Traveling to Kaifeng with Kids
by wander_ethical
Apr 17, 2025
🌙 Day 1 Evening: Bian River Night Cruise + Night Market Fun
🚄 Transportation
- High-speed Rail: Zhengzhou East Station → Songcheng Road Station (approx. 30 mins), then a 15-min taxi ride to Millennium City Park.
- Car: Navigate to Millennium City Park (parking lot: CNY 20/day)
🌃 Evening Activities (18:30-21:30)
1. "Bian River Lights" Cruise
- Time: 19:00-21:00 (nighttime operation, departs every 30 mins)
- Ticket Price: CNY 80/person (includes tea and snacks on board)
- Highlights: Cruise the Bian River on a replica Song Dynasty boat, enjoy the illuminated riverbanks recreating the night scene from "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," with live guzheng performances and projected poetry.
- Tips: The best photo spot is at the Rainbow Bridge section. Wearing Hanfu will enhance your photos!
2. Drum Tower Night Market/West Division Night Market
- Time: 18:00-24:00
- Recommended Food:
🥟 First Floor Soup Dumplings (Drum Tower Night Market)
Lamb Kengmo (West Division Night Market, "Zhang San Ji")
🥣 Stir-fried Cold Noodles (Lao Chen Jia, amazing with garlic sauce)
🍢 Almond Tea, Sweet Potato Mash (must-try for dessert lovers)
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
- High-end: Kaifeng Kaiyuan Mingdu Hotel (adjacent to Millennium City Park)
- Unique Experience: Inns inside Millennium City Park (Mantingfang/Guanyi, immersive Song Dynasty-style accommodation)
- Budget-friendly: Express hotels near the Drum Tower (Home Inn, Hanting, walking distance to the night market)
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🌞 Day 2: In-depth Exploration of Millennium City Park
🎟️ Tickets and Entry
- Ticket Price: CNY 120/person (daytime full price), "Dreams of the Eastern Capital" show tickets from CNY 218 (recommended to purchase together)
- Entry Time: 8:30-22:00 (show ends at 21:30)
- Essential Tip: Get a free "Park Guide" at the entrance, which includes a map and show schedule! (I've also included a photo of it at the end; remember to save it)
📸 Must-see Spots in the Park
- Rainbow Bridge: A 1:1 replica of the landmark from "Along the River During the Qingming Festival"
- Shangshan Gate: Climb the gate tower for a panoramic view, a perfect spot for Song Dynasty costume photos
- Tokyo Wharf: Rent Song Dynasty costumes and boats (CNY 50/hour)
- Sun Yang Zhengdian Restaurant: Experience ordering food in a Northern Song Dynasty restaurant and watch the waiters' traditional greetings
🍜 Food in the Park
- Qiekuifang: Song Dynasty fish kuai (sashimi) + plum wine
- Tokyo Food Street: Wu Dalang Baked Cakes, San Wan Bu Guo Gang Wine Shop
- Dinner outside the Park: Huang Jia Laodian (Carp Baked Noodles, a Kaifeng intangible cultural heritage dish)
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⚠️ Important Notes
1. Arrive at least 20 minutes early to secure seats for the shows, especially for "Dreams of the Eastern Capital." A-zone seats offer the best viewing experience.
2. The park has many stone paths and steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
3. During peak season (April-May), it's best to enter the park at 8:30 am to avoid crowds.
4. Cruise tickets and show tickets can be booked in advance on the official WeChat account "Qingming Shanghe Yuan."
Post by wander_ethical | Apr 17, 2025












