Kaifeng开封

Overview

Kaifeng has 4100+ years of history as a capital city. During Northern Song, Kaifeng (Dongjing) was the world's largest city with over 1 million people. 'Along the River During Qingming Festival' depicts its prosperity. Millennium City Park recreates the Song dynasty scene. Kaifeng Prefecture was where Bao Zheng served as magistrate.

Key Facts

Top Attractions

Millennium City Park

Large Song dynasty theme park based on the famous painting. Recreates Song dynasty street life and folk customs. Evening show 'Dream of Dongjing' is spectacular.

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Kaifeng Prefecture

Top prefecture of Northern Song, where Bao Zheng served. Reconstructed Song-style complex with live Bao Zheng trial shows.

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Daxiangguo Temple

Northern Song imperial temple, one of China's ten famous temples. Has thousand-arm Guanyin statue.

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Iron Pagoda

Built 1049 in Northern Song, named for its iron-colored glazed bricks. Withstood 1000 years of storms and earthquakes, Kaifeng's landmark.

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Food & Snacks

Soup Dumplings

Kaifeng soup dumplings, thin skin with rich broth inside. Hold like a lantern, put down like a chrysanthemum. Diyi Lou is the famous old shop.

Stir-fried Jelly

Must-eat at night market, stir-fried mung bean jelly with fermented bean paste and chili.

Carp with Baked Noodles

Famous Henan dish, sweet-sour carp with crispy dragon-beard noodles, a banquet centerpiece.

Festivals & Events

World & Intangible Heritage

• Grand Canal (Kaifeng Section) (2014) — UNESCO listed 2014, Kaifeng was a key node on the Sui-Tang and Ming-Qing Grand Canal.
• Zhuxianzhen Woodblock New Year Paintings (2006) — One of China's four great woodblock New Year painting styles, started in Northern Song, national intangible heritage since 2006.

Practical Tips