Location: Kaifeng
Top Things to do in Kaifeng
Top Restaurants in Kaifeng
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Top 10 Things to do in Kaifeng, China
Kaifeng (simplified Chinese: 开封; traditional Chinese: 開封), known previously by several names, is a prefecture-level city in east-central Henan, China. It was once the capital of the Song dynasty, and is one of the Eight Ancient Capitals of China.
Restaurants in Kaifeng
1. Millennium City Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By MEMworldwide
The key to enjoying your experience here is to know what to expect. First, this park is a complete reconstruction. None of it is original, so don't be expecting there to be relics and artefacts. The park is based on an ancient scroll painting that depicts aspects of life in the Song Dynasty. There are a series of Performances and a set viewing schedule. Look at the schedule in advance, figure out which Performances you want to see, and plan accordingly. We really enjoyed the "kung fu on horseback," the marriage ceremony, and the water puppet theatre. It was inexpensive fun (RMB 20 per person) to dress up on Song Dynasty costumes and take pictures. If it is a hot day, go in the afternoon, stay for dinner in the park and stay for the evening show. It will be much less crowded than it is in the morning. Swing on the swings, stroll around the lakes - enjoy the chance to be in a big green garden space. None of it is "real" but it can still be lovely and calm.
The evening show is a crazy spectacle really only to be seen in China. It starts with a Deng Xiao Ping impersonator auctioning off his calligraphy. Weird and hilarious. The show is a story of the history of the Song Dynasty and it is told in a grand and gaudy light show set on the water. You'll enjoy it more if you read a bit of the history in advance, or go with someone who can translate the song lyrics for you during the performance. You really haven't seen theatre to this scale if you haven't seen it in China. The "fire" at the end is amazing!!!
2. Bao Zheng's Ancestral Hall of Kaifeng
Overall Ratings
4 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Travelingmaven - Chicago, IL
There's a huge gilded (bronze?) statue of Lord Bao Gong in this memorial temple complex. I was very glad we were able to visit this site to gain a better understanding of the development of law during the Northern Song dynasty, and to see the esteem which morally incorruptible judges and officials were given in ancient China. There are a number of gates defining the interior space.
The memorial hall with its paintings and statues has been rebuilt. Interestingly, most of the people visiting were old. Our guide said they were there probably because they wanted Lord Bao, known as a champion of the people, to be "on their side" for an upcoming legal issue.
It is an impressive temple, and well-worth a visit.
3. Dragon Pavilion Park (Long Ting)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By Jarko2015 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This is the main sight inside Long Ting Park and is included in the park's RMB60 entrance fee. It's not an original building and the base is simply ugly, painted concrete, but the hike up the steep steps to the recreation of the throne room of the old palace is well worth it. The views from the top are also very good.
4. Kaifeng Iron Tower Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Jarko2015 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This is a largish park, with quite a number of attractions. What's interesting about all the temples etc., is that unlike so much of China, they've not (yet) brought the decorators in. As a result, you get a real sense of antiquity and history. It's a pricey RMB60 to visit the park, but you then have to pay RMB30 inside if you want to climb the pagoda itself. Making it an expensive morning or afternoon. The temple is more interesting than the pagoda, but it's still a great structure worth exploring, even though I decided not to make the climb up the claustrophobic, twisting staircase. The Gardens are quite lovely and there's a large boating lake (for another fee). Plus it appears you can return at night for a son et lumiere experience.
5. Kaifeng House Scenic Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Gary M - Shanghai, China
I visited here for a short while during Chinese New Year. Quite a large area, with a lot of static displays to see. There are not many artefacts to see, and very few things to interact with in the museum. However, visually it is quite a spectacle and the view is cool from the top of the tower.
6. Prime Minister Temple, Kaifeng
Overall Ratings
4 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By tombillinge - Cambridge, United Kingdom
This is a great example of a Chinese Buddhist temple. The grounds are well kept and the statue of Guanyin is a masterpiece. The monks are friendly and will try to engage in conversation with you if you approach them.
It is definitely worth the fee and it has plenty to see. It has one of the best temple shops I have seen in China, so it is a good place to buy amulets and beads. There is also a good kitchen serving vegetarian food.
7. Gulou Square
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By bladdamasta - Manly, Australia
The tower is lit up beautifully at night. There is a street market that offers everything from clothes to stationary to iPhone accessories. This extends quite away from the tower.
The main attraction is the night food market. I reckon there is over 100 stalls, all of whom appear to be licenced. There's plenty of variety, but there's at least 3 of each offering. Food on sticks, fried oysters, stinky Tofu, fried lamb pancakes, baozi, fish, chicken. Some of it is daunting, but even for the unadventurous there's "accessible" options. In winter they are open to 11 and in summer apparently until 2am. This is how the locals eat, but the stall holders were very friendly to us and enjoyed my consumption of the stinky tofu.
You can eat whilst walking or you sit down at any number of tables. You can also buy beers for 8RMB. Most dishes I had were 10RMB.
Great fun and a real experience.
8. Shanxi, Shaanxi and Gansu Province Hall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By tombillinge - Cambridge, United Kingdom
The merchants' hall has a very pretty memorial gateway inside, but that is really the highlight. The halls are OK, but it will not occupy you for very long and the fee is a little steep for what it has to offer. There are a few interesting photos in the main hall but, as it's all in Chinese, you will have to draw your own conclusions as to their meaning.
9. Kaifeng City Wall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By tombillinge - Cambridge, United Kingdom
The city wall is OK and you can climb up on it in certain places. West Gate for example has a small food museum (all in Chinese) housed in the gate house at the top and an open excavation of the previous gates that have stood there.
The actual gate and wall section are heavily reconstructed and, even though it is quite nice, it is far too sanitized and new feeling. For 10 RMB, it's worth a look, but don't get too excited before you visit.
10. Xiangguo Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Travelingmaven - Chicago, IL
Xiangguo Temple, or the "Prime Minister's Temple" seems to be one of the less-visited temple-complexes in Kaifeng. The current compound was rebuilt in the 3rd quarter of the 17th century. What amazed me was the "thousand-armed" gilded statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, supposedly carved from a single tree trunk, it sits in resplendent glory in a back pavilion. Seeing this statue makes the trip to the temple very worthwhile. You can easily see this temple, then visit Lord Baogong's Temple and Baogong Lake, the Iron Tower, & the Shaan'xi Club.
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