Kaifeng is one of China's ancient capitals, a city on the southern bank of the Yellow River in Henan province whose long history has left it with a compact core of historic sights and a modern urban frame around them. For a visitor, the useful mental map is simple: the old city and its landmarks sit close together, while the main transport hubs and newer development lie a short ride away.
Most of what you will want to see clusters around the old city and the area near Bao Gong Lake, with the principal rail and bus station set a few kilometres out. This guide covers which areas make a practical base, how they connect to the sights, and what kind of accommodation you can expect at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Kaifeng
1. Around Bao Gong Lake
This area, on the eastern side of the old city, is the most convenient base for a first visit. It sits within easy walking distance of the central sights, and the sights further out are reachable by simple bus or bike rides. It is also where you find the city's main budget accommodation, so it suits travellers who want to keep costs down without being far from the action.
Expect smaller guesthouse-style places and hostels here rather than large hotels. The trade-off is that the main bus and train station is about 3 km away, a short taxi ride, so you will need a lift or a bus if you arrive or leave by rail.
2. Gulou District
Gulou is the district around the Drum Tower, in the heart of the old city, and it puts you squarely among the streets, markets and evening activity that make Kaifeng worth wandering. It suits visitors who want to step out of their door into the historic centre and who value being close to restaurants and shops.
Accommodation here leans mid-range, with modern chain-style hotels offering reliable, standard rooms. Because you are in the dense old core, expect busy streets and limited quiet rather than space and calm.
3. Longting District
Longting covers the northern part of the old city and the area around the lake of the same name, close to several of the city's best-known sights. It is a good choice for visitors who want to be near the historic attractions and are happy to base themselves in a slightly quieter, more spread-out setting than Gulou.
You will find a mix of mid-range and upscale hotels here, including larger properties with full facilities. The district is well placed for walking to nearby sights, though you may still want transport for the ones further afield.
4. The development zone
The development zone lies outside the old city and is where you find the largest, most full-service hotels in Kaifeng. It suits travellers who prioritise spacious rooms, on-site facilities and a quieter environment over being able to walk to the historic sights.
Because it sits away from the old core, you will depend on taxis or buses to reach the main attractions. Choose it if you are happy to trade proximity for comfort and space.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Small guesthouses and hostels, mostly clustered around Bao Gong Lake, with dorm beds and simple private rooms. This is the most limited category in the city, so book early if you want it.
- Mid-range: Modern chain-style hotels in the old city districts such as Gulou and Longting, offering standard private rooms with private bathrooms and reliable facilities.
- Splurge: Larger full-service and five-star hotels, found in Longting and the development zone, with spacious rooms, on-site dining and a wider range of amenities.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself around Bao Gong Lake for a first trip. It is within walking distance of the central sights, with straightforward bus and bike connections to the ones further out, and it holds most of the city's budget accommodation. The only real drawback is the short taxi or bus ride to and from the main station.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I want to walk to the main sights?
The area around Bao Gong Lake is the most walkable base, with the central sights within easy reach on foot and the more distant ones a simple bus or bike ride away.
Where should I stay if I am on a budget?
Bao Gong Lake is where the budget options are concentrated, including the city's hostel-style accommodation. It is the most limited category in Kaifeng, so availability can be tight.
Which areas suit travellers who want a larger, full-service hotel?
Look to Longting District and the development zone, where you find mid-range and upscale hotels, including five-star properties with on-site facilities.
How do I get from the station to my accommodation?
The main bus and train station is roughly 3 km from the Bao Gong Lake area, a short taxi ride, and the old-city districts are reachable by taxi or bus from there.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit you using the booking tools on this page.