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Kaifeng

Aerial view of Kaifengs bustling Drum Tower and surrounding market streets illuminated at dusk showcasing vibrant city life and historical architecture - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey
The China Journey - China - Henan -
Discover the charm of Kaifeng, a historic city filled with vibrant night markets, ancient architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Explore top attractions and local experiences.
Aerial view of Kaifengs bustling Drum Tower and surrounding market streets illuminated at dusk showcasing vibrant city life and historical architecture - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

About Kaifeng

Kaifeng, known as “Bian,” is a historic city in Henan Province, China, with a legacy spanning over 4,100 years.

Once the capital of multiple dynasties, including the Northern Song, Kaifeng is celebrated for its cultural heritage, earning it the title of “City of Eight Dynasties.”

Positioned near the Yellow River and close to Zhengzhou, Kaifeng is a cultural and tourism hub in the Central Plains.

It’s home to famous festivals like the Qingming Culture Festival and Chrysanthemum Culture Festival, drawing numerous visitors yearly.

Kaifeng’s ancient city axis remains unchanged, preserving its unique urban archaeology and historical significance.

CategoryDetailCategoryDetail
City Nickname“City of Eight Dynasties”Famous FestivalKaifeng Chrysanthemum Festival
Historical EraNorthern Song Dynasty CapitalCultural HeritageSong Dynasty Silk Road Eastern Hub
Main AttractionsIron Pagoda, Dragon Pavilion, Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, Overlapping Ancient City Ruins, Daxiangguo TempleTraditional ArtZhuxian Town Woodblock Prints
Popular DishKaifeng Soup DumplingsLocal SpecialtyYellow River Carp
UNESCO RecognitionNational Historical and Cultural CityIconic Painting“Along the River During the Qingming Festival”

Must-visit Attractions

Iron Pagoda - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Iron Pagoda

This Song Dynasty pagoda, built in 1049, is renowned for its iron-like glazed bricks, intricate carvings, and resilience against natural disasters.

Po Pagoda - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Po Pagoda

Constructed in 974, this ancient pagoda showcases 7,000 intricate Buddha carvings on bricks, serving as a significant example of early Chinese calligraphy and sculpture.

Yanqing Temple - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Yanqing Temple

Known for its unique blend of pavilion and Mongolian yurt architecture, this Yuan Dynasty Taoist temple honors Wang Zhe, founder of the Quanzhen school of Taoism.

Kaifeng City Wall - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Kaifeng City Wall

Dating back to the Tang Dynasty, this ancient wall spans 14.4 km and uniquely preserves layers from five different historical periods beneath it.

Shanxi Shaanxi Gansu Guild Hall - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Shanxi-Shaanxi-Gansu Guild Hall

Established in 1776 by merchants from three provinces, this grand Qing Dynasty guild hall exemplifies traditional Chinese architecture with its courtyard and opera stage.

Xingguo Temple Pagoda - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Xingguo Temple Pagoda

Built during the Song Dynasty, this six-sided, multi-story pagoda features intricate brick carvings of Buddha, embodying traditional Song architectural style.

Daxiangguo Temple - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Daxiangguo Temple

A prestigious Buddhist temple dating back to 555 AD, it was revered by the Northern Song royal family and is famous for its grand halls and Buddhist relics.

Dragon Pavilion - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Dragon Pavilion

This towering palace, with its intricate design and elevated stone base, showcases imperial architectural elements of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Millennium City Park - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Millennium City Park

This theme park brings the famous "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" painting to life, illustrating Song Dynasty life with vibrant recreations of scenes and activities.

Zhuxian Town Mosque - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Zhuxian Town Mosque

Founded in 1531 and expanded in 1744, this historic mosque represents classic Qing Dynasty Islamic architecture with a courtyard-centered design.

Kaifeng Dong Mosque - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Kaifeng Dong Mosque

This large, historic mosque, rebuilt in 1846, includes well-preserved facilities, offering insights into traditional Islamic practices and architecture in China.

Zhuxian Town Yue Fei Temple - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Zhuxian Town Yue Fei Temple

Dedicated to national hero Yue Fei, this temple commemorates his defense against foreign invasion, symbolizing loyalty and patriotism in Chinese culture.

Must-eat Food

Soup Dumplings - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Soup Dumplings

These dumplings are filled with flavorful broth and juicy pork, a delicacy dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty, popular for its rich taste and satisfying texture.

Spicy Hu La Tang Soup - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Spicy Hu La Tang Soup

This spicy soup combines beef or lamb with over 30 herbs and spices, creating a bold, warming flavor that embodies the essence of Central China.

Tongzi Chicken - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Tongzi Chicken

This dish features tender, slow-cooked chicken with a fragrant aroma and savory taste, enjoyed for its nourishing qualities and flavorful broth.

Stuffed Four Treasures - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Stuffed Four Treasures

Four premium ingredients are nested together in this complex dish, resulting in a richly layered flavor and texture that originated during the late Qing Dynasty.

Da Jing Zao Sweet Rice Jujube - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Da Jing Zao Sweet Rice Jujube

A classic Chinese New Year treat, made from glutinous rice and sugar, with a crispy exterior and a chewy, sweet interior.

Hui Mian Noodles - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Hui Mian Noodles

These hand-pulled noodles are cooked in a rich lamb bone broth, garnished with quail eggs, tofu, and cilantro, creating a deeply flavorful and hearty meal.

Double Sesame Pancake - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Double Sesame Pancake

These crispy pancakes are sprinkled with sesame seeds, offering a unique blend of textures and flavors, perfect for pairing with tea or soup.

Peanut Cake - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Peanut Cake

This ancient snack dates back to the Song Dynasty, known for its crumbly texture and rich peanut flavor, and is now a part of Henan’s intangible cultural heritage.

Braised Fish in Brown Sauce - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Braised Fish in Brown Sauce

Yellow River fish is fried and then braised with flavorful spices, creating a dish with a tender texture and a savory, aromatic sauce.

Stewed Pear with Rock Sugar - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Stewed Pear with Rock Sugar

This dessert is made by simmering pears with goji berries and rock sugar, offering a refreshing taste while also helping to soothe the throat.

Almond Tea - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Almond Tea

This traditional drink, made with almond powder and spices, is both nutritious and fragrant, known for its rich, creamy texture and floral aroma.

Glutinous Rice Cake - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Glutinous Rice Cake

This sweet and chewy dessert is made from sticky rice, dates, and sugar, topped with a sweet sauce made from hawthorn and roses for a delightful taste.

Kaifeng ICH

Zhuxianzhen Woodblock New Year Prints - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Zhuxianzhen Woodblock New Year Prints

Known as the "ancestor of Chinese woodblock prints," these vibrant and bold designs with exaggerated forms offer a glimpse into traditional Chinese folk art.

Kaifeng Pan Drum Performance - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Kaifeng Pan Drum Performance

Performed by groups ranging from dozens to hundreds, this powerful drum performance, with its strong and lively rhythm, showcases the bold spirit of Central China.

Bianjing Lantern Zhang - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Bianjing Lantern Zhang

These intricate, colorful lanterns blend imperial elegance with local folk artistry, featuring designs like dragons and phoenixes, adding festivity to any celebration.

Bian Embroidery - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Bian Embroidery

Renowned for its lifelike depictions of animals and flowers, this traditional embroidery uses 36 unique stitches, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship rooted in Song Dynasty artistry.

Daxiangguo Temple Buddhist Music - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Daxiangguo Temple Buddhist Music

This ancient Buddhist music, known for its tranquil and sacred melodies, is performed to praise Buddha, creating a serene atmosphere in the temple setting.

Northern Song Dynasty Guan Ware - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey - Kaifeng, City of Eight Dynasties [June 2026] - The China Journey

Northern Song Dynasty Guan Ware

With its jade-like glaze, delicate crackle patterns, and elegant forms, this porcelain embodies the refined aesthetic and advanced craftsmanship of the Song Dynasty.

FAQs About Kaifeng

What makes Kaifeng unique as a historical city?

Kaifeng, known as the “Eight Dynasties Ancient Capital,” has a rich history spanning over 4,100 years. It served as the capital for several dynasties, including the Northern Song, and is famous for its preserved cultural heritage and “Song culture” influence.

 

Visitors to Kaifeng should explore the Iron Pagoda, Dragon Pavilion, Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, and Daxiangguo Temple, which showcase its historical significance and stunning architectural beauty.

 

Kaifeng hosts the Chrysanthemum Festival and the Qingming Cultural Festival, attracting tourists from around the globe. These events celebrate its cultural traditions, seasonal beauty, and historic relevance.

 

Kaifeng is the world’s only city with an uninterrupted central axis across six overlapping ancient cities buried beneath the modern urban area, creating a unique “city-on-city” phenomenon.

 

As a key city in the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration, Kaifeng plays a crucial role in trade and culture. In 2023, its GDP reached 2534.19 billion yuan, showcasing steady economic development.

 

City Basic Info

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Anthony

I’m Anthony, the founder and editor of The China Journey. I create practical, experience-based guides covering travel, food, and culture across China, with a focus on helping international travelers make clear planning decisions.

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