifeng offers unparalleled immersion into China's cultural cradle. Wander through Qingming Shanghe Park's living history, marvel at Iron Pagoda's Tang Dynasty architecture, and savor steaming soup dumplings at Gulou Night Market. This three-day guide balances deep cultural exploration with budget-friendly authenticity.
Best time to visit Kaifeng
Ideal Seasons: Spring for cherry blossoms along the Bian River, Autumn for mild weather during the Mid-Autumn Festival
🌱Spring: Ideal for temple visits with 15-22°C temperatures. Daxiangguo Temple hosts Qingming flower festivals.
☀️Summer: Hot (30+°C) but vibrant night markets operate until midnight. Special summer tea ceremonies at Tianbo Yangfu Mansion.
🍁Autumn: Perfect hiking weather at Longting Park (18-25°C). Chrysanthemum Exhibitions transform the city in October.
❄️Winter: Crowd-free temple tours at Iron Pagoda Park. Experience traditional winter festival foods at Shilianghe Market.
Arriving and leaving Kaifeng
Metro Line 1 (under construction). Bike rentals near Gulou Square (¥1/hour) and taxis (starting ¥6)
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport [Recommended]
45km from Kaifeng. High-speed rail from airport to Kaifeng Railway Station (30 minutes, ¥35). Taxi: ~¥400 (~1 hour)
Kaifeng Railway Station
Central hub connecting Beijing (3 hours) and Xi'an (5 hours). Taxi stand available (¥30-50 city center)
Where to stay in Kaifeng: Best Neighborhoods
Gulou District
Historic heart near night markets and temples. Mid-range options like Kaifeng Jinjiang Hotel (from $60/night)
Longting District
Near Longting Park and museums. Luxury choices like Kaifeng Grand Hotel (from $120/night)
Top Things to do in Kaifeng
Qingming Shanghe Park
A full-scale recreation of the Song Dynasty capital. Watch live opera performances and cross the Rainbow Bridge where merchants barter as they did centuries ago.
Daxiangguo Temple
One of China's oldest Buddhist temples. Witness morning and evening chanting rituals inside the 13-story Mahavira Hall.
Iron Pagoda Park
This 1049-built glazed tile tower survived 37 Yellow River floods. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Kaifeng's historic skyline.
Tips
Book combo tickets for multiple attractions (save 20%). Wear comfortable shoes - many sites require walking on ancient pavements.
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
2km street of 200+ food stalls. Try sweet osmanthus cakes and scallion pancakes after dark.
2. Frist Dumpling House
Established in 1741. Known for delicate chicken soup dumplings and preserved egg appetizers.
3. Song Dynasty Teahouse
Tea ceremonies with matcha whipped in authentic Song style. Book terrace view tables for sunset.
Signature Dishes
1. Soup Dumplings
Delicate wrappers filled with pork broth. Best enjoyed at Frist Dumpling House where chefs steam them in bamboo baskets.
2. Braised Noodles
Thick wheat noodles with beef brisket in bone broth. Add chili oil at Old Li's Noodles where locals line up at dawn.
3. Three Treasure Tofu
Silken tofu stuffed with pork, shrimp and mushrooms. A specialty at Song Dynasty Restaurant served in antique porcelain.
Kaifeng itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Frist Dumpling House:Order their signature chicken soup dumplings and sweet red bean paste pancakes
Visit Daxiangguo Temple:Observe Buddhist chanting rituals and explore ancient scripture halls
🥗Lunch at Song Dynasty Restaurant:Try Three Treasure Tofu and yellow river carp with ginger
Explore Tianbo Yang Mansion:Walk through General Yang Ye's ancestral home with Song-era courtyard architecture
🍽️Dinner at Goulou Night Market:Sample local specialties from 170+ stalls while watching street performances
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Old Li's Noodles:Try authentic Kaifeng-style braised noodles with chili oil
Explore Qingming Shanghe Park:Watch traditional silk weaving demonstrations and participate in tea competitions
🥗Lunch at Song Dynasty Teahouse:Enjoy tea-paired tasting menu with imperial-era dessert presentation
Visit Longting Palace Ruins:Climb to the Dragon Throne platform for views over Chrysanthemum Lake
Afternoon Tea at Kaifeng Museum:Relax in museum garden while exploring temporary calligraphy exhibitions
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Lotus Garden Hotel:Western and Chinese buffet with fresh soy milk and sesame cakes
Visit Iron Pagoda Park:Marvel at this 10th-century glazed tower resistant to earthquakes and floods
Visit Bianjing Embroidery Workshop:Watch master artisans create intricate silk embroidery dating to the Song Dynasty
🥗Lunch at Shilianghe Bridge Food Street:Try seasonal dishes like lotus root stew and yellow river clams
Explore City Wall Ruins Park:Walk restored sections of the ancient defensive walls surrounding the old city
Kaifeng Travel FAQs
Welcome to China
Go2China
Your AI-powered China travel companion