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Explore the architectural beauty of China Hanyuan, enjoy the serene gardens, and learn about its historical significance. Visitors can also experience cultural exhibits and enjoy leisurely walks around the site.
China Hanyuan is located in the northwest of Kaifeng, the ancient capital of seven dynasties, west of Longting Park, covering an area of 100 acres. It is the first and largest privately-run stele forest in China.
From the Lianhuo Expressway, it's just 5 kilometers to Kaifeng. It's 1 kilometer from downtown Kaifeng. In August 1985, Mr. Li Gongtao, a retired cadre from Kaifeng, led his family and self-funded the creation of a large-scale cultural and tourist park, known for its Forest of Steles.
China Hanyuan boasts ten stele galleries housing over 3,700 inscribed steles. It is a vast cultural treasure trove of poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving, and a renowned Chinese cultural garden, blending natural and cultural landscapes. China Hanyuan is divided into two areas: garden scenery and stele art. The scenic landscape features over a dozen man-made peaks, five waterfalls, three islands, ten bridges, two large fountains, and the rippling Hanyuan Lake, creating a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. The stele art, ranging from oracle bone inscriptions of the Shang Dynasty to various contemporary scripts, systematically depicts the history of Chinese calligraphy and writing.
The main attractions of the China Han Garden include over 20 scenic spots, including the statue of Emperor Xuanyuan, the ancestor of Chinese civilization, the stele altar, Yangsheng Mountain, Hanyuan Mountain, Yihong Bridge, and the Hanlin Palace. The Hanlin Palace's themed stele gallery, covering over 10,000 square meters, is majestic and spectacular. It features galleries dedicated to calligraphy from past dynasties, Zhongshan, modern calligraphy, calligraphy by international figures, seal carving, painting, ethnic minority calligraphy, and children's calligraphy.
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
The garden is lined with pavilions and terraces, nestled among the serene beauty of lakes and mountains, cascading waterfalls, and flowing bridges, creating a poetic and picturesque scene. 4,000 pieces of calligraphy, painting, and seal carving treasures, showcasing masterpieces from ancient and modern times, systematically showcase the history of Chinese calligraphy and the state of contemporary art. The garden skillfully blends mountain scenery, waterscapes, and lake islands within a classical garden setting, creating a refreshing, elegant, and richly woven artistic garden. It has been hailed as a "paradise on earth" and a "treasure trove of culture and art."
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
40 yuan/person
Monday to Sunday
Daytime: 08:00-17:30
Last admission: 17:30
Night show: 18:00-22:00
Last admission: 22:00
China Hanyuan is a historical site located in Kaifeng, Henan. It holds cultural and architectural importance, representing China's ancient grandeur. It is known for its beautiful gardens, peaceful ambiance, and cultural exhibitions that provide insight into China’s rich history.
China Hanyuan is located in the heart of Kaifeng. It can be easily reached by taxi, bus, or walking if you're staying nearby. Public transportation is widely available.
The site is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon when the weather is pleasant, and crowds are minimal.
The entrance fee is around 30-50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and during busy seasons, it is recommended to buy tickets online in advance.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons. It’s best to book a few days ahead to secure your spot, especially during holidays or weekends.
It will take around 1-2 hours to explore the main areas of China Hanyuan, depending on how much time you want to spend enjoying the gardens and exhibitions.
Key highlights include the tranquil gardens, the main hall with cultural displays, and the beautifully landscaped pathways. The architectural details of the buildings are also a major attraction.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some English-speaking guides may be available during peak tourist seasons. Audio guides in various languages may also be offered.
The best viewpoints for photography are near the main entrance, the gardens, and from elevated areas in the central building, where you can capture wide-angle views of the site.
Start at the entrance, walk through the gardens, visit the main hall, and then explore the exhibitions. Finish your visit by taking a leisurely stroll through the serene pathways around the site.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available. However, special cultural tours may be held during festivals or significant holidays.
The site can be crowded during weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, it is best to visit on weekdays, especially in the morning.
The site has basic facilities such as restrooms, water fountains, and seating areas. A few small shops offer souvenirs and snacks, but there are no large restaurants within the premises.
Yes, the site is accessible for elderly visitors, children, and disabled individuals. The pathways are smooth, and there are seating areas throughout the attraction for resting.
Both cash and mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted. Cards may not be accepted at all vendors, so it’s advisable to carry some cash.
There are no full-service restaurants inside China Hanyuan, but several local cafes and eateries nearby offer traditional Chinese snacks and meals.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at local restaurants near the site. Halal food options may be found in some restaurants in the Kaifeng area, especially near the city center.
Nearby accommodations include mid-range hotels like Kaifeng International Hotel and budget options within walking distance from the attraction.
Nearby attractions include the Iron Pagoda, Longting Park, and Kaifeng City Wall. These landmarks are close enough to combine in a single day trip.
Souvenir shops near China Hanyuan sell traditional Chinese crafts, such as hand-painted items, local art, and postcards. Bamboo or woodcraft items are popular choices.
Taxis and local buses are readily available outside China Hanyuan to continue your journey. For further exploration of Kaifeng, public transportation is efficient and affordable.
