Kaifeng travel guide
Kaifeng, also known as Dongjing, Bianjing (and Daliang, Bianliang), is nicknamed the "Capital of Ten Dynasties" and "Metropolis of Seven Dynasties". It is the only city in the world whose central axis has never shifted, making its layered city ruins truly unique in world archaeological and capital city history.
As the Northern Song Dynasty capital Dongjing Kaifeng, it was once the most prosperous, largest, and most populous metropolis in the world.
Kaifeng lies on the eastern Central Plains along the mid-lower reaches of the Yellow River, southeast of the Taihang Mountains range, in east-central Henan Province. It borders Shangqiu to the east, provincial capital Zhengzhou to the west, Xuchang and Zhoukou to the south, and the Yellow River and Xinxiang to the north.
Kaifeng administers 5 counties - Weishi, Qi, Tongxu, Lankao, and Kaifeng - and 5 districts - Gulou, Longting, Yuwangtai, Shunhe Hui and Jinming.
Strong Marketplace Culture
Stroll down Madao Street in Kaifeng after dusk and witness the lively night market scene brimming with local character. Middle-aged women in flowery outfits, young girls with blunt bangs, and edgy youths roll up makeshift stalls from the backs of tricycle carts, as if conjuring a market from thin air. They transform the pedestrian street into an emporium of inexpensive dresses, stockings, slippers, baked gluten, and cooling herbal jelly drinks. Each vendor arranges their wares with familiar ease, focused sincerity across their faces as they harmonize with the hardscrabble rhythms of daily life. Immersing in the bustling night market, interact with Kaifeng's proud grassroots culture that perseveres generation after generation. Taste the resourcefulness, resilience, and warmth of this hardworking community that epitomizes the salt-of-the-earth spirit of China's heartland.
Enthusiastic and graceful nightlife
As dusk settles over Kaifeng, the night springs to life with charming local flavor. Well before sunset, the clatter of woks and sizzle of grills herald preparations for the bustling night markets. Under the moon and lantern light, Kaifeng transforms into a lively communal gathering place. Against backdrops of rivers and ancient architecture, people spontaneously break into rousing revolutionary songs or soulful erhu melodies that conjure feelings of North Song history and culture. Stroll narrow alleys perfumed with mouthwatering aromas drifting from late-night stalls dishing up every snack imaginable. Immerse in the informal conviviality of the markets where families and friends laugh and chat long into the evenings. Kaifeng's spirited yet refined nightlife promises warm hospitality and nonstop enjoyment from dusk to dawn.
Full of Gold Armor
Every fall, Kaifeng blossoms into a city of gold during the lively chrysanthemum festival. Dating back to the Northern Song dynasty, Kaifeng's "city of chrysanthemums" tradition peaks when lush blooms ignite Dragon Pavilion, Wansui Mountain, and countless gardens and parks. The joyous festival honors the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, a time to appreciate chrysanthemum flowers and brew aromatic chrysanthemum tea. Meander narrow alleys and scenic riversides carpeted in a patchwork of golden yellow blossoms. Their sweet fragrance infuses the crisp autumn air. Marvel at diverse chrysanthemum varieties cultivated for this occasion. From dainty single-petaled types to lush overflowing blooms in dynamic colors, Kaifeng's chrysanthemums are bred to impress. Lose yourself in floral splendor during this jubilant harvest festival.
Opening on the tip of the tongue
Foodies visiting Kaifeng must indulge in the city's scrumptious local delicacies. Make your way to the bustling Xisi Night Market to soak up Kaifeng's down-to-earth charm while sampling bucket chicken, juicy soup dumplings, and cooling stir-fried Kaifeng rice noodles. Savor the rich nutty flavor of locally grown almond tea. For breakfast, join the crowd at a corner stall for hot sesame cakes just plucked from the griddle, served in flax leaf wraps with pickled vegetables. Let your tastebuds lead the way through this edible wonderland and try tantalizing snacks like red bean pancakes, shredded tofu salad, and mung bean jelly. With culinary delights from street food to fine dining, Kaifeng's diverse flavors offer a tasty introduction to the city's culture and history with every bite. Leave your food GPS on and let your appetite dictate your Kaifeng explorations.
History
Archaeological evidence confirms human activity in Lianyungang's ancient Mount Qushan and present-day Mount Jinping area as early as 10,000 years ago. In 1959 and 1978, the oldest Paleolithic sites in southeast China were discovered at Erjian and Daxian Village with clear stratigraphic layers. Mount Jinping has 19 Neolithic sites, with Erjian being one of China's earliest farming areas.
The 20-meter long, 10-meter wide "General Cliff Painting" discovered in 1979 was appraised by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage as "an extremely important cultural relic and rare major discovery, the earliest 'book' in China."
The Donghan era art treasure "Kongwang Mountain Grottoes Statues" are the earliest Buddhist grotto statues in China, 100-200 years earlier than the Dunhuang Grottoes, and protected at the national level.
The area is also steeped in history, with attractions related to Confucius' sea gazing, Emperor Qin's inspections, and famous poets and officials like Tao Yuanming, Li Bai, Su Dongpo, Shen Kuo, Li Qingzhao, Wu Cheng'en, Li Ruzhen, Wu Jingzi, Lin Zexu, Zhu Ziqing and more.
Best Travel Time
Before and after the Qingming Festival (April 5th): Kaifeng will hold the "Kaifeng Qingming Cultural Festival", during which there will be a large-scale Song costume parade parade parade, which is very eye-catching. October November: It is a good season for admiring chrysanthemums in Kaifeng. Generally, in mid October, there will be a chrysanthemum festival in Kaifeng.Medical treatment
Here are some key tips for respecting local culture and staying safe in Weihai, China, for an English travel website:Respecting Local Customs in WeihaiWhen visiting Weihai, please keep these etiquette and safety tips in mind:- Avoid mentioning pork when visiting Hui communities or halal restaurants. Use "zhuang" instead of "fat" which is taboo. - Do not touch or step on ethnic or religious symbols. - Weihai is clean and beautiful so please don't litter or spit. - Refrain from tapping bowls with chopsticks or swatting pets in restaurants or homes. - Conserve water as Weihai is prone to shortages. - Hotels along Weihai's scenic shoreline are pricier but offer sea views and soundscapes at night. Splurge if you can.- Watch for Weihai's winding,Typing…Safety considerations
When at crowded places like train stations, bus terminals, and metro stations, keep a close eye on your belongings to prevent theft. Areas with high tourist traffic like Tiananmen Square also attract scammers, so tourists should be wary of unlicensed guides demanding money upfront. Avoid handing over any cash to solicitations on the street. Use registered taxi companies like the red Beijing taxis whenever possible. Keep valuables secured and hidden, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be alert in public transportation hubs and tourist sites. When needing assistance, go to authorized help points like the Beijing Tourist Information booths rather than individuals roaming the streets. Beijing is a generally safe city if simple precautions are taken. Report any incidents or suspicious activities immediately to the nearest police officer. They can also provide directions and other help. Enjoy sightseeing, but remain aware of the surroundings.
