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Kaifeng Museum
The Kaifeng Museum (开封博物馆) documents Kaifeng's history as the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty (北宋, 960-1127) — when it was the world's largest city with a population of over 1 million. Kaifeng was also the capital of the Wei Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period and the Jin Dynasty.
Kaifeng · history museum2026-10-19
Quick Answer
Is Kaifeng Museum worth visiting?
The museum of China's "Cultural Capital" — Kaifeng was the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty and the world's largest city in 1000 CE. Free.
Quick facts
| Category | history |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free. Passport required. |
| Hours | 9:00-17:00. Closed Mondays. |
| Recommended duration | 1.5-2 hours. |
| Best time to visit | April through October. Spring and autumn best. |
| How to get there | Bus routes 1, 4, 18, 21, 35 to Kaifeng Museum stop. |
| English signage | Partial |
Why visit
Kaifeng was the world's largest city in 1000 CE and the center of the Northern Song Dynasty commercial revolution that created paper money, the compass, and gunpowder weapons.
Collection highlights
- Northern Song Dynasty kaifeng models — models of Song Dynasty Kaifeng when it was the world's largest city
- Northern Song Dynasty city wall archaeology
- 清明上河图 (Along the River During Qingming Festival) context
Tips
- Combine with the "清明上河园" (Qingming River Garden) theme park
- Kaifeng's Night Scenery (夜市) is famous
Frequently asked questions
What is Kaifeng's historical significance as a museum subject?
Kaifeng (开封) was the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) — at that time the world's largest city with 1 million people. The museum covers this golden age and Kaifeng's subsequent periods as a cultural center. Kaifeng is also famous for its surviving Qing Dynasty (Shanxi guild hall) architecture.
Can I do Kaifeng as a day trip from Zhengzhou?
Yes — Kaifeng is 70km from Zhengzhou, 50 minutes by high-speed train (¥50-65). The city is walkable — major attractions are clustered together. Start at Kaifeng Museum for overview, then walk or cycle to Millennium City Park (清明上河园), Kaifeng City Wall, and the food streets. Stay overnight if possible to experience the evening lantern atmosphere.
What is the Qingming River Garden theme park and is it worth visiting?
The Qingming River Garden (清明上河园) is a theme park based on the famous "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" (清明上河图) painting. It recreates Song Dynasty Kaifeng with costumed performances, boat rides, and traditional crafts. Ticket ¥120. It is most atmospheric in the evening when the lanterns are lit. Combine with Kaifeng's famous night market (夜市) for food — try Kaifeng's famous "套四宝" (four-treasure) dish.
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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.
Kaifeng Prefecture
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.
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.