Beijing Getaways: Kaifeng 开封

Kaifeng Attractions | Eating in Kaifeng | Access | Hotels in Kaifeng

Weathered Wonders: Experience the Regal and Resilient Charm of Henan's Kaifeng

Daniel Allen

Known in Chinese as the "Capital of Seven Dynasties", Kaifeng is a sleepy, enchanting city, yet to be remolded by the breakneck development which epitomizes much of China today. Situated near the Yellow River in central Henan, the city's zenith was during the Northern Song Dynasty (AD 960-1126) when it was called Dongjing (East Capital). During its 2,700-year history Kaifeng has been no stranger to tragedy and destruction. Additionally floods, invasions and dynastic disintegration have all taken their toll on local architecture. Today the city's numerous highlights are mostly half-destroyed ruins or recently erected memorials to more auspicious eras.

Kaifeng Attractions

The best place to get acquainted quickly with Kaifeng is the city's Tourism Center on Yingbin Lu - here you can pick up an English map and get advice on sights, events and accommodation. Kaifeng's most famous landmark is the Iron Pagoda (Tie Ta) in the northeastern corner of the city. A beautiful 11th century structure, it is actually made of bricks, with exterior glazed tiles giving off a metallic sheen. The Temple of the Chief Minister (Da Xiangguo Si) is also a must-see. Rebuilt in 1766 after a flood in 1642, this Buddhist shrine's main attraction is a four-sided wooden statue of Avalokitesvara.

At the northern end of Songdu Yujie (Imperial Street of the Song Dynasty) is the picturesque Dragon Pavilion Park (Long Ting Gongyuan), once the exclusive preserve of emperors and now great for a relaxing afternoon stroll. West of the park is the snappily-named Festival of Pure Brightness on the River Park (Qingming Shanghe Yuan), with reconstructed Song Dynasty buildings and daily performances. Head south from the park to reach Kaifeng's spectacular 18th-century Qianlong Guild Hall (Shanshangan Huiguan).

Reflections of the Dragon Pavilion, Kaifeng, Henan, China.

Eating in Kaifeng

Kaifeng is the place to get better acquainted with Chinese snack and street food.

Check out the aptly named Number One Dumpling Restaurant (Diyilou Baozi Guan) on Sihou Jie - the xiaolong bao (small pork dumplings) are a taste sensation, and a smart (and cheap) way to warm up on a cold winter's day.

Xinsheng Meishiyuan on Gulou Jie is another budget eatery offering noodles, kebabs, stir fries, pastries and snacks. Come dinner time the night market on Sihou Jie serves up local delicacies such as wuxian shaobing (five-spice roasted bread), all manner of chuar (kebabs) and awesome zhima duowei tang (sesame soup).

With such great food for mind and body, it's no surprise that Kaifeng's inhabitants are so proud of their city that has endured time's many tests.

Kaifeng Transport

Trains 1363, K179, K269 leave Beijing Friday night / arrive Zhengzhou early Saturday morning - approx. 400RMB hard sleeper
Trains K158, K180, K402, 2554 leave Zhengzhou Sunday night / arrive Beijing early Monday morning
Regular buses Zhengzhou-Kaifeng-Zhengzhou (1 hour) - 10 RMB each way
Bike rental at small stand north of CITS office on Yingbin Lu 10 RMB/day
Pedicabs, buses and taxis all cheaper than Beijing

Top Attractions

Iron Pagoda (Tie Ta) 7am-7pm, 175 Jiefang Lu, 20 RMB
Temple of the Chief Minister (Da Xiangguo Si) - 8am-6pm, 54 Ziyou Lu, 20 RMB
Dragon Pavilion Park (Long Ting Gongyuan) - 7am-6pm, Zhonghan Lu Beiduan, 25 RMB
Festival of Pure Brightness on the River Park (Qingming Shanghe Yuan) - 8.30am-6pm, 5 Long Ting Xi Lu, 30 RMB
Qianlong Guild Hall (Shanshangan Huiguan) - 8am-6.30pm, 85 Xufu Jie, 10 RMB

Accommodation

Dajintai Luguan 23 Gulou Jie, singles/doubles 100/130 RMB, twin dorms 50 RMB
Bianjing Fandian 109 Dong Dajie, singles/doubles 250/260 RMB
Hotels in Henan Province

Souvenirs

Songdu Yujie is lined with shops selling embroidery, silk screen paintings, calligraphy, artwork, seals and ink stones.

Last but not least...

The weather in January in central China can be really cold jackets, gloves and scarves, and even thermal underwear, are essential. Ear plugs useful for noisy train companions and shutting out overhead speakers.