An Immersive Journey Through Ancient Bianjing

Millennium City Park Travel Guide: Park Overview Located in Kaifeng, Henan Province, Millennium City Park is an immersive cultural theme park based on the famous painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival by the Northern Song Dynasty painter Zhang Zeduan. It perfectly recreates the bustling scene of the Northern Song capital, Bianjing (present-day Kaifeng). Historical Significance: The park's architecture, streetscapes, and characters all reflect the style of the Song Dynasty. Iconic scenes such as the Rainbow Bridge, city gates, restaurants, and wharves are presented in 1:1 scale, recreating the prosperous image of Bianjing. Cultural Features: Dozens of live performances are staged daily, including "Judge Bao's River Patrol," "Yue Fei's Spear Challenge," and "The Defense of Tokyo," with actors in Song Dynasty costumes, transporting you back in time. Recommended Activities: Rent a Song Dynasty costume (available within the park), transform into a Bianjing resident, and take photos at landmarks like the Rainbow Bridge, Shangshan Gate, and Sun Yang Restaurant for stunning ancient-style pictures! Ethnic Customs and Unique Experiences Song Dynasty Street Life Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Song Dynasty with continuous folk performances like street acrobatics, puppet shows, cockfights, and security escorts. The calls of market vendors create a vibrant and bustling scene. Must-See Show: The large-scale evening water show "Dream of the Eastern Capital" (requires a separate ticket) recreates the elegance of the Northern Song Dynasty through poetry, lights, and dance. Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicrafts Experience traditional Song Dynasty crafts such as movable type printing, Bian embroidery, and kite making, and create your own "Northern Song souvenir." Culinary Delights of Bianliang The "Tokyo Food Court" in the park offers a variety of Northern Song snacks: soup dumplings, carp baked noodles, fried cold noodles, almond tea... Enjoy a feast for around 30 yuan per person! Nearby Attractions (within 15 minutes by car) Kaifeng Mansion: Witness the scene of Judge Bao's trials and experience the culture of the government office (entrance fee: 60 yuan). Grand Xiangguo Temple: The royal temple of the Northern Song Dynasty and the origin of the story of Lu Zhishen pulling up a willow tree (entrance fee: 40 yuan). Drum Tower Night Market: A must-visit after dark! The ultimate destination for Kaifeng snacks. Recommendations: roasted mutton bread, stir-fried sweet potato mash, and braised fish (around 50 yuan per person). Cost-Effective Food Recommendations Xing Family Guotie (Drum Tower District): A century-old restaurant famous for its crispy and tender guotie (10 yuan/serving). First Floor Soup Dumplings (Temple Back Street): Thin-skinned soup dumplings with rich broth, perfect with a side of bucket chicken (around 40 yuan per person). West Division Night Market: A local favorite night market. Recommendations: Zhou Ji Almond Tea and Zhang San Fried Cold Noodles (around 30 yuan per person). Budget-Friendly Accommodation Guide Kaifeng Millennium City Park Inn Location: Opposite the west gate of the park, a 3-minute walk. Price: 150-200 yuan/night, ancient-style courtyard design, breakfast included. Home Inn (Kaifeng Drum Tower Square Branch) Location: City center, a 10-minute taxi ride to the park. Price: 120-180 yuan/night, clean and convenient, with many restaurants nearby. Kaifeng Youth Hostel (Old Town Branch) Location: Near Daliang Gate, direct bus to the park. Price: 50-80 yuan/bed, suitable for backpackers, friendly atmosphere. Helpful Tips Tickets: 120 yuan/person (daytime), "Dream of the Eastern Capital" show tickets include night park entry (from 249 yuan). Transportation: Kaifeng is a small city. Shared electric bikes are recommended. Parking at the park is 10 yuan/day. Best time to visit: Spring and autumn (April-May/September-October) to avoid the summer heat; the night view with lights is stunning, don't miss it! Travel through a thousand years and step into a painting; experience the dream of the Eastern Capital and a night of fireworks. Millennium City Park is not only a visual feast but also a wonderful journey through history. Grab this guide and start your Kaifeng adventure!