Kaifeng

Kaifeng Overview

Chinese Name: 开封市 English IPA: /'kai'fʌŋ/ Location: In the eastern part of Henan Province, the hinterland of the Central Plains and the bank of the Yellow River Population (city): 4549300 Language: Henan Dialect and Mandarin Zip code: 475000 Tel code: 0371 Time zone: UTC+8

Kaifeng, referred to as “Bian” for short, was known as Dongjing City, Bianzhou, Bianjing and Bianliang in ancient times. It is known as “the ancient capital of ten dynasties”, and one of the eight ancient capitals in China. It is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Henan Province, a cultural tourism city approved by the State Council and one of the central cities in the core area of the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration. Kaifeng is located in the eastern part of Henan Province, the hinterland of the Central Plains and the bank of the Yellow River. It is adjacent to Zhengzhou in the west, connected to Shangqiu in the east, Xuchang and Zhoukou in the south, and facing Xinxiang across the Yellow River in the north. The history of Kaifeng is full of prosperity. The lakes in Kaifeng were criss-crossing and widely distributed, Kaifeng was therefore known as the “Northern Water City”. In history, Kaifeng has become the earliest developed region in China and the ideal place for all dynasties to build their capitals by virtue of its superior natural conditions and geographical location. During the Northern Song Dynasty, Kaifeng, the capital Bianjing at that time, was prosperous with a population of over one million. It was not only the political, economic and cultural center of the country, but also one of the most prosperous metropolises in the world at that time. The long history has left deep historical and cultural accumulation and rich cultural relics. As early as 1982, Kaifeng was listed as a national historical and cultural city by the State Council.

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.

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