






大杜杜From the Yellow River in the west to the Huai River in the east, the green shade is 1,300 miles.
In the late spring of the last year of Daye, the willows are as white as smoke and snow.
————"Willows on the Sui Dynasty Bank" by Bai Juyi of the Tang Dynasty
It is a rare Spring Festival holiday, and I will never forget my trip to Henan. For the last breakfast of my trip to Henan, I chose to eat at | Zhaojia Famous Four-flavor Stewed Vegetables (Dongda Temple Gate Food Street Store)^.
Kaifeng not only has a profound historical heritage, but is also a food mecca. Many delicacies that outsiders have never eaten are blooming here, and four-flavor dishes are one of them.
The four-flavor dish is in the form of soup, with four kinds of dishes as the main ingredients, so it is called four-flavor dish. Which four kinds? Fragrant and tough gluten, with fragrant day lily, plus meaty beef meatballs and oily crispy meat, the four kinds of dishes are mixed and served, plus a handful of coriander, and finally poured with thick mutton soup. You will swallow your saliva when you smell it. Take a sip, it is extremely fresh and fragrant. Eat another bite of crispy meat, crispy and soft, with meaty fragrance. Those who love spicy food can also pour some chili oil on it, which is slightly spicy and warms the stomach without destroying the freshness of the soup. Four-flavor dishes and pot cakes are a perfect match. In the morning, have a bowl of four-flavor dishes, drink a sip of warm soup, and then have a bite of crispy and meaty pot cakes. This is probably the little happiness of the locals.
The trip to Henan is worthwhile, the beautiful scenery and delicious food are unforgettable.
From the Yellow River in the west to the Huai River in the east, the green shade is 1,300 miles. In the late spring of the last year of Daye, the willows are as white as smoke and snow. ————"Willows on the Sui Dynasty Bank" by Bai Juyi of the Tang Dynasty It is a rare Spring Festival holiday, and I will never forget my trip to Henan. For the last breakfast of my trip to Henan, I chose to eat at | Zhaojia Famous Four-flavor Stewed Vegetables (Dongda Temple Gate Food Street Store)^. Kaifeng not only has a profound historical heritage, but is also a food mecca. Many delicacies that outsiders have never eaten are blooming here, and four-flavor dishes are one of them. The four-flavor dish is in the form of soup, with four kinds of dishes as the main ingredients, so it is called four-flavor dish. Which four kinds? Fragrant and tough gluten, with fragrant day lily, plus meaty beef meatballs and oily crispy meat, the four kinds of dishes are mixed and served, plus a handful of coriander, and finally poured with thick mutton soup. You will swallow your saliva when you smell it. Take a sip, it is extremely fresh and fragrant. Eat another bite of crispy meat, crispy and soft, with meaty fragrance. Those who love spicy food can also pour some chili oil on it, which is slightly spicy and warms the stomach without destroying the freshness of the soup. Four-flavor dishes and pot cakes are a perfect match. In the morning, have a bowl of four-flavor dishes, drink a sip of warm soup, and then have a bite of crispy and meaty pot cakes. This is probably the little happiness of the locals. The trip to Henan is worthwhile, the beautiful scenery and delicious food are unforgettable.
Kaifeng In-Depth Travel Guide: Journey Through the Millennia of Song Dynasty Charm, Enjoy the Ancient City Starting from 500 RMB per person Kaifeng, a city steeped in the glorious history of the "Ancient Capital of Eight Dynasties," attracts countless visitors with the bustling splendor of the Qingming Riverside Park, the court judges of Kaifeng Prefecture, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Drum Tower Night Market. Starting from 500 RMB per person, enjoy a 3-day, 2-night trip to deeply experience the Song Dynasty charm of "Dream of the Capital." The following guide includes must-see attractions, authentic cuisine, affordable accommodations, and practical transportation to help you explore the ancient and modern "Bianjing." I. Must-See Attractions: An Immersive Experience of History and Culture 1. Qingming Riverside Park (Tickets Starting from 120 RMB) This 5A-rated scenic spot is a Song Dynasty theme park recreated based on Zhang Zeduan's "Along the River During the Qingming Festival." The park presents over 60 live performances daily, including "Bao Gong Welcoming Guests" and "Yue Fei Challenges the Young Prince of Liang." The "Dream of the Capital of the Great Song Dynasty" water show (from 249 yuan) before closing at 6:00 PM features over 800 actors recreating the glorious era of the Song Dynasty, a truly spectacular visual feast. It's recommended to visit in the morning to avoid peak crowds, and wearing Hanfu (Chinese traditional costume) is especially effective for photo opportunities. 2. Wansuishan Wuxia City (from 97 yuan) This 4A-rated scenic spot is a martial arts theme park based on the novel "Water Margin." Over 30 live martial arts performances are presented daily, including "The Three Attacks on Zhujiazhuang" and "Wu Song Drunkenly Defeats Jiang Menshen." The "City Tower Attack and Defense" performance features authentic artillery special effects, creating a truly thrilling experience. The "Song Dynasty Wuxia Road" within the park offers opportunities for family-friendly experiences, including archery and pot-throwing, a Song Dynasty-era game. 3. Kaifeng Prefecture (from 59 yuan) This 4A-rated scenic spot was the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty. Daily at 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM, the "Bao Gong Judgment" performance recreates classic scenes such as "The Case of the Chopping of the Beauty" and "The Substitute Prince." Costumes and dialogue are based on Song Dynasty historical materials. Boating is available on Mingjing Lake within the scenic area, and the Qingxin Tower offers panoramic views of the entire Kaifeng complex. 4. Kaifeng Museum (Free) This national first-class museum houses 130,000 artifacts, including the Northern Song Dynasty "Kaifeng Prefecture Inscription" stele and the Ming Dynasty "Jinmingchi Competition Map." The "Northern Song Dynasty Dongjing City" exhibition hall is recommended, featuring a 1:100 scale replica of scenes from the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," including the canal docks and Rainbow Bridge. This is a must-see for history buffs. 5. Daxiangguo Temple (Tickets from 37 RMB) This was an imperial temple during the Northern Song Dynasty, with remaining structures such as the Mountain Gate, Heavenly King Hall, and Main Hall. Daily chanting ceremonies at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 3:00 PM offer a glimpse into Zen. The statue of Lu Zhishen uprooting a weeping willow in the temple recreates a classic scene from "Water Margin." II. Authentic Cuisine: A Taste of Bianjing 1. Breakfast Must-Try (5-15 RMB per person) Zhangji Xiaoyao Spicy Hot and Spicy Soup: Spicy and thick, served with fried dough sticks or egg sachet (crispy on the outside and tender on the inside). 10 RMB per person. Liji Five-Spice Bean Paste: Millet batter with peanuts and shredded tofu, served with fried dough sticks and egg. 9 RMB per person. Zhaojia Famous Four-Flavor Stew: A combination of beef, meatballs, gluten, and dried bean curd sheets, served with a guokui (a flatbread). 19 RMB per person. 2. Classic Henan Cuisine (40-65 RMB per person) Diyilou Soup Dumplings: Thin skin, generous filling, and delicious broth, served with Sanhen Soup (a spicy and sour appetizer). 65 RMB per person. Huang's Traditional Flavor: Sweet and Sour Carp, Crispy on the Outside and Tender on the Inside; Golden and Crispy Pot-Stickered Tofu, 60 RMB per person. Xing's Pot-Stickers: Fresh Pork and Chive Pot-Stickers with Almond Tea, 58 RMB per person. 3. Late-Night Snacks (15-25 RMB per person) Zhouqiao Day and Night Lamb Pan-Fried Buns: Crispy Lamb Pan-Fried Buns with Spicy Lamb Soup, 20 RMB per person. Huasan Donkey Meat Soup: Delicious and Nourishing Donkey Meat Soup with Shredded Pancakes, 35 RMB per person (Can be used as dinner). III. Accommodation Guide: From Budget to Luxury 1. Budget (150-300 RMB/night) Fubai B&B (Wansuishan Branch): Near Wuxia City, offers free parking, is pet-friendly, and offers a family room from 280 RMB/night. Vienna International Hotel (Qingming Riverside Park Branch): European-style, includes a buffet breakfast, and offers a family room from 300 RMB/night. 2. Mid- to High-End (400-800 RMB/night) Kaifeng Qingming Riverside Atour Hotel: Wooden building, landscaped restaurant with garden views, family rooms 680 RMB/night. Kaifeng New Century Grand Hotel: Lakeside garden hotel with pool and kids' club, deluxe rooms 780 RMB/night. IV. Itinerary Suggestions Three-Day Highlights Tour Day 1: Song Dynasty Cultural Tour Morning: Kaifeng Museum (free), visit the Northern Song Dynasty exhibition hall. Afternoon: Qingming Riverside Atour (120 RMB), watch "Bao Gong Welcoming Guests" and "Yue Fei Challenges the Young Prince of Liang." Evening: Perform "Dream of the Capital of the Great Song Dynasty" in the park (249 RMB), or visit the Drum Tower Night Market for snacks. Day 2: Martial Arts and History Tour Morning: Wansui Mountain Martial Arts City (97 RMB), watch "Three Strikes on Zhujiazhuang" and "Wu Song's Drunken Fight with Jiang Menshen." Afternoon: Kaifeng Mansion (59 RMB), watch "Bao Gong's Judgment." Evening: Experience late-night snack culture with mutton fried buns (20 yuan) at Zhouqiao Day and Night. Day 3: Zen and Market Journey Morning: Daxiangguo Temple (37 yuan) and participate in a chanting ceremony. Afternoon: Kaifeng City Wall (36.9 yuan) for a bike or walking tour. Evening: Huasan Donkey Meat Soup (35 yuan), concluding the tour. V. Practical Information Transportation: Airport to City: Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport shuttle bus 50 yuan/person (2 hours), taxi approximately 200 yuan (1.5 hours). Intra-city transportation: Bus 1-2 yuan, taxi 7 yuan starting price (1.6 yuan/km). Direct bus to the scenic area: Free shuttle bus available from Qingming Shanghe Park to Wansuishan Wuxia City. Best season: April-May (Qingming Cultural Festival), September-October (Chrysanthemum Cultural Festival). Avoidance Tips: Be cautious of promotions such as "free flowers" around scenic areas. For spicy hot soup, choose an established local favorite to avoid the high prices at scenic spots. For cycling along the Kaifeng City Wall, cycle counterclockwise to avoid the uphill sections. Kaifeng's charm lies in the bustling urban life of the Qingming Riverside Park, the heroic spirit of Wansui Mountain, and the exquisite flavors of the Drum Tower Night Market. Starting at 500 yuan per person, for a three-day, two-night tour, journey through the millennia-old charm of the Song Dynasty and experience the splendor of Bianjing, the unparalleled splendor of the world!
As the ancient capital of eight dynasties, Kaifeng is home to many free historical sites and delicious food that costs only 10 yuan! This guide will help you avoid the influencer premium and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Song Dynasty. 🏯 Must-see attractions: Mainly free, with paid options for highlights. ✅ Free check-in list (organized by area) Song Dynasty Imperial Street An ancient street resembling the Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Street. When the red lanterns light up, you'll instantly be transported to "Dreams of Splendor in the Capital." Secret activity: Visit the "Zhao Taicheng's House," an intangible cultural heritage shop, and watch Bian embroidery being made for free. Photo spot: The "Song Dynasty Capital" archway at the street corner. This photogenic spot is 100% photogenic with Hanfu (Hanfu rentals are 50 yuan/day). Baogong Lake Scenic Area The lake reflects the ancient buildings of Kaifeng Prefecture and Baogong Temple. Stroll along the lake in the evening and listen to the legend of "Justice Bao." Money-saving tip: Skip the Baogong Temple (30 yuan admission). The Xisi Bridge angle offers even more stunning photos of the light reflections. Kaifeng Museum A national first-class museum with free admission. "Dreams of Splendor in the Capital" is a must-see. The exhibition hall features a Northern Song Dynasty sand table and the animated "Along the River During the Qingming Festival." Hidden Bonus: AR device "travels" through the streets of Bianjing (free rental, 100 yuan refundable deposit). Yuwangtai Park Site of the ancient Chuitai ruins from the Spring and Autumn Period, the Sanxian Shrine commemorating Li Bai and Du Fu, and autumn foliage exceeding 100 acres. Tips: Main entrance free, peony garden (April-May) has a separate 10 yuan fee and can be skipped. ✅ Paid Specials (≤ 50 yuan per person) Wansuishan Martial Arts City (student ticket 30 yuan): 50+ free performances, "Wu Song Drunkenly Beats Jiang Menshen" at 11:00 a.m. is a must-see, and children can interact with the "Wulin Alliance Leader" NPC. Kaifeng City Wall West Section (bicycle 30 yuan/two-person bike): 9:00 a.m. The front entrance is less crowded, making for stunning photos of the autumn city wall silhouette. The end point leads directly to the Qingming Riverside Park. If you have the budget, you absolutely must visit the Qingming Riverside Park again! 🍜 Food Map: Eat All You Can for 10 Yuan, Avoid the Internet-famous Traps 🌙 Three Affordable Night Markets (Locals) Xisi Night Market (Best Value) Must-Try: Zhang San Fried Jelly 5 Yuan/portion, Lamb Steamed Bun 10 Yuan/piece, Almond Tea 5 Yuan/bowl Trap: Avoid the "Internet-famous Bamboo Tube Tea" at the entrance; walk 10 meters inside and you'll find it for only 15 Yuan at the local stall Laohe Night Market (Student Favorite) Hidden Taste: Bamboo Sliced Pancake with Chicken Leg 8 Yuan, Four-Vegetable Meal 12 Yuan (Serves with Oil Pancakes). Tips: Go just after the market opens at 5:30 PM to avoid the peak after 8:00 PM Simen Morning Market (Breakfast Meal Spot) Zhaojia Four-Vegetable Stew 10 Yuan/bowl, rich broth with oil pancakes; Huasan Donkey Meat Soup with Shredded Pancakes 15 Yuan Eat until you're full! 🏠 Local Establishment (half the price of the scenic area) Huang's Old Shop (Xisi Branch): Half a bucket chicken for 40 yuan, savory and flavorful, vacuum-packed to go Daoxiangju Pot Stickers (Songdu Imperial Street Branch): Fresh meat pot stickers for 12 yuan per portion, a century-old establishment with guaranteed quality 🚗 Transportation Tip: Explore the city for 30 yuan Bus Priority "Songyun Kaifeng Cultural Tourism Line" Routes 1-3 connect the train station/high-speed rail station with all key attractions, 2 yuan per trip Nighttime Y1 bus operates from 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM, stops when you hail it, and goes directly to the Qingming Shanghe Park night tour area Free Cycling Shared bikes for 3 yuan/hour, electric bike rentals for 30 yuan/day. Kaifeng's city center is small, so cycling is faster than taking a taxi Free shuttle service Fuxing 1-3 There's a free shuttle bus from the No. 1 transfer station directly to Qingming Riverside Park and Wansui Mountain, operating from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM. 🏨 Accommodation Tips: Stay in the core area for 100 RMB. Gulou District: City Home Hotel, 110 RMB/night, a 5-minute walk from the night market, includes breakfast and parking. Around Qingming Riverside Park: Beds in youth hostels, 60 RMB/night, with access to the scenic morning mist (free admission before 7:30 AM). Avoidance: Avoid "inns within the scenic area," as they're overpriced and have poor soundproofing. 📌 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary (600 RMB per person, including food and accommodation) Day 1: Time Travel to the Song Dynasty Capital 09:00 Kaifeng Museum (AR Interactive) → 12:00 Simen Morning Market for Stewed Vegetables → 14:00 Song Dynasty Imperial Street → 18:00 Xisi Night Market → 20:00 Night View of Baogong Lake Day 2: Martial Arts World 09:00 Wansui Mountain Martial Arts City (Performance) → 12:00 Fried Jelly at the Scenic Area Entrance → 14:00 Kaifeng City Wall Bike Ride → 18:00 Laohe Night Market Day 3: Cultural Relics 08:00 Yuwangtai Park → 10:00 Shuanglong Alley (Free Ancient Street) → 12:00 Huang's Old Shop (Bucket Chicken) → 14:00 Return 💰 Ultimate Money-Saving Tip Student ID Card: 50% off all paid attractions, 30 yuan for Wansui Mountain and 20 yuan for Kaifeng Prefecture Off-peak Travel: Buy a ticket for the "Song Dynasty: Tokyo Dream" performance at Qingming Shanghe Park (starting at 268 yuan) and receive a 3-day park pass, a better deal than buying individual tickets Bring your own water bottle: Drinking water is free at the scenic area, but it's more expensive at the night market than outside. Times Intangible Cultural Heritage Alternatives: Skip the 180-yuan iron flower show; Laohe Night Market offers free mini-performances on weekends. Hope this budget travel guide to Kaifeng brings you a wonderful holiday! #What did everyone do during the National Day holiday? #Most Asked Places on WeChat Moments #Budget Travel Guide #Romantic Travel Destinations in China #Kaifeng Travel Guide
Kaifeng, the birthplace of Henan cuisine, embraces a millennium of culinary heritage. It boasts centuries-old official dishes and vibrant street food, showcasing a culinary heritage spanning from imperial court techniques to street smarts. How could a visit to Kaifeng be complete without trying soup dumplings? I've read numerous guides, each with mixed reviews, and I've always felt I had to try them myself. 📍Songdu Heyuan 🍲Recommended Dish: The dumplings are thin, and you can see the broth at the bottom when you pick them up. There's not much filling, and I personally prefer the sweeter Jiangsu style, so I found them average. However, I highly recommend their pot-sticked tofu. It's not your typical tofu; it tastes a bit like fish tofu, and paired with the dipping sauce, it's absolutely amazing! Kaifeng has a Shunhe Muslim District, a haven for all kinds of beef and mutton delicacies. 📍Zhao Family Four-Ingredient Stew 🍲Recommended Dish: Beef and mutton soup with beef meatballs, mutton, and more, plus a steamed bun. For 15 yuan, this set is absolutely heartwarming and comforting in winter! 📍Weishi Stewed Noodles 🍲Recommended Dish: A simple bowl of mutton stewed noodles, but not always delicious. This place is not far from the Wansui Mountain Scenic Area, on the first floor of a residential complex. I always trust these small establishments; the neighborhood's tastes are always better than ours! It didn't disappoint. The stewed noodles were chewy, the mutton was tender, and it was a satisfying 10 yuan deal! 📍Wang Dachang Tea 🍲Recommended Dish: Kaifeng's own milk tea brand. I tried the Qingli Mujiangzi and it was pretty good, so I ordered this one. It's lightly iced and 70% sweet. A large cup costs 22 yuan and is quite delicious! Kaifeng Food, see you next time! #KaifengTravel #KaifengFood
The first thing I did when I arrived in Kaifeng was head straight for this place. I wanted to try something so famous, something I'd never tried in so many visits! I arrived at 10:30 AM and was surprised to see so many people. The Zhao Family Four-Ingredient Stew is a premium dish with day lily and various meatballs. The crispy pork is generously portioned, and the meatballs are starchy but fragrant after being fried. The broth feels like a mutton broth, incredibly thick and rich, practically brimming with meat. You can get free refills, which is a really nice perk! [smiley face] The generously sized bowl came with a large pancake, and I couldn't eat a single bite of the pancake. The whole bowl was split between the two of us – it was so filling. The overall flavor is a bit on the heavier side, with a strong peppery kick. It might be a bit too strong for southerners, but it's still quite novel and worth a try! #FoodFlavorMeeting #TrueFlavorSnacks #LocalFood #TryAuthenticOldBranches