Where to Stay in Kaifeng
China
|Pop. 1.5M
|3 neighbourhoods covered
|Updated March 2026
Photo: Jezael Melgoza / Unsplash
Quick Answer: Best Area to Stay
For most visitors, Old Town (Gulou District) is the best neighbourhood to stay in Kaifeng. The historical heart of Kaifeng, brimming with traditional architecture and ancient charm. Ideal for first-timers, culture, foodies. Budget travellers can get by on CNY 250/day.
Areas to Avoid in Kaifeng
Safety rated "Safe". See which areas need extra caution and where to stay instead.
Best Neighbourhoods at a Glance
| Neighbourhood | Vibe | Budget | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town (Gulou District) | The historical heart of Kaifeng, brimming with traditional architecture and ancient charm. | Mid-range | first-timers, culture | Generally safe during the day, but be mi... |
| Longting District (Dragon Pavilion Area) | Home to the iconic Dragon Pavilion, this area offers green spaces and a more relaxed atmosphere. | Mid-range | families, couples | Very safe during the day and generally p... |
| University District (North of the City Center) | A modern and dynamic area with a younger population, offering more contemporary amenities. | Budget | budget, digital nomads | Generally very safe, with a strong polic... |
Old Town (Gulou District)
Mid-rangeThe historical heart of Kaifeng, brimming with traditional architecture and ancient charm.
Generally safe during the day, but be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas; a...
Longting District (Dragon Pavilion Area)
Mid-rangeHome to the iconic Dragon Pavilion, this area offers green spaces and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Very safe during the day and generally peaceful at night, though fewer people ar...
University District (North of the City Center)
BudgetA modern and dynamic area with a younger population, offering more contemporary amenities.
Generally very safe, with a strong police presence due to the universities; good...
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Kaifeng
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Old Town (Gulou District)
The historical heart of Kaifeng, brimming with traditional architecture and ancient charm.
Our top picks in Old Town (Gulou District)
Longting District (Dragon Pavilion Area)
Home to the iconic Dragon Pavilion, this area offers green spaces and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Our top picks in Longting District (Dragon Pavilion Area)
University District (North of the City Center)
A modern and dynamic area with a younger population, offering more contemporary amenities.
Our top picks in University District (North of the City Center)
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Things to Do in Kaifeng
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
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Kaifeng at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Kaifeng
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Visit the night markets in the Old Town for an authentic culinary adventure, trying local snacks like 'Luokou' (braised meat buns) and 'Kaifeng Soup Dumplings'.
Getting Around
Download a Chinese map app like Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode Maps) and have your destination written in Chinese characters for taxi drivers.
Watch Out For
Overcharging by unlicensed taxis (always use metered taxis or Didi)
Solo Female Travel
Kaifeng is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone in dimly lit or deserted areas late at night, and keep valuables secure.
Hidden Gems in Kaifeng
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Kaifeng Fu (Kaifeng Prefecture)
Step back into the Song Dynasty at this meticulously reconstructed government complex. It offers a vivid glimpse into the judicial and administrative life of ancient China, complete with wax figures and historical reenactments.
Daxiangguo Temple
This ancient Buddhist temple, once one of the largest in China, is famed for its exquisite Song Dynasty architecture and the magnificent 40-armed Guanyin statue. It's a serene escape from the bustling city and a testament to Kaifeng's rich religious history.
Iron Pagoda Park
Home to the iconic Song Dynasty Iron Pagoda, this park offers a tranquil setting for a stroll. The pagoda itself is a stunning example of ancient craftsmanship, and the surrounding gardens provide a peaceful respite.
Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden
Immerse yourself in the famous scroll painting 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' brought to life. This large-scale park recreates the bustling scenes of a Song Dynasty city, complete with actors in period costume and traditional crafts.
Baogong Lake
FREEA beautiful urban lake offering scenic views and a place for locals to relax and boat. It's a peaceful spot to observe daily life and enjoy the greenery away from the main tourist trails.
Kaifeng Museum
While not as grand as some national museums, Kaifeng Museum holds a treasure trove of local history and artifacts, especially those from the Song Dynasty. It provides excellent context for understanding the city's past glory.
Things to Do in Kaifeng
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top-rated Kaifeng tours and activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided walking tours, food experiences, and day trips. Reserve now, pay later; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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What It Costs in Kaifeng
Daily budget per person in CNY
💡81% cheaper than London
CNY 250/day
CNY 500/day
CNY 1200/day
Where to Stay in Kaifeng
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Kaifeng Fu (Prefectural Palace)10 min
- Dragon Pavilion Park15 min
- Xiangguo Temple20 min
Pros
- +Rich historical sites within walking distance
- +Authentic local food experiences
- +Vibrant street life
Cons
- -Can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons
- -Some areas can feel a bit run-down
Top stays in Old Town (Gulou District)
Best for
Walk to
- Dragon Pavilion Park5 min
- Kaifeng Museum15 min
- Old Town25 min
Pros
- +Beautiful park for relaxation and family outings
- +Proximity to the Dragon Pavilion
- +Quieter than the Old Town center
Cons
- -Fewer dining and shopping options directly within the immediate vicinity
- -Can be less lively at night
Top stays in Longting District (Dragon Pavilion Area)
Kai Feng Dynasty Hotel
$$Located near the Dragon Pavilion, offering convenient access to the park.
Home Inn Kaifeng Longting
$A clean and affordable option for travelers on a budget.
Grand Hyatt Kaifeng
$$$A luxury option with excellent amenities and service, though slightly further from the core historical sites.
Best for
Walk to
- Kaifeng University5 min
- Shopping Malls10 min
- Public Transport Hub15 min
Pros
- +More affordable dining and shopping options
- +Better modern infrastructure and services
- +Good for longer stays and remote work
Cons
- -Further from the main historical attractions
- -Less traditional atmosphere
Top stays in University District (North of the City Center)
Hanting Hotel Kaifeng University Road
$A convenient and budget-friendly choice for students and visitors to the university area.
GreenTree Inn Kaifeng Nan Shuan Road
$Offers reliable and clean rooms at a competitive price.
Orange Hotel Kaifeng
$$A mid-range option with modern facilities and good service.
Areas to be cautious
- Industrial Zones (e.g., on the outskirts): Primarily functional areas with little to offer tourists and potentially poorer air quality.
Insider tip: Visit the night markets in the Old Town for an authentic culinary adventure, trying local snacks like 'Luokou' (braised meat buns) and 'Kaifeng Soup Dumplings'.
Where to Stay in Kaifeng
Compare hotel deals across the best neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Stay in Old Town (Gulou District)
The historical heart of Kaifeng, brimming with traditional architecture and ancient charm.
Stay in Longting District (Dragon Pavilion Area)
Home to the iconic Dragon Pavilion, this area offers green spaces and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Stay in University District (North of the City Center)
A modern and dynamic area with a younger population, offering more contemporary amenities.
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Places to Stay in Kaifeng
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List Your PropertySafety in Kaifeng
SafeSolo Female Travel
Kaifeng is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone in dimly lit or deserted areas late at night, and keep valuables secure.
At Night
Most tourist areas are well-lit and have people around until around 10-11 PM. Residential areas become quiet. Stick to main roads and popular spots.
Emergency
110
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging by unlicensed taxis (always use metered taxis or Didi)
- 2Fake souvenirs or inflated prices in tourist markets (bargain hard)
- 3Tea ceremony scams (less common in Kaifeng than major tourist cities, but be wary of overly friendly strangers inviting you to 'tea')
Compare hotel deals in Kaifeng
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Travel Insurance for Kaifeng
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Stay Connected in China
Skip expensive roaming. Get an eSIM for China and have data the moment you land.
Get an eSIMGetting Around Kaifeng
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
From Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO): High-speed train to Kaifeng North Station (approx. 30-45 mins, 50-80 CNY), then taxi/bus to city center (approx. 20-40 CNY).
🎫
Day Pass
Not commonly available for tourists; single rides are affordable.
Single: 2-4 CNY for buses.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitDidi
📶
WiFi
Good25 Mbps
Public Transport
Buses are the primary public transport. Several lines connect major attractions and districts. Taxis are readily available.
Ride-share
Didi Chuxing is the main app; typical ride costs 10-30 CNY for short to medium distances.
Transport Tip
Download a Chinese map app like Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode Maps) and have your destination written in Chinese characters for taxi drivers.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many hotels, some larger restaurants and cafes offer free Wi-Fi (often requires a local phone number for login).
Coworking
Limited dedicated coworking spaces; consider cafes or hotel business centers. Daily costs are not standardized but expect 50-100 CNY for a day pass if available.
Rent a Car in Kaifeng
Compare prices from top rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
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Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, Oct
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Hotels & Accommodation in Kaifeng
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Who Is Kaifeng Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors to Kaifeng
This is the historical core, offering the most concentrated access to Kaifeng's famous ancient sites and traditional atmosphere.
Families with Young Children
The Dragon Pavilion Park provides ample green space for kids to play, and the area is generally quieter and safer for family strolls.
Budget Travelers
This area offers more affordable accommodation, food, and a generally more local feel away from the main tourist prices.
Culture Enthusiasts
Immerse yourself in history with easy access to Kaifeng Fu, Xiangguo Temple, and the general ambiance of the ancient capital.
Digital Nomads on a Budget
Provides better value for money on accommodation and food, with decent infrastructure and access to cafes for working.
About Kaifeng
Kaifeng (simplified Chinese: 开封; traditional Chinese: 開封; pinyin: Kāifēng) is a prefecture-level city in east-central Henan province, China. It is one of the Eight Ancient Capitals of China, having been the capital eight times in history, most notably during the Northern Song dynasty. As of the 2020 census, 4,824,016 people lived in Kaifeng's Prefecture, of whom 1,735,581 lived in the metropolitan area consisting of Xiangfu, Longting, Shunhe Hui, Gulou and Yuwantai Districts.
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