Kaifeng

Kaifeng, once known as Dongjing, Bianzhou, Bianjing, and Bianliang, is an ancient city in Henan Province, China. With a rich history, Kaifeng is often referred to as the “ancient capital of ten dynasties”, making it one of the eight ancient capitals of China. The city is a cultural tourism destination approved by the State Council and a central part of the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration.

Why Visit Kaifeng?

A City of Ancient Glory

Kaifeng is famously known as the capital of ten dynasties and is a city that has seen the rise and fall of several major Chinese dynasties. It was the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty, during which it became one of the most prosperous cities in the world with a population exceeding one million.

Strategic Location

Located in the eastern part of Henan Province, on the Yellow River, Kaifeng lies in the heart of the Central Plains. Its proximity to other major cities such as Zhengzhou and Xuchang makes it easily accessible. Kaifeng's central location has long made it an ideal place for capital-building due to its natural resources and favorable geography.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Kaifeng is a city steeped in history, boasting rich cultural relics and architectural landmarks that showcase the glory of past dynasties. Its lakes, which once crisscrossed the city, earned it the nickname “Northern Water City”. The city’s history as a thriving metropolis is reflected in the historical sites, museums, and preserved architecture scattered throughout the city.

A National Historical and Cultural City

In recognition of its profound history, Kaifeng was designated as a national historical and cultural city in 1982 by the State Council. This designation highlights the city’s importance in Chinese history and its ongoing cultural preservation efforts.

Highlights of Kaifeng:

• Long History: Kaifeng is one of the first batch of national historical and cultural cities, with four major characteristics of "rich cultural relics, long urban pattern, strong ancient city features and unique northern water city". So far, Kaifeng has a history of more than 4,100 years of city construction and capital construction, including Xia Dynasty, Wei State in Warring States Period, Houliang, Houjin, Houhan and Houzhou in Five Dynasties, Song Dynasty, Jin Dynasty and other dynasties successively established their capitals here, known as the ancient capitals of eight dynasties, forming the "Song Culture", which inherited the Han and Tang Dynasties, opened Ming and Qing dynasties and had far-reaching influence.
• Famous Attractions: Millennium City Park, Dragon Pavilion Park, Song Dynasty Imperial Street, Iron Pagoda Park, Yuwangtai Park, Kaifeng Prefecture, Daxiangguo Temple and other countless cultural relics and historic sites are precious assets left behind by Kaifeng's splendid history. Apart from rich history, Kaifeng's unique folk customs, local snacks and Kaifeng's chrysanthemums are also important components of the unique charm of the ancient city.
• Rich Culture of Art: Rich culture adds more charm and flavor to Kaifeng. Kaifeng Bian Embroidery, Kaifeng Opera, Calligraphy and Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival are precious cultural resources left over from history. The northern song dynasty painter Zhang Zeduan's painting "Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival" depicts the bustling and lively scene and beautiful natural scenery of the capital Bianliang and the banks of the bian river in the northern song dynasty during the Qingming festival. It has become a miniature of Kaifeng's prosperous history.
• Story of Bao Zheng: Kaifeng is also famous for Bao Zheng, who was an honest and upright governor in Song Dynasty. During his tenure in Kaifeng, Bao Zheng did not rely on those powerful officials. Instead, he devoted a lot of time and energy to the affairs of the common people, hoping to fairly judge many bad people according to these principles and uphold justice for the public. Therefore, people respected Bao Zheng very much because he represents China's fairness and integrity. Kaifeng is the best place to know this honorable official.