Where to Stay in Kaifeng
China
|Pop. 1.5M
|3 neighborhoods covered
Kaifeng at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Kaifeng
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Visit the night markets in the Old Town for an authentic culinary adventure, trying local snacks like 'Luokou' (braised meat buns) and 'Kaifeng Soup Dumplings'.
Getting Around
Download a Chinese map app like Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode Maps) and have your destination written in Chinese characters for taxi drivers.
Watch Out For
Overcharging by unlicensed taxis (always use metered taxis or Didi)
Solo Female Travel
Kaifeng is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone in dimly lit or deserted areas late at night, and keep valuables secure.
Hidden Gems in Kaifeng
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Kaifeng Fu (Kaifeng Prefecture)
Step back into the Song Dynasty at this meticulously reconstructed government complex. It offers a vivid glimpse into the judicial and administrative life of ancient China, complete with wax figures and historical reenactments.
Daxiangguo Temple
This ancient Buddhist temple, once one of the largest in China, is famed for its exquisite Song Dynasty architecture and the magnificent 40-armed Guanyin statue. It's a serene escape from the bustling city and a testament to Kaifeng's rich religious history.
Iron Pagoda Park
Home to the iconic Song Dynasty Iron Pagoda, this park offers a tranquil setting for a stroll. The pagoda itself is a stunning example of ancient craftsmanship, and the surrounding gardens provide a peaceful respite.
Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden
Immerse yourself in the famous scroll painting 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' brought to life. This large-scale park recreates the bustling scenes of a Song Dynasty city, complete with actors in period costume and traditional crafts.
Baogong Lake
FREEA beautiful urban lake offering scenic views and a place for locals to relax and boat. It's a peaceful spot to observe daily life and enjoy the greenery away from the main tourist trails.
Kaifeng Museum
While not as grand as some national museums, Kaifeng Museum holds a treasure trove of local history and artifacts, especially those from the Song Dynasty. It provides excellent context for understanding the city's past glory.
What It Costs in Kaifeng
Daily budget per person in CNY
💡81% cheaper than London
CNY 250/day
CNY 500/day
CNY 1200/day
Where to Stay in Kaifeng
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Kaifeng Fu (Prefectural Palace)10 min
- Dragon Pavilion Park15 min
- Xiangguo Temple20 min
Pros
- +Rich historical sites within walking distance
- +Authentic local food experiences
- +Vibrant street life
Cons
- -Can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons
- -Some areas can feel a bit run-down
Top stays in Old Town (Gulou District)
Kaifeng Jin Shui Wan Hotel
$$Offers comfortable rooms and good access to historical sites.
Xingtai Hotel Kaifeng
$$A reliable option with standard amenities in a central location.
Hanting Hotel Kaifeng Gulou
$A budget-friendly chain hotel with basic but clean facilities.
Best for
Walk to
- Dragon Pavilion Park5 min
- Kaifeng Museum15 min
- Old Town25 min
Pros
- +Beautiful park for relaxation and family outings
- +Proximity to the Dragon Pavilion
- +Quieter than the Old Town center
Cons
- -Fewer dining and shopping options directly within the immediate vicinity
- -Can be less lively at night
Top stays in Longting District (Dragon Pavilion Area)
Kai Feng Dynasty Hotel
$$Located near the Dragon Pavilion, offering convenient access to the park.
Home Inn Kaifeng Longting
$A clean and affordable option for travelers on a budget.
Grand Hyatt Kaifeng
$$$A luxury option with excellent amenities and service, though slightly further from the core historical sites.
Best for
Walk to
- Kaifeng University5 min
- Shopping Malls10 min
- Public Transport Hub15 min
Pros
- +More affordable dining and shopping options
- +Better modern infrastructure and services
- +Good for longer stays and remote work
Cons
- -Further from the main historical attractions
- -Less traditional atmosphere
Top stays in University District (North of the City Center)
Hanting Hotel Kaifeng University Road
$A convenient and budget-friendly choice for students and visitors to the university area.
GreenTree Inn Kaifeng Nan Shuan Road
$Offers reliable and clean rooms at a competitive price.
Orange Hotel Kaifeng
$$A mid-range option with modern facilities and good service.
Areas to be cautious
- Industrial Zones (e.g., on the outskirts): Primarily functional areas with little to offer tourists and potentially poorer air quality.
Insider tip: Visit the night markets in the Old Town for an authentic culinary adventure, trying local snacks like 'Luokou' (braised meat buns) and 'Kaifeng Soup Dumplings'.
Safety in Kaifeng
SafeSolo Female Travel
Kaifeng is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone in dimly lit or deserted areas late at night, and keep valuables secure.
At Night
Most tourist areas are well-lit and have people around until around 10-11 PM. Residential areas become quiet. Stick to main roads and popular spots.
Emergency
110
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging by unlicensed taxis (always use metered taxis or Didi)
- 2Fake souvenirs or inflated prices in tourist markets (bargain hard)
- 3Tea ceremony scams (less common in Kaifeng than major tourist cities, but be wary of overly friendly strangers inviting you to 'tea')
Getting Around Kaifeng
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
From Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO): High-speed train to Kaifeng North Station (approx. 30-45 mins, 50-80 CNY), then taxi/bus to city center (approx. 20-40 CNY).
🎫
Day Pass
Not commonly available for tourists; single rides are affordable.
Single: 2-4 CNY for buses.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitDidi
📶
WiFi
Good25 Mbps
Public Transport
Buses are the primary public transport. Several lines connect major attractions and districts. Taxis are readily available.
Ride-share
Didi Chuxing is the main app; typical ride costs 10-30 CNY for short to medium distances.
Transport Tip
Download a Chinese map app like Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode Maps) and have your destination written in Chinese characters for taxi drivers.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many hotels, some larger restaurants and cafes offer free Wi-Fi (often requires a local phone number for login).
Coworking
Limited dedicated coworking spaces; consider cafes or hotel business centers. Daily costs are not standardized but expect 50-100 CNY for a day pass if available.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, Oct
Hotels & Accommodation in Kaifeng
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Who Is Kaifeng Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors to Kaifeng
This is the historical core, offering the most concentrated access to Kaifeng's famous ancient sites and traditional atmosphere.
Families with Young Children
The Dragon Pavilion Park provides ample green space for kids to play, and the area is generally quieter and safer for family strolls.
Budget Travelers
This area offers more affordable accommodation, food, and a generally more local feel away from the main tourist prices.
Culture Enthusiasts
Immerse yourself in history with easy access to Kaifeng Fu, Xiangguo Temple, and the general ambiance of the ancient capital.
Digital Nomads on a Budget
Provides better value for money on accommodation and food, with decent infrastructure and access to cafes for working.
About Kaifeng
Kaifeng (simplified Chinese: 开封; traditional Chinese: 開封; pinyin: Kāifēng) is a prefecture-level city in east-central Henan province, China. It is one of the Eight Ancient Capitals of China, having been the capital eight times in history, most notably during the Northern Song dynasty. As of the 2020 census, 4,824,016 people lived in Kaifeng's Prefecture, of whom 1,735,581 lived in the metropolitan area consisting of Xiangfu, Longting, Shunhe Hui, Gulou and Yuwantai Districts.
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Kaifeng Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel