Kaifeng

Kaifeng (开封; Kāifēng) is on the southern bank of the Yellow River in northern Henan Province.

Kaifeng Halal Travel Guide

The city was the former capital of China during several dynasties, and was visited by Marco Polo. Around 1,000 years ago, when it was the former capital of the Song dynasty, Kaifeng was the most prosperous and busiest city in China and the world.

Countless expats immigrated right here and lived their whole lives, especially Arabians and Persians, who afterwards formed a new ethnic group in China, named Hui (回族).Yahudi also settled in Kaifeng in the Bible Hutong (教经胡同; Jiaojing Hutong).

Travel to Kaifeng

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kaifeng

The nearest airport is in Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport (FTAT Code:CGO), an hour away and ¥260 by taxi or ¥70 by high-speed train (see below).An alternative way from the airport to Kaifeng is to take a shuttle bus from just outside the arrival gate to Civil Aviation Hotel (民航大酒店）in Jinshui Road (¥25) and then walk east for around 20 minutes to the mini bus station Deyi Bus Station (德亿汽车站） from where you can take a bus to near Kaifeng Railway Station (¥7).

By Rail

• Kaifeng Station 34.7716, 114.3470 is on the Shanghai-Xi'an line. Hard seat tickets may be difficult to obtain but next day (or even same day) hard-sleeper tickets (from Shanghai, 6.5 hours, ¥222; from Xi'an, 7 hours, ¥240) are readily available outside peak periods. The train from Zhengzhou is around 45 minutes and costs ¥21-19.

• Songcheng Lu Station 34.7860, 114.2786 - Songchenglu_railway_station A Kaifeng now has a dedicated high speed rail connection to Zhengzhou East (30 minutes), continuing to Xinzheng Airport, running about every 90 minutes. The terminus in Kaifeng is currently located at Songcheng Lu, some distance west of the old city. It takes about 15-30 minutes to get there by bus or taxi (¥20-25). The high-speed connection to Kaifeng Station remains incomplete as of April 2018.
• Kaifeng North Station 34.8406, 114.2564 - Kaifeng_North_railway_station A Long-distance high speed trains on the Lanzhou-Xuzhou high-speed rail line call at Kaifeng North.

• Kaifeng Central Bus Station - 开封汽车中心站 | 34.7732, 114.3493 The main bus terminal is near Kaifeng Station

Travel on a Bus in Kaifeng

There are buses to Kaifeng from other places in Henan, including from Zhengzhou Long-Distance Bus Station and Luoyang Long Distance Bus Station. There is also long-distance bus service to major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

How to get around in Kaifeng

Best way to travel in Kaifeng by a Taxi

Taxis are ¥7 for the first 3km and ¥2 for each additional kilometer. Rides within the city will not exceed ¥20.

Travel on a Bus in Kaifeng

Local buses go everywhere within the city and cost ¥2. Bus 20 is a sightseeing bus going to all the major sights.

There is a bus stop at the junction of the carpark in front of the train station. From here bus no 9 and bus no 1 will take you into town - fare ¥2.

By rickshaw

One very good way to get around Kaifeng and see the sites is to take what the local residents call "bengbeng"; crucially a tuktuk or motorised rickshaw. 6 kuai will take you from the train station to Henan University's old campus, crucially the length of the city. Short trips should be two or three kuai.

What to see in Kaifeng

File:开封铁塔 - Iron Pagoda

Landmarks and buildings

• Daxiangguo Temple - 大相国寺; Dà​xiāng​guó​sì​; lit. Temple of the Chief Minister | Ziyou Road 34.7912, 114.3483 Bus 9 or 20¥70 Daxiangguo_Temple This temple was first built AD555 during the Qi Dynasty with new buildings added in 1661 and 1766. The entire complex has 64 temples but the three main halls are of the greatest interest. The large rectangular Tathagata Hall (Daxiongbaodian) is where monks perform daily chanting rituals in front of three huge Buddhas. In the middle is an impressive bronze Sakyamuni, left is Amitabha and right is the Medicine Buddha, each with a silk hood surrounding their head. At the back of the three Buddhas is a Goddess of Mercy standing on a dragon's head and flanked by a various golden figures. Rising behind them to the roof are a multitude of heavenly figures supported on clouds. Along the side are sculptures of some peculiar looking Arhats; look for the one with an abnormally long arm reaching almost to the roof. The octagonal Arhat Hall (Louhandian) is beautifully constructed with upturned eaves and painted roof beams. The hall houses a breathtakingly beautiful four-sided golden Avalokitesavara said to be carved from a single tree over 50 years. She has six main arms, one set holding aloft a Buddha and 1000 other arms radiating outward with an eye in each palm. The rear Tripitaka Hall has two floors and the upper holding sutras and the lower a white Burmese jade Buddha in the Burmese style and a glass replica of the Emerald Buddha in Thailand’s Grand Palace. Unfortunately, all halls have a No Photo policy which is commonly adhered to even by local tourists, and rarely enforced by the attending monks.

• The Site of Kaifeng Synagogue - yisrael-@ 21 South Jiaojing Hutong 南教经胡同21号 ☎ +86 13781152704 ¥70 Esther Guo Yan is a descendant of Kaifeng Jews, who moved from to Kaifeng via India in the Northern Song Dynasty around 1,000 years ago. She was formerly a Chinese teacher who now works full time at the Kaifeng Yahudi History Memorial Center, to preserve and restore Yahudi culture in the city. Listen to her stories on how her ancestors came to China and the current presence of Yahudi in Kaifeng, her sense of Yahudi identity and her plans to restore the ancient synagogue buried under the ground. Just give her a call on her mobile - she is very passionate about her cause and eager to share her stories. All contributions go towards her cause.

• Shudian Jie - 书店街, Bookstore Street | 34.7983, 114.3501 Running north from Gulou Plaza this busy street is lined with a mix of old wooden and newer concrete buildings in various styles. Originally called Big Store Street in the Ming Dynasty it was renamed Bookstore Street in the Qing Dynasty when it became the center for shops selling books, paper and pens. Carved doors, shuttered windows and painted roof beams peek out from between oversized billboards but there is still plenty of facade remaining visible to give a feeling of the old street.

• Dragon Pavilion - 龙亭公园 | Northern end of Zhongshan Road 34.8092, 114.3465 ¥75 Dragon_Pavilion The area around Dragon Pavilion was the site if the Ming dynasty palace of Prince Zhou. At the southern end of the street leading to Dragon Pavilion stands a reconstructed Wu gate. The remainder of the street is lined with many old buildings. In the late Ming period the palace was destroyed by floods, leaving only the foundations buried 5m under modern Kaifeng, however the city walls were later built along the same axis. A long bridge divides Yangjia Lake leading to the pavilion itself. Much the same views of the pavilion and lake can be seen by walking around the right side of the lake (without buying a ticket) as from inside the park.

• Iron Pagoda | Next to North Gate on Jiefeng Road 34.8167, 114.3648 ¥60, ¥70 concession Iron_Pagoda Built in 1049 the 13 storey octagonal pagoda is said to be the most famous pagoda in China. It got its name in the Yuan Dynasty due the brown glazed tile covering its exterior giving the appearance of iron. It is still in good condition and can be climbed using the internal stairs for ¥70 (not for the claustrophobic, no viewing platform, just a dead end at the top, but several windows along the way and interesting bricks to look at). There is a Buddhist temple located near the pagoda and a small lake.

Kaifeng Po Pagoda - Po Pagoda in Kaifeng

• Po Pagoda - 繁塔, pó tǎ | 30 Po Ta West Road, 禹王台区繁塔西街30号 34.7707, 114.3586 ¥70, ¥25 concession Standing nine storeys tall until the Ming dynasty, this stocky three-storey hexagonal pagoda dates to 974, and is covered in large tiles featuring Buddhist figures. Tourists seldom visit. It can be climbed if the internal stairway's gate is unlocked that day.

• Baogong Memorial Temple - 包公祠 | 34.7939, 114.3330At the bank of Baogong Lake, buses 1 and 20 Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30 ¥20 Temple built to honor Lord Bao.

• Yanqing Taoist Temple - 延庆观 | Western end of Dazhifang Street 34.7931, 114.3403 ¥25 A small temple containing a two-story pagoda with a beautiful blue glazed tile balcony and painted carvings on the front gate. It appeared to be closed for restoration at last visit. (02/09)

• The city wall | Surrounding the city is the old city walls punctuated at various points with gates. Of most interest are the North gate and Little South gate on either end of Jiefeng Road that resemble the arched gates in Xi'an. The other gates are merely gaps in the wall.

• Kaifengfujian Street - Kaifeng Tourist Theme Park | ¥70 Set on the edge of Baogong Lake this new construction is supposed to be a recreation of old Kaifeng and is of little interest unless you are into hourly parades of people dressed up like Song dynasty officials.

Parks and nature

• Banjiang Park | Next to Xinkai Gate ¥20 Just outside the city walls at XinKai Gate, a large statue of a heroic looking Mao fronts this unremarkable park. Inside are various gardens, statues and a rusting ferris wheel.

• Millennium City Park - 清明上河园; Qīng​míng​shàng​hé​yuán​ - 5 Longting West Road, Longting District (龙亭区龙亭西路5号; Lóng​tíng​qū​ Lóng​tíng​xī​lù​) 34.8096, 114.3342 Bus 1, 15, 20 ☎ +86 378 5663819 Opening Hours: 09:00-22:00 ¥80 This park is based on a Song Dynasty painting called Going Upriver for Qingming Festival. It illustrates Song Dynasty daily life, shops and workshops. The original painting can be seen the Forbidden City in Beijing. Copies can be purchased in the park.

Museums

• New Kaifeng Museum 6th St, Longting Qu 34.804568, 114.247806 free Huge museum in the new part of Kaifeng with exhibitions of paintings, stelae and bronze. There is an exhibition on Song technology including a life-size copy of water-powered observatory and a room dedicated to the painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival showing Song-era Kaifeng. The original is not in Kaifeng but there are several old copies and a well-made multimedia version. Kaifeng Yahudi stelae are not on display as of April 2018.

• Kaifeng Museum - 开封博物馆; Kāi​fēng​ Bó​wù​guǎn​ | url = @.com 26 Yingbin Road (迎宾路26号; Yíng​bīn​lù​) 34.7896, 114.3355 Next to Baogong Lake, bus 1, 4 or 9 ☎ +86 378 3933624 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 08:30-11:30, 14:00-17:00 ¥20 Exhibits on Kaifeng's history in first half of 1900s as well as Kaifeng's period as capital of Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Check before visiting if it is still open as a new museum has been opened in the new part of Kaifeng.

• Cooking Museum | On the West Gate eHalal Reference:

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kaifeng

• Walk inside the wall | Take a walk along the inside of the wall between Xinkai Gate and Song Gate to see houses made from bricks scavenged from the wall.

• Chrysanthemum Festival | Opening Hours: Each autumn
• Yellow River | Besides taxis and there is a city bus which leaves from near the Northern entrance to Iron Pagoda park (Bus 6)

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kaifeng

Local products

• Embroidery — dates back to the Northern Song Dynasty
• Fighting Kites
• New Year Posters — originally made in nearby Zhuxianzhen and dates back to the Tang Dynasty, shows rural scenes with persons from famous legends.
• Watermelon — the local watermelons are considered especially tasty
• Spiced Bean Curd — the local tradition for spiced bean curd dates back at least 2000 years
• Peanut Cake — has been made here for more than 1000 years

Markets and shopping streets

• Shidun Street Market | Great varitey of products for sale including clothes, cosmetics and kitchenware.

• Daxiangguo Temple Market | Ziyou RoadJust outside Daxiangguo Temple - The largest market in town, offering clothes, electronics and much other.

• Song Street | Tourist shops selling souvenirs.

• Sihou Street | The main shopping street in town.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kaifeng

• Renmin Department Store | 23 Madao street - State owned department store offering clothes and much other.

• Kaifeng City Antiques Store | Zhongshan Street

Halal Food & Restaurants

You will find a lot of snack stands around, which include Sandao (made of flour, bee honey, sugar and stuff), peanut cake, sesame cake etc. There are also many other affordable options.

• Night Market | Gulou Plaza (Gulou Guangchang) In the center of the city - Wonderful selection of foods.

• Simen - 四门儿 | This is one of the many Muslim restaurants in the city. The mutton soup is just perfectly boiled, try it for breakfast during the winter.

• Diyilou Restaurant | A famous place to get the Kaifeng specialty, baozi, in best quality. These baozi contains soup, so be careful when eating them.

• Nanyangshi - 南羊市 | Opposite No. 7 Middle School - Serves hula soup, which is the main choice of breakfast for the local residents (other similar food stands are almost everywhere). They only serve in the morning time should it be sunny.

• No. 3 Chemical Factory - 化三 | This food might make you guys feel weird, but it is highly recommended. This is a donkey ala Meat soup shop. Buy it, sit there, close your eyes if you really doubt its taste, and eat! Do not worry and the bosses of the soup shop and the chemical factory do not know each other.

• Youyixin Restaurant | 23 Drum Tower street ☎ +86 378 2552888 - Serves traditional local food.

Taiwan style milk tea stands in Bookstore Street (Shudian Jie).

• Hangtian Club | Karaoke, disco and billards.

• Zuitaibei Drum Tower Plaza ☎ +86 378 5251619 - Soft music and dance. Warning: Controlled by Hongmen

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kaifeng

Kaifeng - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kaifeng, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kaifeng. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kaifeng and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kaifeng. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kaifeng. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKaifeng: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kaifeng.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kaifeng: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kaifeng, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kaifeng.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kaifeng, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kaifeng, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kaifeng and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kaifeng, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kaifeng, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kaifeng without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kaifeng is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kaifeng.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kaifeng is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kaifeng, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kaifeng Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kaifeng

eHalal Group Kaifeng is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kaifeng. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kaifeng.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kaifeng ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kaifeng. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kaifeng, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kaifeng are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Kaifeng International Youth Hostel | 30 Ying Bin Road head towards the eastern part of Bao Gong Lake ☎ +86 378-2231050 ¥60-125, discount for YHA membership Check-in: / Check-out: noon The only real budget option when it comes to Kaifeng and is a must to stay at compared to other options in town. Kaifengs only YHA (run by a friendly Australian ex-pat) which brings with it all the usual things - Cheap rooms that are sparkling clean and quiet (dorm with western toilet/shower - ¥60-45, Standard spacious ensuite rooms (3 star standard) with flatscreen TV - ¥95-125), Free fast internet incl. WiFi and popular social network access, young local English speaking staff, western kitchen (great pizzas!), bar including espresso, & DVD's/BBC documentaries on a 36 inch LCD in the restaurant, Train booking service, Travel info, Bike Hire, Self Laundry service etc etc etc. Located 3km (¥7 taxi) from the main bus/train station next to Bao Gong Lake. Easy walk to the central sites, and simple bus/bike rides to the sights further out

• Jin Xue Hotel | - Standard ¥250-180 A few doors south of the PSB on ZhongShan Lu. This old hotel is no-frills, no English speaking staff.

• Dajintai Binguan | Gulou Jie - Double bed ¥260-300 Once a budget favourite, its recent price hikes in 12 months by 100% from those listed in the latest edition of a popular guidebook, have elevated this to a terribly overpriced midrange option. Located in the large gray-brick building with tatty red lanterns hanging along the front. Friendly non-English speaking staff and relatively comfortable if gloomy and rundown rooms make it ok if only for its central location, but the price disqualifies it from being a rational choice, given the new budget options in town since early 2023 (see above). Rooms often stink of cigarette smoke. The attached ‘business centre’ provides photocopying (¥2 per page) and email (¥7 p/hour)

• New Century Grand Hotel Kaifeng - 开封开元名都大酒店 | 开发区大梁路人民检察院对面 ☎ +86 378 3399999 +86 378 3398888 Listed rates for doubles ¥2,280-2,280, including breakfast Five star hotel with rooms with free internet.

Travel Next

Small town with mainly Karaoke Cafe and restaurant to hang out. You can get a taxi ride to the "Huang He" (Yellow River) which is quite near from Kaifeng.

By train or bus and the bus station is across the street from the train Station.

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.