Qingming Riverside Park

Introducing Qingming Riverside Park

Qingming Shanghe Park, located in the northwest corner of Kaifeng City, Henan Province , is a large-scale Song Dynasty folk customs amusement park based on the famous Northern Song Dynasty painter Zhang Zeduan's masterpiece "Qingming Shanghe Tu". It focuses on recreating the original scenery and landscape. It reproduces the thousand-year prosperity of the world-famous ancient capital Bianjing ( Tokyo ) , forming the largest restored Song Dynasty ancient architectural complex in the Central Plains.

The park's main structures include the city gate tower, Rainbow Bridge, streetscapes, shops, the river, docks, and boathouses. Following the original layout of the painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," the park showcases live productions from the Song Dynasty, including restaurants, teahouses, pawnshops, Bian embroidery, official porcelain, and New Year paintings. It also features folk entertainment, acrobatics, and drum performances, as well as divine fortune-telling, gambling, cockfighting, and dogfighting, all part of the bustling streets of the thousand-year - old capital of Bianjing .

The park also boasts a large-scale amusement park dating back to the Song Dynasty, offering a variety of recreational activities, including swings, boat rides, facing challenges, dilemmas, and balanced bidding. The evening's "Dream of the East," a large-scale, live-action, water-based Song Dynasty song and dance performance, culminates the garden's millennia-long history, leaving visitors lingering.

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended play time: 3-4 hours

Tickets

120 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

9:00-22:00, Tokyo Dream Hua performance time is 20:10-21:20 (if there are additional performances on holidays, the specific performance time of the day shall prevail).

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Most Popular FAQs for Qingming Riverside Park

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Qingming Riverside Park is a modern recreation of the famous "Qingming Riverside" painting, offering a blend of art, culture, and nature. The park is significant for its ability to bring to life the historical scenes depicted in the ancient painting, representing the bustling daily life of the Song Dynasty in Kaifeng.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Qingming Riverside Park is located in Kaifeng, Henan Province. It can be easily accessed by taxi or private car. Public buses also serve the park, with routes available from the city center. The park is also within walking distance from nearby hotels and attractions.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom. Weekdays are less crowded compared to weekends and holidays.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee for Qingming Riverside Park is around 40-50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and there is no online booking required for general visitors.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not required, though it is recommended during peak tourist seasons to avoid long lines. Tickets can be purchased on the day of your visit.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore Qingming Riverside Park, plan for 2 to 3 hours. This will allow time to enjoy the boat ride, walk through the gardens, and explore the various themed areas.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The boat ride along the river offers stunning views of the park.
• The Song Dynasty-themed areas, showcasing everyday life from the Qingming Riverside painting.
• The traditional gardens and architectural structures, which reflect ancient Chinese design.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin and can be arranged at the entrance. Audio guides in Chinese are also available for self-guided exploration of the park.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The bridge near the entrance offers great views of the river and surrounding gardens.
• The boat ride offers a unique perspective of the park’s scenic areas, perfect for photos.
• At sunset, the park’s reflections in the water create a beautiful photography opportunity.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by visiting the central boat dock for a river cruise, then walk along the riverbanks to enjoy the architecture and gardens. Afterward, explore the themed areas, followed by a visit to the Song Dynasty cultural exhibitions.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are available, and the park is lit up beautifully in the evenings. During certain times of the year, the park hosts light shows and special events, so it's worth checking the schedule before your visit.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The park tends to be crowded on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays, especially outside of the summer peak season.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• There are clean toilets throughout the park.
• Food stalls and cafes provide snacks, drinks, and light meals.
• Rest areas with benches are available for visitors to relax.
• Souvenir shops offer traditional Chinese crafts and souvenirs.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Yes, the park is accessible for elderly and disabled visitors. There are paved walkways and resting spots throughout the park, making it easy to explore for people with limited mobility.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used and convenient throughout the park.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• There are a few cafes within the park that serve tea and light snacks.
• For a more substantial meal, several restaurants offering local cuisine are located near the park entrance.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available at the cafes inside the park, but halal and vegan food options may be limited. It's recommended to check local restaurants outside the park for more variety.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• There are several hotels near the park, ranging from budget accommodations to more luxurious options.
• Nearby hotels include the Kaifeng International Hotel and several local guesthouses.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Kaifeng’s Iron Pagoda is a short drive away and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
• The Kaifeng Museum offers historical exhibitions about the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are souvenir shops inside the park selling traditional Chinese crafts, paintings, tea, and local products.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Taxis are readily available at the park's exit, and local buses can take you to other attractions in Kaifeng.
• If you are heading to nearby cities, the Kaifeng train station and bus terminal are nearby, with frequent departures.