Kaifeng

Capital of the Northern Song · 開封

Kaifeng was the largest city on earth in the year 1000, capital of the Northern Song — and the Yellow River has buried most of it, layer under layer. What remains is wonderfully resurrected: Millennium City Park rebuilds the Song capital from the famous Along the River During Qingming scroll, and the Iron Pagoda has stood since 1049.

Don't miss

  • Millennium City Park, the Song scroll brought to life
  • The Iron Pagoda of Youguo Temple
  • Night markets, a Kaifeng institution

Best time to visit: April–May and September–October

Visas: Australian passport holders currently enter China visa-free for up to 30 days — an arrangement scheduled to end on 31 December 2026, so confirm the rules for your travel dates.

Tours visiting Kaifeng