Kaifeng is an hour to the east of Zhengzhou in Henan Province and just south of the Yellow River. It is connected by the Lanzhou-Xuzhou Expressway and was previously capital of China.
Kaifeng has been the Chinese capital under many dynasties and was at a time one of the world’s most prosperous cities. It was popular with migrants and expats, such was its draw. Kaifeng is not a big city but is loaded with many ancient relics and comes with decent eating and nightlife.
There are many pleasing landmarks to look out for in Kaifeng, such as the 1,500-year-old Xiangguo Monastery. The younger Iron Tower, built in the 11th century under the Northern Song Dynasty, is anther popular sight. It features 13 storeys and presides over a park. Also worth a look is the Dragon Pavilion near the town’s splendid walls.
Getting There & Away
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport is the nearest airport and is an hour away by expressway. It is 37kms southeast of Zhengzhou and receives flights from all over China, as well as from Thailand (charter) during the busy season. Journey times from Beijing are approximately 2 hours. Shuttles and buses run along the Lanzhou-Xuzhou Expressway to Kaifeng in about an hour.
Things to Do
Kaifeng Attractions
- Iron Tower Park
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A pretty park in kaifeng and home to the mid-11th century octagonal iron tower, which was constructed with wood and brick.
- Xiangguo Monastery
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The temple of the chief minister (ziyou lu) was built way back in 555 and was expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Side trips from Kaifeng
- Yellow River
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Take a boat trip on china’s second longest river on its lower section.
Events
- Lotus Flower Festival
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Along with the chrysanthemum flower festival, this festival is celebrated every fall - september/october.