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Kaifeng Prefecture开封府
Kaifeng Prefecture was the chief government office of the Northern Song — the equivalent of a provincial capital's administration today. Famous ministers including Bao Zheng, Kou Zhun, Fan Zhongyan, and Ouyang Xiu all served here. The present complex is a 2003 reconstruction that recreates the grand scale and judicial culture of a Song prefecture.
Kaifeng · Visitor Guide2026-10-19
Quick Answer
Is Kaifeng Prefecture worth visiting?
Rebuilt in 2003 as a replica of the Northern Song's chief prefecture in Kaifeng, covering about 2.6 hectares; entry 65 yuan, students 35 yuan, open 08:00-18:30.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Adults ¥65; students and seniors ¥35 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 08:00-18:30 (peak season); 08:00-17:30 (off season) |
| Recommended duration | 2-3 hours |
| Best time to visit | Year-round (spring and autumn are best) |
| How to get there | City buses to the Kaifeng Fu stop; taxis to the west side of Bao Gong Lake |
| English signage | Partial |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Northern Song status | Chief prefecture of the realm |
| Rebuilt | |
| Famous prefects | Bao Zheng, Kou Zhun, Fan Zhongyan, Ouyang Xiu |
| Floor area | About 2.6 hectares |
| Highlights | Prefecture-office culture and architecture |
| Live shows | Opening-Gate Welcome and Song lyric music and dance |
What to expect
In the Northern Song, Kaifeng Prefecture governed the capital and its surroundings, a post of the highest standing. Bao Zheng — the legendary Bao Qingtian — served as prefect here and is remembered, alongside Kou Zhun, Fan Zhongyan, and Ouyang Xiu, as a model of the incorruptible official.
The present complex, rebuilt in 2003 to historical records, covers about 2.6 hectares; principal buildings include the Grand Hall, the Second Hall, the Council Hall, and Plum Blossom Hall. The Grand Hall hosted major ceremonies and trials and displays wax figures of Bao Zheng hearing a case.
Live performances such as Opening-Gate Welcome and Bao Zheng Hears the Case bring Song prefecture culture to life, with shows daily at 09:00, 10:30, 14:30, and 16:00.
How to get there
City buses 15, 20, and 35 from downtown Kaifeng stop at Kaifeng Fu; the site is about 15 minutes by car from Kaifeng railway station, and a taxi costs about 15-20 yuan.
Best photo spots
- The main gate, the complex's landmark facade
- Courtroom scenes in the Grand Hall
- The inner courtyards of the prefecture
- The daily live performances
- The rockery and waterfall
Tips
- Check performance times first and plan your route around them
- The grounds are extensive; a guide adds a lot
- Summers are hot — carry water and sun protection
- Easy to combine with Bao Zheng Temple and Longting Park in one day
Scams to avoid
- Vendors at the gate sell overpriced souvenirs
- Paid photo opportunities appear before the shows; know what you are agreeing to
Frequently asked questions
Is Kaifeng Prefecture an ancient building?
No — the present complex is a 2003 reconstruction in period style. The actual Song-era prefecture lies buried beneath the modern city.
Do the shows cost extra?
Regular shows such as Opening-Gate Welcome are included in admission; VIP seating zones may cost extra.
Do I need a guide?
A guide or audio guide is recommended to get the most out of the prefecture culture and historical stories.
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Other things to do in Kaifeng
Kaifeng City Wall
One of China's best-preserved ancient city walls, running 14 km; the southeastern section is open for walks along the top.
Bao Zheng Temple
Memorial temple to Song-dynasty judge Bao Zheng in Kaifeng, first built in the Jin dynasty 800 years ago and rebuilt in 1984; entry 30 yuan, students 15 yuan, open 8:00-18:00.
Fan Pagoda
Kaifeng's oldest surviving building, begun in 976 — a hexagonal six-story brick pagoda about 36 m tall and a treasure of Song architecture. Grounds free; the relics office charges CNY 10.
Longting Park
Qing-dynasty imperial garden on the site of the Northern Song palace in Kaifeng, its 30-metre hall of 1692 rising above 72 steps; entry 50 yuan, students 25 yuan, open 7:00-19:00.
Yanqing Temple
One of the three ancestral Quanzhen Taoist temples, founded around 1242 in Kaifeng; entry 30 yuan, students 15 yuan, open 08:00-18:00, its halls blending Taoist and Mongolian yurt styles.