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Kaifeng Museum, founded in March 1962, formerly the Kaifeng Municipal Exhibition Hall, was relocated to its original location on Sansheng Street after the provincial museum relocated to Zhengzhou. Because the original building was dilapidated and unsuitable for its operations, an expansion project was initiated in 1986, located on the shores of Baogong Lake. Completed and officially opened to the public in September 1988, it marked a major cultural event in Kaifeng. Kaifeng Municipal Museum is a leading local historical and art museum in China.
On March 5, 2018, the new museum located on Zhengkai Avenue 6 was completed and opened to the public free of charge. It is a national first-class museum and the largest comprehensive historical museum built in Henan Province.
The old museum is located on the south bank of Baogong Lake, amidst the tranquil and picturesque scenery and shaded by lush willows. Its juxtaposition with the Baogong Temple across the lake makes it a renowned cultural and artistic treasure trove and tourist attraction within the Baogong Lake Scenic Area. The museum covers a total area of 16,000 square meters, with the main building, over 7,000 square meters, shaped like a mountain, imitating an ancient style. Its single-eaved hip roof and yellow glazed tiles create an elegant, dignified, and magnificent building. The exhibition building, over 5,000 square meters, comprises 13 exhibition halls, including a four-story central hall, a three-story front exhibition hall, and two-story wings. The museum also houses a 1,500-square-meter cultural relic warehouse, housing over 50,000 cultural relics and nearly 50,000 professional books. It is one of the largest prefecture-level museums in Henan Province.
Kaifeng has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate. It is a social history and art museum. Over the past decades, it has collected a large number of precious cultural relics for the country. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
The front lobby of the exhibition building is decorated with a large boxwood carving depicting the Rainbow Bridge from the painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," reflecting the prosperity of Tokyo during the Northern Song Dynasty. The museum houses seven exhibition halls: "Song Dynasty Stone Carving Art," "Song Dynasty History," "Ancient and Modern History," "Kaifeng Revolutionary History," "Ming and Qing Dynasty Handicrafts," "Cultural Relics in the Museum Collection," and "Ancient Kaifeng Jews." With a collection of over 20,000 artifacts from various periods and over 30,000 historical and professional books, it is a vital venue for historical research and tourism. The world-renowned "September 18th Incident" took place here, and its resolution led to the recovery of numerous valuable cultural relics.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
free
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00-17:00, ticket exchange and entry stop at 16:00, closed on Mondays (except holidays).
The Kaifeng Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the city's rich history, which dates back thousands of years, particularly during the Song Dynasty. It holds invaluable cultural artifacts, including ancient pottery, coins, and historical documents, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of Kaifeng's importance as a historical and political hub.
The museum is located in the central area of Kaifeng. It is accessible by taxi, and several local bus routes stop nearby. If you are close to the city center, walking is also a convenient option.
The Kaifeng Museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. The best times to visit are in the morning, especially on weekdays, to avoid the crowds.
The entrance fee is around 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the museum’s entrance. There are no online booking requirements, but it’s recommended to check ahead during busy seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not required but can be helpful during peak tourist seasons. It’s generally recommended to buy tickets a day in advance during holidays or weekends.
You will need around 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits, depending on your interest in history and the exhibitions available during your visit.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and English-speaking guides may be available upon request. Audio guides are offered in multiple languages, including English, for a self-paced experience.
Start by exploring the main exhibit halls, then move to the temporary exhibitions if available. Conclude your visit with the sections dedicated to the city’s history during the Song Dynasty, which are the most informative.
Currently, the Kaifeng Museum does not offer night visits, light shows, or special tours. However, check the museum’s website for any special events or nighttime exhibitions during holidays.
The museum can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The best times to visit are on weekdays, particularly in the morning, to avoid the crowds.
The museum has clean restrooms, a small café for refreshments, and a souvenir shop selling historical replicas and local handicrafts. There are no major food options inside the museum.
The Kaifeng Museum is wheelchair accessible, and there are facilities for both elderly visitors and children. The museum’s design is modern and accommodates those with mobility issues.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are accepted, but it’s always a good idea to carry cash as some smaller shops may only accept it.
There are a few local restaurants near the museum offering traditional Chinese food. A well-known spot is the Kaifeng-style noodle shop located within a 5-minute walk.
Vegetarian options are available in the nearby restaurants, and some places offer Halal food, though they are more prevalent in other parts of Kaifeng.
Hotels like the Kaifeng International Hotel and Jinjiang Inn are located near the museum, offering comfortable accommodations within walking distance.
Yes, there is a small souvenir shop inside the museum offering historical replicas, traditional art, and local handicrafts, such as paper-cutting and pottery.
Taxis are the most convenient way to explore other areas of Kaifeng after visiting the museum. Local buses are also available, and you can use them to visit other nearby attractions.
