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The west gate of Kaifeng Ancient City, formerly known as Daliang Gate, was first built in the second year of the Jianzhong reign of the Tang Dynasty (781 AD). During the Northern Song Dynasty, it was also known as Changhe Gate. The gate tower subsequently withstood repeated wars, storms, and floods, becoming dilapidated and ultimately demolished. The present-day Daliang Gate was rebuilt in 1998 and is one of three rebuilt city gates in Kaifeng, along with the North Gate, Anyuan Gate, Xiaonan Gate, and Xinmen Gate. Within the Songdu Cultural Industry Park, the two East Gates, Caomen and Songmen, are being rebuilt. These two gates were the largest in the former Dongjing City, rivaling the grandeur of Beijing's Qianmen Gate, and have become important symbols of the ancient capital.
In the early Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang promoted Kaifeng to Beijing, making it the secondary capital of Nanjing. He changed the West Gate to Daliang Gate, commonly known as West Gate. The gate tower later suffered from wars, storms and floods, becoming dilapidated and eventually demolished.
The current Daliang Gate, rebuilt in 1998, is one of three city gates rebuilt in Kaifeng, along with the North Gate, Anyuan Gate, the Small South Gate, and the New Gate. Within the Songdu Cultural Industrial Park, the two East Gates, Caomen and Songmen, are being rebuilt. These two gates were the largest in the then-capital city of Dongjing, rivaling the grandeur of Beijing's Qianmen Gate, becoming important symbols of the ancient capital. The gates, constructed from grey brick, feature three arched doorways. The towers, built in the double-eaved hip-and-gable style with carved beams and painted patterns, exude a simple, elegant, and majestic grandeur.
Kaifeng has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate. Daliang Gate is the west gate of Kaifeng. Today, Daliang Road under the city gate is also a major traffic artery. Daliang Gate is very tall and there is an Ancient Horse Road Museum next to the city wall. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Daliang Gate is the west gate of Kaifeng. Today, Daliang Road under the city gate is also a major traffic artery. Daliang Gate is very tall. There is an Ancient Horse Road Museum next to the city wall. Inside, you can see the relics of the city built in Kaifeng in various dynasties. They are all physical remains. You can go directly to Daliang Gate from the museum.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
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October to March 8:30-17:30,
April to September 8:30-18:30
Daliangmen was one of the key gates of Kaifeng during the Northern Song Dynasty. It served as a significant entry point to the capital and a symbol of the city's strategic importance. Today, the gate stands as a historical landmark that showcases the city’s ancient fortifications.
Daliangmen is located in the heart of Kaifeng, near the ancient city center. It is easily accessible by taxi, local buses, or a short walk from Kaifeng’s city center.
The site is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning, especially on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
The entrance fee is around 20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. Online booking is typically not required for this attraction.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for Daliangmen, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or public holidays.
Visiting Daliangmen and the surrounding area will take about 1 to 1.5 hours. This includes time to explore the gate, surrounding sites, and take photos.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available upon request, but it’s best to check ahead.
Start by exploring the Daliangmen Gate, then take a walk around the nearby ancient streets and city walls. You can end your visit by stopping at a nearby tea house or shop for some local refreshments.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at Daliangmen. However, the gate and surrounding areas are beautifully lit at night, making it a peaceful place for evening strolls.
Daliangmen can get busy during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays.
There are rest areas and public toilets near the site. Some local shops and food vendors can be found in the surrounding streets, offering traditional Kaifeng snacks and souvenirs.
The area is mostly accessible for elderly and children, but the uneven surfaces around the gate may be challenging for those with mobility issues. It’s best to check ahead for specific accessibility information.
Cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are commonly accepted at nearby shops and food vendors. Credit cards may not be accepted in all locations.
There are several local restaurants nearby, serving Kaifeng-style noodles, dumplings, and other traditional Chinese dishes. For a quick bite, you can try small food stalls around the area.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many local restaurants, particularly those that serve traditional Chinese food. Halal options are less common but can be found in some Muslim-friendly eateries in Kaifeng.
Several hotels are located near Daliangmen, including the Kaifeng International Hotel and local guesthouses. These accommodations are within a short distance from the attraction.
There are several souvenir shops in the nearby streets selling traditional Chinese handicrafts, tea sets, paper-cutting art, and Kaifeng’s famous yellow rice wine.
Taxis are the most convenient option to continue your trip to other parts of Kaifeng. Alternatively, local buses and private rideshare options like Didi are also available.
