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Visitors can walk along the restored sections of the city wall, explore the watchtowers, and enjoy panoramic views of Kaifeng city. There are also exhibitions about the city's history and military heritage.
Kaifeng's city wall was first constructed in the Tang Dynasty. It served as the inner city of Dongjing City during the Northern Song and Jin Dynasties, undergoing continuous construction and expansion. It was not until the Ming Dynasty that it was clad with blue bricks. Despite numerous battles and floods throughout history, the Kaifeng city wall remains intact, maintaining its original size and scale.
The existing Kaifeng city wall has a circumference of about 14.4 kilometers, a height of about 11.3 meters, a width of more than 5 meters at the top, and an area of about 13.1 square kilometers. It is slightly longer from east to west and slightly shorter from north to south. There are 81 battlements, 13 road gaps, and 7 bunkers.
The Kaifeng City Wall Scenic Area (Xiaoximen-Yingbinmen section) is 1.6 kilometers long. The main attractions and business formats in the scenic area include: Kaifeng ancient city wall ruins display area, Song Dynasty attack and defense display area, tourist leisure experience area; "Wujing Zongyao" simulated real-life picture and text display, Anti-Japanese War scene restoration display, as well as "Chengyuanyi" theme post office, Song Dynasty clothing exhibition hall, city wall cafe, photography bar, film commune and other specialty shops.
The "Chengyuanyi" themed post office is the second bunker in the section between Xiaoximen and Zhongmen. This relatively well-preserved sunken bunker has been restored to its original form, while being integrated with the Kaifeng Post Office. Inside, the post office showcases original cultural and creative products from the city wall scenic area, as well as postcards, stamps, and more. A special "slow delivery" service has also been added, allowing visitors to select a date within 10 years to "send items to the future."
Kaifeng has a temperate monsoon climate and its city walls still retain the architectural style and scale of the Yuan and Ming dynasties, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
Experience the ancient city's rich historical and cultural heritage, and reminisce about the past. Kaifeng boasts a history spanning over 4,100 years as a city and capital. Successive dynasties, including the Xia Dynasty, the Wei Kingdom during the Warring States Period, the Later Liang Dynasty, the Later Jin Dynasty, the Liao Dynasty, the Later Han Dynasty, the Later Zhou Dynasty, the Song Dynasty, and the Jin Dynasty, established their capitals here, earning it the title of "The Ancient Capital of Eight Dynasties." Kaifeng is the only capital city in the world whose central axis has remained unchanged, and its city-on-city ruins are rare in the annals of global archaeology and the history of capital cities.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
40 yuan/person
8:30-22:00 (adjusted according to season)
The Kaifeng City Wall was originally built during the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127). It served as a defensive structure for the city. Today, it is a symbol of Kaifeng's rich historical and cultural heritage, offering insights into ancient military architecture.
The Kaifeng City Wall Scenic Area is located in the heart of Kaifeng, Henan. It can be reached by taxi or bus from the city center. The nearest metro station is about 10 minutes away by taxi.
The site is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn, when the weather is cooler and the cityscape is clear.
Tickets are typically priced at around 40-60 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and some online platforms offer ticketing services during peak seasons.
It is not strictly necessary to book in advance, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons like holidays or weekends. A few days' notice is usually enough.
You will need around 2-3 hours to fully explore the Kaifeng City Wall, including visiting the watchtowers and enjoying the exhibitions inside.
The must-see highlights include the ancient watchtowers, the preserved city wall sections, and the exhibitions that showcase Kaifeng's history during the Song Dynasty.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be available, but they are generally offered in Chinese; English options may be limited.
The best photography spots are from the top of the wall and the watchtowers, offering stunning panoramic views of Kaifeng city. Sunset views from the wall are particularly breathtaking.
Start your visit by walking along the main sections of the wall, then visit the historical exhibits. Be sure to climb the watchtowers for the best views of the city.
There are no special night visits or light shows. However, the wall is lit up at night, and the view of the illuminated city can be quite beautiful.
The area can be crowded on weekends and public holidays. For a quieter experience, it's best to visit early in the morning or on weekdays.
There are public restrooms and small kiosks selling drinks and snacks near the entrance. The main area also has benches and shaded areas for rest.
The attraction is relatively accessible, with paved paths leading to key areas. However, some parts of the wall may be difficult for visitors with mobility issues. It's advisable to check the specific areas before visiting.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are accepted at the entrance. It’s still advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases in local shops.
There are small food stalls near the entrance, selling traditional snacks. For more variety, you can head to the city center, where there are several restaurants offering local cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available at some local restaurants, but halal food might be limited. It’s a good idea to ask the restaurant directly.
There are several budget and mid-range hotels near the Kaifeng City Wall. For more luxurious options, accommodations are available in the city center.
Nearby attractions include the Dragon Pavilion, Iron Pagoda, and the Kaifeng Museum. These can easily be visited in a day trip.
Souvenir shops near the entrance offer items such as traditional Chinese crafts, postcards, and miniature replicas of the city wall.
Taxis, buses, and public transportation options are available to continue your trip to other attractions in Kaifeng or the surrounding area.
