Overview

  Kaifeng is one of the Seven Ancient Capitals of China.In 364 BC, the state of Wei during the Warring States Period founded a city called Daliang as its capital in this area. During this period, the first of many canals in the area was constructed; it linked a local river to the Huang He. When the State of Wei was conquered by the Qin, Kaifeng was destroyed and abandoned except for a mid-sized market town, which remained in its place.During the Song Dynasty, Kaifeng was the capital with a population of over 400,000, living both inside and outside the city wall.
  In 1049, Youguosi Pagoda, or Iron Pagoda as it is called today, was constructed, which measures 54.7 m in height. It has survived the destruction of wars and floodings and become the oldest landmark in this ancient city. Another Song Dynasty pagoda, Bo Ta , from 974, has been partially destroyed.
  Another well-known sight was the astronomical clock tower of the engineer, scientist, and statesman Su Song (1020-1101 AD). It was crowned with a rotating armillary sphere that was hydraulic-powered (i.e. by waterwheel and clepsydra clock), yet it incorporated an escapement mechanism two hundred years before they were found in clockworks of Europe, and featured the first known endless power-transmitting chain drive.
  Kaifeng is also known for having the oldest extant Jewish community in China, the Kaifeng Jews.

Attractions
 Iron Pagoda
Iron Pagoda is located in Iron Pagoda Park, which is in the northeastern part of Kaifeng City. The pagoda still presents an imposing figure even after hundreds of years. The Iron Pagoda is appropriately named. Covered with glazed tiles in the color of iron, it looks like an iron pillar from a distance.

Dragon Pavilion
Situated in Dragon Pavilion Park in the northwest part of Kaifeng City, Dragon Pavilion is actually a palace and not a traditional pavilion. The ‘must see' sights in Dragon Pavilion Park include examples of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) architectures, the Pan and Yang lakes and the renowned landscaped gardens.

Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden
The painting Chinese Symphonic Picture Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival, by Zhang Zeduan of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), captures the prosperity of ancient Kaifeng City. Millennium City Park is a large-scaled scenic amusement park which offers tourists an opportunity to step back in history and explore both the flourishing sights of the ancient city and to experience the daily routines of the ancient inhabitants.

Imperial Street of Song Dynasty
With the length of more than 400 meters (about 437.4 yards), Imperial Street of Song Dynasty is a recreation of the original Imperial Street which flourished with merchants during the Song Dynasty. Rows of antique stores line the street and browsing through their treasures conjures memories of old Kaifeng.

Lord Bao Temple
Located on the west bank of Baogong Lake, the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao is an excellent example of a complex built in the architectural style of the Song Dynasty. Lord Bao was an exemplary official and his name became a household word in China. Tourists will learn about the incorruptibility of Lord Bao through the historical materials, inscriptions and waxwork exhibits on display in the temple.

Kaifeng Yamun

Kaifeng Yamun (administration office) is a theme-based scenic spot which recreates the stateliness and honest politics of Lord Bao and the Kaifeng Yamun. This is an excellent place to experience the Chinese culture of Yamun.