Kaifeng Travel Guide and Price List
I. Must-Visit Attractions and Ticket Prices
Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden
As a landmark attraction of Kaifeng, Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is based on the famous Song Dynasty painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," recreating the thousand-year prosperity of the ancient capital Bianjing. It offers not only rich live performances but also various Song Dynasty-style experiences. Tickets start from 120 yuan, suitable for tourists who enjoy history and culture for an in-depth visit.
Wansui Mountain Martial Arts City
Wansui Mountain Martial Arts City is famous for its unique Song Dynasty martial arts theme and rich performances. Visitors can experience the chivalry and adventures of the Song Dynasty, especially the classic "Iron Flower" performance, which is absolutely spectacular. Tickets start from 97 yuan, offering excellent value for money.
Kaifeng Prefecture
Kaifeng Prefecture was an important government office during the Northern Song Dynasty and the setting for the stories of Bao Zheng's trials. It not only preserves a large number of historical relics but also features exciting ancient-style performances, allowing visitors to feel as if they have traveled through time and experienced the charm of ancient government office culture. Tickets start at 59 yuan, making it an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of the Northern Song Dynasty.
Kaifeng Museum
The Kaifeng Museum is a window into the history and culture of Kaifeng and even the Central Plains region. It houses a large collection of historical artifacts and artworks, showcasing Kaifeng's development from ancient times to the present. Admission is free, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Kaifeng's rich historical and cultural heritage.
Iron Pagoda Park
The Iron Pagoda Park is named after the Iron Pagoda within its grounds. Built during the Northern Song Dynasty, this pagoda is hailed as the "Number One Pagoda Under Heaven." Visitors can admire the pagoda's grandeur and experience the charm of ancient architectural art. Tickets cost 50 yuan, suitable for visitors who appreciate ancient architecture.
II. Accommodation Recommendations and Prices
High-end (600 yuan and above/night)
High-end hotels such as the Kaifeng Kaiyuan Mingdu Hotel and the Kaifeng Jianye Pullman Hotel offer comfortable accommodations and excellent service. These hotels are mostly located in the city center or near scenic spots, with convenient transportation and complete facilities. Prices vary depending on room type and season, but most are above 600 yuan/night.
Comfortable Hotels (300-500 RMB/night): Hotels like Atour Hotel and Moshang Qingju Hotel in Kaifeng's Qingming Riverside Park offer excellent value for money. These hotels are well-equipped, provide attentive service, and are reasonably priced. Prices are mostly between 300 and 500 RMB per night, suitable for travelers seeking a comfortable experience.
Economy Hotels (150-300 RMB/night): Kaifeng also has many budget hotels and guesthouses, offering affordable and clean accommodations. These are mostly located in the city center or near scenic spots, with convenient transportation and meeting basic accommodation needs. Prices are mostly between 150 and 300 RMB per night, suitable for travelers on a budget.
III. Food Recommendations and Average Cost
Kaifeng Soup Dumplings: Kaifeng soup dumplings are a traditional local delicacy, famous for their thin skin, generous filling, and rich broth. Visitors can enjoy authentic Kaifeng soup dumplings at local restaurants or night markets, with an average cost of approximately 10 to 20 RMB per person.
**Lamb Stew with Flatbread** Lamb stew with flatbread is a specialty snack of Kaifeng, popular with tourists for its crispy exterior, tender interior, and fragrant meat. Visitors can enjoy this dish at local night markets or food stalls, with an average cost of approximately 10 to 15 yuan per person.
**Stir-fried Cold Noodles** Stir-fried cold noodles are another traditional Kaifeng snack, renowned for their crispy exterior and tender interior, and their soft yet chewy texture. Visitors can enjoy this dish at local night markets or restaurants, with an average cost of approximately 8 to 10 yuan per person.
**Upscale Restaurants** Kaifeng also boasts many upscale restaurants offering exquisite cuisine, such as Meili Bianjing Roast Duck Restaurant. These restaurants offer a wide variety of dishes with unique flavors, and the average cost per person can reach 100 to 200 yuan or even higher. Suitable for tourists seeking a more upscale dining experience.
**IV. Transportation Guide and Costs**
**Major Transportation** Visitors can choose to travel to Kaifeng by high-speed rail, regular train, or plane. High-speed rail and regular train are the most economical and convenient options, with ticket prices varying depending on the departure point and season. For airfare, you'll need to consider the cost of airfare and airport transfers. The round-trip transportation cost to Kaifeng is roughly between 600 and 1600 yuan.
City Transportation: Kaifeng offers a variety of transportation options, including buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services. Buses have a 1 yuan fare and cover the city's major bustling areas; taxis have a starting fare of 5 yuan (2 kilometers), followed by 1.3 yuan per kilometer, plus a 1 yuan fuel surcharge; ride-hailing services offer greater convenience and flexibility. Tourists can choose the appropriate mode of transportation based on their needs and budget.
V. Itinerary Planning Suggestions
Day 1: After arriving in Kaifeng, check into your hotel and rest briefly. In the afternoon, visit Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden to experience the prosperity of Bianjing (Kaifeng) during the Northern Song Dynasty. In the evening, enjoy Kaifeng's culinary delights at the Xisi Night Market.
Day 2: In the morning, visit Kaifeng Prefecture and the Iron Pagoda Park to learn about the history, culture, and ancient architecture of the Northern Song Dynasty. In the afternoon, head to Wansui Mountain Martial Arts City to experience the chivalrous spirit and diverse aspects of the martial arts world during the Song Dynasty. In the evening, enjoy food at the Gulou Night Market.
Day 3: In the morning, visit the Kaifeng Museum to gain a deeper understanding of Kaifeng's historical and cultural heritage. Free time in the afternoon, or visit other attractions. In the evening, choose a restaurant to enjoy fine dining or continue sampling snacks at the night market, depending on your preference.
Day 4: Free time or shopping, depending on your return travel time. You can visit local specialty shops to buy souvenirs or local products to take home. Afterwards, transfer to the airport or train station for your return journey.