Built in 1049 AD, the Iron Pagoda (Tie Ta) is the most famous monument in Kaifeng.  Ironically not made of iron, but actually glazed bricks, the Buddhist pavillion is still completely structurally sound from its Song-era construction, and visitors can climb to the top by scaling the challenging series of stairs. At over 55 meters in height, the Iron Pagoda has survived earthquakes and floods that have leveled much of historic Kaifeng, making it a marvel of resiliency.   more >>

Longting Gongyuan, or Dragon Pavilion Park as it is known in English, is home to the annual Kaifeng Chrysanthemum Festival (held in late September and early October, depending on when it falls in the Chinese Lunar calendar) and is one of the most recognizable sights in the city.  A former imperial palace during six dynasties from the later Liang (907-923) through part of the Jin (1115-1234), Longting offers the beautiful views of Kaifeng amid the tranquil beauty of the park's lakes, bridges and the Dragon Pavilion itself, which sits on the north shore of the largest of the park's lakes, Yangjia Lake.  The park is also kid-friendly, boasting a children's play area near the pavilion. Future plans for the park include a historical Kafeng theme park and a Jewish cultural center.   more >>

The Kaifeng Museum, covering 16,000 square meters, is one of the largest museums in Henan Province. Comprised of seven exhibition halls containing relics and artworks from both ancient and modern China, exhibits on Kaifeng's revolutionary history and Ming and Qing dynasty artifacts, the Kaifeng Museum is also home to a wealth of information on the city's ancient Jewish community, which established itself in the former capital over 800 years ago. In fact, the Kaifeng Institute for Research on the History of Chinese Jews is located in the museum, making it a center for international Jewish studies as well as a valuable resource for those interested in Chinese history. All told, the Kaifeng Museum's collection totals over 20,000 relics and 30,000 historical and specialized books.   more >>

Originally built to commemorate Wang Chongyang (also known as Wang Zhe), a Song and Jin Dynasty Taoist master (1112–1170 AD) and founder of the Quanzhen sect, a form of Daoism with strong similarities to Zen (Chan) Buddhist practices. Yanqing Temple was erected in the 15th century.  Best known for its unique yurt-like shape, Yanqing Temple has suffered through a series of disasters, including wars and floods caused by fluctuations the notoriously unpredictable Yellow River. Rebuilt in 1985, Yanqing Temple offers unique insight into the growth of Taoism in China and splendid views over the adjacent Baoguang Lake. The temple consitst of a number of structures, including the Hall of Ancestor Lu, the Hall of the Three Pristine Ones, the Jade Emperor Pavilion and the Hall of the Three Officials. A large wax statue of Wang Chongyang dominates a recently co... more >>

  Located in a small, non-descript alley near Shudian Street and Zhongshan Road, the Shanshanguan Guild Hall was initially established as a temporary residence and community center for out-of-town merchants visiting Kaifeng.  An excellent example of Qing Dynasty architecture, Shanshanguan was later used as a school, until finally being designated a tourist attraction. Of note are the lavish wood carvings that re-tell the daily workings of merchant life, in particular a scene depicting a man being dragged by his horse on the eaves in the Eastern Hall. more >>

The city's oldest Buddhist structure, the three-story Fan Pagoda, built in 977 AD, is a testament to the persistence of Kaifeng's long history.  The hexagonal structure, originally 80 meters and nine stories high, was built during the Southern Song Dynasty, only to be partially torn down during the beginning of the Ming era because the new Emperor found pagoda's massive height to be intimidating. During the Qing Dynasty, six levels of the pagoda were restored, only to be vandalized once again during the Cultural Revolution.  What stands today is a 31-meter tower, adorned with 108 brick sculptures and over 7,000 statues of Buddha. It may not be the most beautiful or charming place, but the Fan Pagoda is certainly a historically-significant destination. more >>