After 5 Visits to Kaifeng, Here's My Complete Travel Guide

April in Kaifeng is full of spring charm, with flowers blooming beneath ancient city walls and thousand-year-old Song Dynasty culture intertwined with everyday life. For first-time visitors, focusing on these essential spots will help you deeply appreciate the unique charm of this ancient capital of eight dynasties. Before setting off, make thorough preparations. Must-Read #1: Pre-Trip Preparation ✅Check the weather: April in Kaifeng is warming up, but temperature differences between morning and evening remain. Bring a light jacket that you can take off during warm days and put on during cooler mornings and evenings. Spring can be windy, so a hat is recommended. ✅Clothing and gear: Prepare comfortable casual wear suitable for exploring ancient sites and alleyways. For scenic spots like Millennium City Park, consider bringing traditional Chinese costumes for better photos. A pair of comfortable sneakers is essential for walking on stone pavements without tiring your feet. ✅Documents and essentials: Don't forget your ID card, and remember to bring your student ID or senior card for discounts at many attractions. Keep your phone charger and power bank handy, as you'll be taking lots of photos and using navigation apps. Beat-the-Crowds Guide & Unique Experiences ⏰Millennium City Park: Enter before 7:30 AM, before the crowds arrive. Head to the Rainbow Bridge to see the Bian River scenery awakening in the morning light—perfect for pristine traditional-style photos. After 4 PM, when tourists start leaving, go to the Grand Song Dynasty Defense of the Eastern Capital performance venue to secure the best viewing spots. ⏰Kaifeng Prefecture: Avoid peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM on weekends. Visit on weekday afternoons when there are fewer tourists to quietly explore the Bao Zheng cultural area and experience the culture of honest governance. In the evening, the sunset casts a golden glow on the government buildings, creating a perfect photo opportunity. ⏰Shaanxi-Shanxi-Gansu Guild Hall: Enter before 9 AM when visitors are scarce to appreciate the exquisite wood, stone, and brick carvings, experiencing the beauty of Qing Dynasty architectural art. The unique light and shadow inside make for vintage-style photos with ancient buildings as backdrops. ⏰Qisheng Corner: Visit around 8 AM when the streets are quiet and peaceful. Browse specialty shops and watch traditional handicraft making. When crowds increase at noon, find a café, order a drink, and watch the street come alive. Food Exploration Guide ⚠️Must-try soup dumplings: Kaifeng's soup dumplings are exceptional—thin skin, large filling, and rich broth. One bite releases delicious flavors. Recommended places include First Floor Restaurant and Huang's Old Shop. A must-order for meals! ⚠️Barrel Chicken: Savory and flavorful with firm meat and crispy tender skin, this Kaifeng specialty can be found at street-side food shops. ⚠️Specialty snack exploration: At Drum Tower Night Market, find stir-fried bean jelly with a smoky flavor complemented by garlic sauce—spicy and delicious. Also try lamb baked mo bread, crispy outside and tender inside, with rich lamb aroma—perfect for eating while walking. Photo Spot Guide 🔺Millennium City Park: On Rainbow Bridge, use the Bian River and ancient buildings as background. Wear traditional costumes for time-travel style photos. Near the parade ground, capture dynamic photos with performance scenes as backdrop. 🔺Kaifeng Prefecture: In front of the main hall, use the solemn government buildings as background. Wear simple attire for dignified photos. In the back garden, use rockeries and lakes as background for fresh, natural photos. 🔺Shaanxi-Shanxi-Gansu Guild Hall: In front of the exquisite wood carvings, use the intricate patterns as background. Wear a qipao for elegant vintage photos. Next to the glazed screen walls, use the vibrant colors as a filter for atmospheric pictures. 🔺Qisheng Corner: Under the ancient street archway, use stone pavements and red lanterns as background. Wear ethnic-style clothing for artistic vintage photos. In front of handicraft shops, use specialty products as foreground for interesting lifestyle photos. Local Tips ▪️Transportation in Kaifeng is convenient, with buses and shared bicycles available. Parking can be difficult near some attractions, so green transportation is recommended. ▪When visiting ancient sites, follow the rules, don't touch cultural relics, keep quiet, and respect the historical and cultural atmosphere. ▪Don't buy souvenirs from expensive shops on main streets in scenic areas. Local markets offer better prices. Recommended purchases include Bian embroidery and peanut cakes. Some bargaining is acceptable. ▪When communicating with locals, you'll find them warm and hospitable. Their dialect has character but is not difficult to understand. They'll patiently answer questions about directions or food recommendations. Itinerary: Classic 4-Day Kaifeng Tour D1: Kaifeng North Station - Millennium City Park - Rainbow Bridge Arrive at Kaifeng North Station in the morning, take a bus to Millennium City Park, head straight to Rainbow Bridge after entering, experience the Song Dynasty atmosphere, have lunch in the park, continue exploring in the afternoon, and enjoy the night view in the evening. D2: Kaifeng Prefecture - Bao Gong Temple Visit Kaifeng Prefecture in the morning to experience the culture of honest governance, have lunch nearby, visit Bao Gong Temple in the afternoon to learn about Bao Zheng's life, and stay in the city center at night. D3: Shaanxi-Shanxi-Gansu Guild Hall - Qisheng Corner Head to the Shaanxi-Shanxi-Gansu Guild Hall in the morning to appreciate ancient architectural art, have lunch, then visit Qisheng Corner to explore specialty shops, and taste snacks at the night market in the evening. D4: Free Time - Kaifeng North Station Take the morning for additional photos at attractions and souvenir shopping, pack your luggage at noon, take a bus to Kaifeng North Station, and return home with wonderful memories. Friends, follow this guide for your April trip to Kaifeng, and I guarantee you'll have an unforgettable experience in this ancient city!