Kaifeng Travel Guide: Song Dynasty Capital & Dragon Pavilion
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Recommended
3 days
Daily Budget
Kaifeng (开封, Kāifēng) is one of China's Seven Ancient Capitals — a city that was the largest in the world during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD).
Why Visit Kaifeng?
Kaifeng has recreated its Song Dynasty glory at Qingming Riverside Garden — a living museum where actors in Song Dynasty costumes reenact daily life from the famous painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival." The city's night markets and soup dumplings are legendary.
Top Attractions
Qingming Riverside Garden (清明上河园) — A living museum recreating Song Dynasty life from the famous painting. Actors in period costume, traditional crafts, and performances.
Dragon Pavilion (龙亭) — A grand pavilion that was the entrance to the Song Dynasty imperial palace. The night light show is spectacular.
Iron Pagoda (铁塔) — A 1,000-year-old pagoda made of iron-colored bricks. The pagoda has survived earthquakes and wars — it's one of the oldest structures in China.
Kaifeng Night Market (开封夜市) — One of China's best night markets — soup dumplings, lamb kebabs, and hundreds of street food stalls.
Daxiangguo Temple (大相国寺) — A Buddhist temple that appeared in the classic novel "Water Margin." The temple is still active and atmospheric.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit: April-May (spring) or September-November (autumn). Summer is hot.
Getting There: High-speed train from Zhengzhou (30 minutes), Luoyang (2 hours), or Xi'an (4 hours).
Getting Around: Buses and taxis. The old city is walkable.
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY). Mobile payment (Alipay, WeChat Pay) is ubiquitous.
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What to see, eat and do
Each guide is self-contained — read it, then add it straight to your itinerary.
Daxiangguo Temple (大相国寺)
Daxiangguo Temple is a Buddhist temple that appeared in the classic novel Water Margin — a 1,000-year-old temple that's still active and atmospheric.
Dragon Pavilion (龙亭)
The Dragon Pavilion is the symbol of Kaifeng — a grand pavilion that was the entrance to the Song Dynasty imperial palace, now famous for its spectacular night light show.
Iron Pagoda (铁塔)
The Iron Pagoda is a 1,000-year-old masterpiece of Song Dynasty engineering — made of iron-colored bricks, it has survived earthquakes, floods, and wars.
