Kaifeng (开封)

1. Introduction

Kaifeng City, abbreviated as Bian, historically known as Laoqiu, Qifeng, Daliang, Junyi, Bianjing, Bianliang, Xiangfu, etc., is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Henan Province, People's Republic of China, located in the central-eastern part of Henan Province. The city borders Shangqiu City to the east, Xuchang City and Zhoukou City to the south, Zhengzhou City to the west, and faces Xinxiang City across the Yellow River to the north, while sharing a boundary with Heze City, Shandong Province to the northeast. Situated in the heart of the North China Plain, the Yellow River flows along its northern edge, and the Jialu River and Huiji River traverse the area from northwest to southeast, emptying into the Ying River and Guo River, respectively. The city covers a total area of 6,240 square kilometers, with a population of approximately 4.69 million. The municipal people's government is located at No. 1 Jin'an Road, Gulou District.

Kaifeng boasts a history of over 4,100 years as both a city and a capital. It served as the capital for the Xia Dynasty, the Wei State during the Warring States period, and the Later Liang, Later Jin, Later Han, Later Zhou during the Five Dynasties period, as well as the Northern Song Dynasty, where it was known as Dongjing Kaifeng Prefecture. Kaifeng is the only ancient capital in the world whose central axis has remained unchanged throughout history, and its layered city ruins are rare in the history of global archaeology and capital cities. Dongjing Kaifeng Prefecture, the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty, was the largest city in the world at that time. It is celebrated with accolades such as "Jade trees and bright clouds adorn the Five Phoenix Tower; Yimen has been the land of emperors since ancient times" and "The splendor of Bianjing is unmatched under heaven." Kaifeng is the birthplace of the famous painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival and is renowned as the "Dream of Dongjing."

Kaifeng is the cradle of Chinese opera, with Yu Opera originating here. The city is surrounded by five lakes and four rivers, earning it the nickname "Water City of the North." Kaifeng is recognized as an outstanding tourist city in China, a renowned city for chrysanthemums, and a city of calligraphy. It boasts 8 national 5A and 4A-level tourist attractions and 19 nationally protected cultural heritage sites. The China Kaifeng Qingming Cultural Festival and the China Kaifeng Chrysanthemum Cultural Festival attract numerous domestic and international tourists.

Kaifeng serves as an emerging sub-central city in Henan Province, a core development area of the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration, and a key city in the Zhengzhou Metropolitan Area. The Kaifeng Free Trade Zone is also one of the three major sections of the China (Henan) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

2. Historical Names

Due to the succession of dynasties, Kaifeng not only constructed multiple city sites and several layers of city walls but also possesses 18 alternative names and elegant titles. Yiyi is the earliest recorded name in Kaifeng's history. During the Spring and Autumn period, Yiyi was a small town in the State of Wei. Daliang of the Warring States period developed on the foundation of Yiyi. In the ninth year of King Hui of Wei (361 BCE), the State of Wei moved its capital from Anyi in Shanxi to Yiyi to control the Central Plains, renaming it "Daliang." Subsequent Junyi developed from Daliang.

During the Spring and Autumn period, there was another city within the territory of present-day Kaifeng, namely "Qifeng City." Duke Zhuang of Zheng, aiming to expand into the Central Plains, ordered Zheng Bing to build a city near the ancient village of Zhuxian Town, south of modern Kaifeng, naming it Qifeng, meaning "to open up and expand the territory." During the Western Han Dynasty, Emperor Jing Liu Qi avoided the taboo character "Qi" in his name, replacing it with "Kai," thus renaming the city Kaifeng. When Emperor Taizu of the Later Liang established his capital in Kaifeng, he renamed it Dongdu (Eastern Capital). The Later Han, Later Zhou, and Northern Song dynasties continued to refer to it as "Dongjing Kaifeng Fu" (Eastern Capital Kaifeng Prefecture). In the early Song Dynasty, Xiangfu County was established under Kaifeng Prefecture, hence Kaifeng was also called Xiangfu. After the Jin dynasty conquered the Northern Song, Dongjing was renamed Bianjing. During the Yuan and Ming dynasties, Kaifeng was also known as Bianliang and Beijing.

3. History

3.1 From Antiquity to the Spring and Autumn Period

In modern archaeological excavations, Neolithic artifacts such as stone sickles and pottery were unearthed at the Wanlonggang site in Kaifeng. At Duantougang, southwest of Weishi County's county seat, an early Neolithic Peiligang culture site was discovered. Successive excavations at the Longshan culture sites in Weishi County revealed not only stone tools and pottery but also human and animal bones. Additionally, sites like the Zhulin site in Qi County and the Lutaigang Shang Dynasty site have yielded numerous ancient relics. These archaeological findings prove that human activity existed in the Kaifeng area as early as five to six thousand years ago. Over the long years of evolution, they progressed from simply using stone tools to crafting implements for daily life, and then to slash-and-burn agricultural practices, continuously evolving and thriving.

According to the Bamboo Annals recorded by the historiographers of the State of Wei, the capital of the Xia Dynasty was moved to Laoqiu (site located northeast of present-day Kaifeng) by its seventh ruler, Ji Zhu, and remained there for 217 years until the thirteenth ruler, Jin, moved the capital to Xihe. During the Spring and Autumn period, two ancient cities, "Yi Yi" and "Qifeng," existed within the territory of present-day Kaifeng. In the Warring States period, the seven powerful states vied for dominance over the Central Plains. To compete for this dominance, the State of Wei, originally based in Anyi (in present-day Shanxi), moved its capital to "Yi Yi" in 364 BC and built the "Daliang City." Wei had six rulers over 140 years in Daliang before being conquered by Qin. During the Daliang period, Kaifeng developed significantly, described as having no vacant land aside from fields and residential plots, with traffic and crowds flowing day and night without cease.

3.2 From the Qin Dynasty to the Five Dynasties

After Qin unified the six states, it implemented the commandery-county system. Kaifeng, as the capital of a defeated state, was demoted to Junyi County under the Sanchuan Commandery. The name "Junyi" was used for Kaifeng for about 800 years. Kaifeng County was also established within the Kaifeng area during the Qin Dynasty. For a time, the area experienced dual administration, sometimes separate and sometimes merged.

During the Western Han Dynasty, in 168 BC, Emperor Wen enfeoffed his son Liu Wu as the King of Liang, initially with his capital at Kaifeng before moving to Shangqiu; he was known as King Xiao of Liang. King Xiao of Liang constructed the vast Liang Garden (site located southeast of present-day Kaifeng City) in Kaifeng, stretching for dozens of li. His son, Liu Ming, King of Jichuan, received a fiefdom in the Kaifeng area through the policy of "enfeoffing many," establishing the State of Jichuan. Due to crimes, it was abolished by Emperor Wu of Han, who established Jichuan Commandery, later changed to Chenliu Commandery.

In 200 AD, the Battle of Guandu erupted, with the "Langdang Qu" canal not far northwest of Kaifeng being one of the main battlefields. This war brought deep disaster to the people of Kaifeng. Wang Can's Seven Sorrows Poem — "Going out the gate, I see nothing but white bones covering the plain" — depicts the惨状 of the time, with the social economy on the brink of collapse. In the seventh year of the Jian'an era (202 AD), Cao Cao repaired the "Suiyang Qu" canal at Junyi, opening the Bian River route to the Jianghuai region. After the canal's completion, water transport from the Jianghuai area could travel upstream. Junyi, located at a crucial land and water transportation hub, experienced some economic recovery.

During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Kaifeng was successively renamed Liangzhou and Bianzhou, changing from a county seat to a prefectural seat. After centuries of decline, Kaifeng gradually regained its vitality and became one of the eight important granaries on the Northern Wei's water transport line for campaigns against the southern dynasties. In the sixth year (555 AD) and tenth year (559 AD) of the Tianbao era of Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi, the famous Jianguo Temple (Daxiangguo Temple) and Duju Temple (around the present-day Iron Pagoda) were built respectively. The development of Buddhist culture laid the groundwork for the later flourishing of Dongjing (Eastern Capital) culture.

The Grand Canal, over two thousand kilometers long and excavated during the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui, was a major artery connecting north and south. The middle section of the Grand Canal was the Bian River, linking the Yellow River and the Huai River. Kaifeng, located at the strategic point of the Bian River and serving as an important gateway to the eastern capital Luoyang, developed rapidly, benefiting from favorable timing and geographical advantages.

Entering the Tang Dynasty, Kaifeng remained a major metropolis with convenient water and land transport. In the first year of the Tianbao era of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (742 AD), Bianzhou was briefly renamed Chenliu Commandery. In the second year of the Jianzhong era of Emperor Dezong of Tang (781 AD), Li Mian, a relative of the Tang imperial family, arrived in Bianzhou as military governor (jiedushi) and expanded the Bianzhou city walls to a circumference of 22 li. Later, during the rebellion of Li Xilie, the Bianzhou city walls held back the rebel army for several months.

During the Five Dynasties period, except for the Later Tang, the Later Liang, Later Jin, Later Han, and Later Zhou successively established their capitals in Kaifeng, calling it the "Eastern Capital" or "Dongjing." During this period, Kaifeng replaced Chang'an and Luoyang as the political, economic, cultural, and military center. Zhu Wen's establishment of the capital in Kaifeng was a milestone, marking the first time in Chinese history that the capital of a major regime shifted from the central-western part of the Central Plains to the central-eastern plains. The Later Liang's capital was in Kaifeng for seventeen years. Although its reign was short, taxes were relatively light, allowing the people to recuperate. In 923 AD, the Later Liang fell. The succeeding Later Tang established its capital in Luoyang, while Kaifeng remained the seat of the Xuanwu Army. In 936 AD, Shi Jingtang destroyed the Tang and established the Later Jin, moving the capital back from Luoyang to Kaifeng. The Later Jin fell in 947 AD. The Later Han established its state with its capital in Kaifeng. In 951 AD, the Chanzhou Mutiny erupted; Guo Wei destroyed the Later Han and established the Later Zhou, with its capital in Kaifeng. Founding Emperor Guo Wei dedicated himself to governance, was diligent and loved the people, implemented reforms, disciplined the military, punished corruption, advocated frugality, and prohibited extravagance. In 954 AD, Emperor Shizong of Zhou, Chai Rong, ascended the throne. Building on Guo Wei's foundation, he rectified the court administration, reformed flawed systems, and made progress in both domestic affairs and the military. The Later Zhou launched three expeditions against the Southern Tang, capturing the "Fourteen Prefectures of Huainan," restored water transport from the Jianghuai region, and saw increasing national strength. In 955 AD, Chai Rong mobilized 100,000 laborers to construct an outer city around the original Bianzhou city, laying a solid foundation for the later unification and prosperity of the Northern Song Dynasty.

3.3 From the Northern Song to the Yuan Dynasty

In 960 AD, Zhao Kuangyin, the殿前都点检 (Dianqian Du Dudian, Palace Commander) of the Later Zhou, launched the Chenqiao Mutiny at Chenqiao Post Station (now part of Fengqiu County, Xinxiang City), 40 li north of Kaifeng, and established the Northern Song Dynasty. Spanning nine emperors over 168 years, this was the most glorious and dazzling period in Kaifeng's history. The economy was prosperous, wealth was unparalleled, the population reached a million, the scenery was beautiful, and the city was magnificent. It was not only the national political, economic, and cultural core but also the world's most prosperous commercial metropolis after Chang'an of the Tang Dynasty. Ancient Chinese urban development saw a turning point during the Northern Song. Before the Northern Song, cities typically had separate wards (fang) and markets (shi), meaning residential areas were strictly separated from commercial districts. During the Northern Song, with the development of the commodity economy and increasing urban population, the boundaries between "wards" and "markets" broke down. Shops could be opened anywhere, no longer concentrated in specific areas. The market offered a wide variety of goods. According to The Eastern Capital: A Dream of Splendor: "Outside Donghua Gate, the market is most bustling... All foods, seasonal fresh fruits and flowers, fish, shrimp, turtles, crabs, quail, rabbit, dried meats, gold, jade, rare curios, and clothing—nothing but the finest under heaven. If the varieties number several tens, and a guest wants ten or twenty dishes to accompany wine, they are available immediately upon request. When seasonal melons, fruits, and fresh vegetables come to market... the various establishments compete to buy them at high prices." Besides daytime business, there were also night markets and dawn markets. In addition to fixed markets, there were periodic fairs within the city. With rapid economic development, a group of wealthy merchants emerged in Kaifeng, many with assets worth millions, and those with hundreds of thousands were commonplace. Bureaucrats and nobles also vied to open shops. The central street of Bianjing was called the Imperial Street. Every two to three hundred paces along it, a military patrol post was set up. The guards in these posts maintained traffic order and managed pedestrian and vehicle flow during the day, and guarded government offices and commercial residences at night. Entertainment venues within the city, called wasi and goulan, could accommodate thousands of people. Daily performances included storytelling, minor singing, variety plays, puppetry, historical lectures, miscellaneous music, dance, shadow plays, and acrobatics. The Northern Song painter Zhang Zeduan's work Along the River During the Qingming Festival depicts the bustling, lively scene and beautiful natural风光 along the Bian River in the capital Bianliang during the Qingming season. At that time, water transport in Kaifeng was thriving. Rivers like the Bian River, Cai River, Jinshui River, and Wuzhang River traversed Kaifeng. The water conservancy project diverting the Luo River into the Bian connected the Bian River with the Yi-Luo rivers, placing Kaifeng in the advantageous position of "the pivot of the empire" and "accessible to all states." To the north, one could reach Yanjing (Beijing); to the east, the coastal areas of Shandong; to the west, Jingzhao Prefecture. Goods from all over the country, especially from the southeast, continuously flowed into the capital.

In the second year of the Jingkang era (1127 AD), the Jingkang Incident occurred. The Jin army occupied Dongjing, Emperors Huizong and Qinzong along with大量 Song皇室 were captured, and Dongjing was renamed Bianjing. In the first year of the Zhenyuan era (1153 AD), Prince Hailing of Jin, Wanyan Liang, moved the capital to Zhongdu Daxing Prefecture and changed Bianjing to "Nanjing Kaifeng Prefecture," making it the secondary capital of the Jin state. In 1155 AD, a great fire broke out in the former Song palace in Bianjing, destroying almost all the buildings. In early 1161 AD, Wanyan Liang invaded the Song southward, briefly using "Nanjing Kaifeng Prefecture" as his统治中心. In the second year of the Zhenyou era (1214 AD), Emperor Xuanzong of Jin moved the capital to "Nanjing Kaifeng Prefecture" to avoid the Mongol army's advance. In the second year of the Tianxing era (1233 AD), with Kaifeng besieged by the Mongol army, Emperor Aizong of Jin fled Kaifeng and moved the capital to Guide Prefecture (present-day Shangqiu City). After the Yuan destroyed the Jin, they established the Henan Jiangbei Branch Secretariat in Kaifeng. In the late Yuan Dynasty, the Red Turban rebel army led by Han Liner, the "Common Leader of All Righteous Armies under Heaven" and the "Little Ming King," once established the "Longfeng" Great Song regime in Kaifeng.

3.4 Ming and Qing Periods

In the early years of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang hesitated over where to establish the capital. In March of the first year of the Hongwu era (1368), Xu Da led the Northern Expeditionary Army to capture Shandong and Henan. At that time, many people suggested to Zhu Yuanzhang that Bianliang should be made the capital. In April, Zhu Yuanzhang visited Bianliang for inspection, renamed it Kaifeng Prefecture, and was satisfied with the results. He thus decided to establish the capital there, while also designating Yingtian as a capital, implementing a dual-capital system. However, on the second day of the eighth lunar month, the Ming Dynasty’s Northern Expeditionary Army captured Dadu (present-day Beijing). In late August, considering the changed circumstances and weighing the pros and cons of Kaifeng, Zhu Yuanzhang ultimately decided to establish Nanjing as the capital. In the fourteenth year of the Hongwu era (1381), Zhu Yuanzhang’s fifth son, Zhu Su, was enfeoffed as the Prince of Zhou and established his domain here. In the eighth year of the Yongle era (1410) during the reign of Emperor Chengzu of Ming, the Yellow River flooded. That autumn, the riverbanks burst, damaging the old city of Kaifeng, resulting in the deaths of 14,000 households, submerging over 7,500 hectares of farmland, and by December, an additional 200 zhang of the city wall was destroyed. In the fifteenth year of the Chongzhen era (1642) during the reign of Emperor Sizong of Ming, Li Zicheng’s rebel army attacked Kaifeng three times. During the third attack, in an attempt to flood the rebels, government troops took advantage of the rising Yellow River waters and dug open the Zhujiazhai and Majiakou areas north of the city overnight. Instantly, Kaifeng turned into a vast expanse of water, with depths of several zhang within the city. The entire city of Kaifeng was submerged, and out of a population of 370,000, only 30,000 survived.

After the Qing Dynasty took control of the Central Plains, they rebuilt the city of Kaifeng in 1662 and established both the Henan Provincial Administration and Kaifeng Prefecture Administration in Kaifeng. Due to the severe destruction Kaifeng suffered in the late Ming Dynasty, its economy during the Qing Dynasty paled in comparison to previous dynasties, with handicrafts, commerce, and services all in decline. However, as the provincial capital, Kaifeng still played a crucial role as a commodity distribution center. In the late Qing Dynasty, Kaifeng was an important revolutionary center in Henan. In 1904, Li Yuanqing called on farmers in the suburbs to resist grain taxes. During the Xinhai Revolution, the Tongmenghui, engaged in secret activities in Kaifeng, gathered various revolutionary forces and responded to the Wuchang Uprising in an attempt to launch an armed uprising, which ultimately failed.

3.5 Republican Era

In the early years of the Republic of China, Kaifeng underwent slight changes in its administrative setup. In 1913, Kaifeng Prefecture was abolished, the Gui-Chen-Xu-Zheng Circuit established in the late Qing Dynasty was renamed the Yudong Circuit, and Xiangfu County was renamed Kaifeng County. The provincial capital, circuit administration, and county administration were all located in Kaifeng. In 1927, the Yudong Circuit was abolished, and preparations began to establish Kaifeng City. In 1929, Kaifeng City was officially established, only to be abolished a year later. From June 1938 to August 1945, Kaifeng was occupied by the Japanese invading forces and served as the provincial capital of Henan under occupation, with administrative divisions such as the Yudong Circuit and Kaifeng City established. After liberation, the Nationalist government restored the pre-occupation administrative setup.

In June 1948, the People’s Liberation Army captured Kaifeng for the first time but withdrew shortly after due to strategic needs. On October 24 of the same year, they recaptured Kaifeng.

3.6 People’s Republic of China

In October 1954, the provincial capital of Henan was moved from Kaifeng to Zhengzhou, a major town at the crossroads of the Pinghan Railway (now the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway) and the Longhai Railway.

4. Geography

Kaifeng is located between 113°52′15″–115°15′42″ east longitude and 34°11′45″–35°01′20″ north latitude. It spans approximately 92 kilometers from north to south and 126 kilometers from east to west, with a total area of 6,444 square kilometers, of which the urban area covers 395 square kilometers. It lies about 500 kilometers east of the Yellow Sea, borders Shangqiu City to the east, is 72 kilometers west of the provincial capital Zhengzhou, adjoins Xuchang City and Zhoukou City to the south, and faces Xinxiang City and Puyang City across the Yellow River to the north. On the map of China, it is situated at the center of the Eastern Henan Plain.

The Eastern Henan Plain where Kaifeng City is located lies on the southern flank of the large alluvial fan in the lower reaches of the Yellow River. It belongs to the Yellow River alluvial plain, characterized by Quaternary Holocene strata formed from Yellow River alluvium with loose texture. The elevation ranges from 69 to 78 meters. The terrain here is flat, with deep soil layers, good soil quality, and stable structure, which is conducive to the cultivation of various crops and economic plants, and it has a high forest coverage rate.

Kaifeng has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, ample sunlight, mild temperatures, and relatively low rainfall. The annual average temperature ranges between 14.24–14.50°C, the frost-free period lasts 213–215 days, the average annual precipitation is 640 mm, and the forest coverage rate is higher than the national average.

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|--------|--------|--------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|--------| | Record high °C | 19.2 | 25.5 | 29.4 | 35.4 | 38.1 | 42.5 | 39 | 37.6 | 35.6 | 34.1 | 26.6 | 22.2 | 42.5 | |Record high °F | 66.6 | 77.9 | 84.9 | 95.7 | 100.6 | 108.5 | 102.2 | 99.7 | 96.1 | 93.4 | 79.9 | 72 | 108.5 | | Average high °C | 5.1 | 8.4 | 13.7 | 21.5 | 26.9 | 31.3 | 31.7 | 30.5 | 26.7 | 21.3 | 13.7 | 7.3 | 19.8 | | Average high °F | 41.2 | 47.1 | 56.7 | 70.7 | 80.4 | 88.3 | 89.1 | 86.9 | 80.1 | 70.3 | 56.7 | 45.1 | 67.7 | | Daily mean °C | 0 | 2.7 | 7.9 | 15.3 | 20.7 | 25.3 | 26.9 | 25.9 | 21.1 | 15.1 | 7.8 | 1.9 | 14.2 | | Daily mean °F | 32 | 36.9 | 46.2 | 59.5 | 69.3 | 77.5 | 80.4 | 78.6 | 70 | 59.2 | 46 | 35.4 | 57.6 | | Average low °C | −4.1 | −1.7 | 2.9 | 9.6 | 14.8 | 19.8 | 22.9 | 22 | 16.5 | 10.1 | 3.1 | −2.3 | 9.5 | | Average low °F | 24.6 | 28.9 | 37.2 | 49.3 | 58.6 | 67.6 | 73.2 | 71.6 | 61.7 | 50.2 | 37.6 | 27.9 | 49 | | Record low °C | −15 | −14.2 | −7.3 | −1.6 | 5 | 11.3 | 15.2 | 13.5 | 6 | −0.2 | −11.7 | −16.0 | −16.0 | | Record low °F | 5 | 6.4 | 18.9 | 29.1 | 41 | 52.3 | 59.4 | 56.3 | 42.8 | 31.6 | 10.9 | 3.2 | 3.2 | | Average precipitation mm | 8.1 | 11.2 | 28.2 | 35.4 | 55 | 73.4 | 174.9 | 109.7 | 69.5 | 41.5 | 20.4 | 9.9 | 637.2 | | Average precipitation inches | 0.32 | 0.44 | 1.11 | 1.39 | 2.17 | 2.89 | 6.89 | 4.32 | 2.74 | 1.63 | 0.8 | 0.39 | 25.09 | | Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 2.9 | 3.9 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.8 | 11.3 | 9 | 7.6 | 6.6 | 4.5 | 3 | 75.5 |

5. Administrative Divisions

Kaifeng City currently administers 5 municipal districts and 4 counties.

• Municipal Districts: Longting District, Shunhe Hui District, Gulou District, Yuwangtai District, Xiangfu District
• Counties: Qi County, Tongxu County, Weishi County, Lankao County

Since June 2011, Lankao County has been a pilot county directly administered by Henan Province, granted certain economic and fiscal management authorities equivalent to those of provincial-level cities, but it remains under the administrative leadership of Kaifeng City.

In addition to the formal administrative divisions, Kaifeng City has established the Kaifeng Urban-Rural Integration Demonstration Zone (formerly known as Bianxi New District), the National-level Kaifeng Economic and Technological Development Zone, and the Kaifeng High-tech Industrial Park.

| Division Code | Division Name | Hanyu Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | |-------------------|-------------------|-------------------------|----------------|-------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|---------------| | 410200 | Kaifeng City | Kāifēng Shì | 6,240.22 | 4,824,016 | Gulou District | 475000 | 38 | 34 | 45 | | 410202 | Longting District | Lóngtíng Qū | 369.6 | 574,552 | Beidaomen Subdistrict | 475000 | 10 | | 3 | | 410203 | Shunhe Hui District | Shùnhé Huízú Qū | 72.41 | 227,864 | Qingping Subdistrict | 475000 | 8 | | | | 410204 | Gulou District | Gǔlóu Qū | 62.34 | 136,167 | Zhouqiao Subdistrict | 475000 | 8 | | | | 410205 | Yuwangtai District | Yǔwángtái Qū | 60.24 | 124,859 | Sanlibao Subdistrict | 475000 | 5 | | 2 | | 410212 | Xiangfu District | Xiángfú Qū | 1,251.46 | 672,139 | Chengdong Subdistrict | 475100 | 1 | 6 | 8 | | 410221 | Qi County | Qǐ Xiàn | 1,257.17 | 932,126 | Jincheng Subdistrict | 475200 | 1 | 7 | 13 | | 410222 | Tongxu County | Tōngxǔ Xiàn | 766.75 | 539,222 | Xianping Subdistrict | 475400 | 1 | 5 | 6 | | 410223 | Weishi County | Wèishì Xiàn | 1,297.00 | 839,809 | Lianghu Subdistrict | 475500 | 1 | 9 | 7 | | 410225 | Lankao County | Lánkǎo Xiàn | 1,103.25 | 777,278 | Tongxiang Subdistrict | 475300 | 3 | 7 | 6 |

6. Economy

6.1 Agriculture

Zhongmu County in Kaifeng produces seedless watermelons.

6.2 Industry

Kaifeng has a relatively comprehensive range of industrial sectors. The city currently has 3,580 industrial enterprises, forming an industrial system supported by chemicals, machinery, light and textile industries, food, and pharmaceuticals. Equipment manufacturing, food, textiles, chemicals, and wood processing are known as Kaifeng's five traditional advantageous industries. In summary, Kaifeng's economic aggregate is relatively low, its development base is small, and its growth model is extensive, lagging behind the national and provincial averages. In 2009, the per capita GDP of Henan Province was 20,477 yuan, equivalent to 81.3% of the national average, while Kaifeng's was 16,523 yuan, 3,954 yuan lower than the provincial average. The per capita fiscal revenue of the province was 1,133 yuan, ranking last in the country, while Kaifeng's per capita level was 608 yuan, 525 yuan lower than the provincial average. These figures indicate that there is still a significant gap in Kaifeng's economic development.

6.3 Financial Industry

According to official statistics, as of the end of 2009, Kaifeng had one municipal branch of a policy bank, four municipal branches of state-owned commercial banks, one municipal branch of the Postal Savings Bank, one city commercial bank, one municipal rural credit cooperative union, six county-level unions, 23 municipal insurance companies, and three securities companies. This has preliminarily formed a relatively comprehensive and stable financial service system with parallel development in banking, securities, insurance, and other sectors.

7. Transportation

7.1 Aviation

Kaifeng City has Kaifeng Nanjiao Airport within its jurisdiction, which is a military airport and not open for civil aviation use. The nearest civil aviation airport to Kaifeng City is Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, located approximately 55 kilometers from the city center of Kaifeng. Xinzheng Airport serves as the aerial gateway of Henan Province, offering flights to over a hundred cities both domestically and internationally.

From the center of Kaifeng City, one can reach Xinzheng Airport via the S82 Zhengmin Expressway. Additionally, after the opening of the Zhengzhou-Kaifeng Intercity Railway, intercity EMU trains operate from Songchenglu Station to Xinzheng Airport Station, with the entire journey taking about 53 minutes.

7.2 Railway

Kaifeng is situated between the inland and coastal regions, only 70 kilometers away from Zhengzhou, a major national transportation hub. The Longhai Railway, which connects the "Eurasian Land Bridge," passes through Kaifeng City. The Xuzhou-Lanzhou Passenger Dedicated Line is an important component of the land bridge corridor, with Kaifeng North Station located in the northwestern part of Kaifeng's urban area. The Zhengzhou-Xuzhou High-Speed Railway starts from Zhengzhou in the west, connecting at Zhengzhou East Station with multiple high-speed railways such as the Xuzhou-Lanzhou, Zhengzhou-Chongqing, Zhengzhou-Fuyang, and Beijing-Guangzhou lines. To the east, it reaches Xuzhou, connecting at Xuzhou East Station with the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway. In the future, it will extend eastward to Lianyungang via the Xuzhou-Lianyungang Passenger Dedicated Line. The Zhengzhou-Kaifeng Intercity Railway, which began operation at the end of 2014, connects Songchenglu Station with Zhengzhou East Station, a major high-speed railway station in Zhengzhou. The intercity EMU trains take only about 20 minutes to travel between the two major metropolitan areas of Zhengzhou and Kaifeng, greatly promoting the integration process of the Zhengzhou-Kaifeng region.

The following are the main railway passenger stations in Kaifeng City:

• Longhai Railway: Kaifeng Station
• Xuzhou-Lanzhou Passenger Dedicated Line: Kaifeng North Station
• Zhengzhou-Kaifeng Intercity Railway: Songchenglu Station

7.3 Highway

There are five national highways passing through Kaifeng. National Highway 310 runs east-west through Kaifeng, connecting various provinces and cities along the Yellow River. National Highway 106 runs north-south through Lankao County and Qi County in the eastern part of Kaifeng. Additionally, National Highways 230, 240, and 343 also pass through the area. Zhengkai Avenue, with a total length of 39.2 kilometers, is an expressway connecting Zhengzhou and Kaifeng. It starts at the intersection of Jinshui East Road and East Fourth Ring Road in Zhengzhou, crosses the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway to the east, and connects to the western end of Daliang Road in Kaifeng City. With a design speed of 80 km/h, it takes only about 30 minutes to travel from downtown Zhengzhou to Kaifeng.

In terms of expressways, the G45 Da-Guang Expressway (Beijing-Kaifeng Expressway) runs north-south through Kaifeng, reaching the Chinese capital, Beijing, in about 5 hours to the north. The east-west artery G30 Lian-Huo Expressway traverses the region, forming a golden tourism route connecting Zhengzhou, Kaifeng, and Luoyang along the Yellow River. The G1511 Ri-Lan Expressway extends northeast to the coastal areas of Shandong Province. The G0424 Jing-Wu Expressway is a parallel route to the G4 Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway, passing through Weishi County in the southwest. Additionally, three provincial expressways pass through Kaifeng: S37 Lan-Xu Expressway, S60 Shang-Deng Expressway, and S82 Zheng-Min Expressway. Among them, the S82 Zheng-Min Expressway has a design speed of 120 km/h, with four lanes in both directions, and features two interchanges at Xinghuaying and Nanyuan, as well as the Kaifeng Jinming Service Area and Kaifeng South Rest Area. Traveling between Kaifeng and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport via the Zheng-Min Expressway takes only about 30 minutes. The S37 Lan-Xu Expressway serves as a transportation artery connecting southwestern Henan cities such as Xuchang, Pingdingshan, and Nanyang.

Kaifeng has six long-distance bus passenger stations: Kaifeng General Bus Station (located northeast of the railway station square), Yingbin Road West Bus Station, Xiangguosi Bus Station, Bianjing Avenue East Bus Station, Jinming District Jinming Bus Station, and West District Bus Station.

7.4 Urban Transportation

Urban transportation in Kaifeng primarily relies on buses and taxis. As of 2018, Kaifeng's public bus system operated 1,237 vehicles, with a total route length of 685.3 kilometers, providing access to urban areas and surrounding tourist attractions. The city has over 2,500 taxis, mainly sedans. Since many of Kaifeng's tourist attractions are concentrated in the urban area and are relatively close to each other, riding a pedicab (human-powered tricycle) is also a very convenient mode of transportation for tourists.

8. Education

During the Northern Song Dynasty, Kaifeng was home to the nation's highest institution of learning—the Imperial Academy—alongside specialized schools for law, mathematics, medicine, military studies, calligraphy, and painting, making it the cultural and educational center of the Northern Song Empire. From the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties onward, academies and private schools in Kaifeng nurtured numerous talents. Following the late Qing policy of "abolishing the imperial examination system and establishing modern schools," Kaifeng saw the creation of various levels and types of schools, which laid the foundation for modern educational development in Kaifeng and even Henan Province. During the Republic of China period, as the provincial capital of Henan, Kaifeng boasted advanced education and a concentration of talents. Henan University, founded in 1912, produced a large number of experts, scholars, social activists, and various talents, including Hou Jingru, Yuan Baohua, Deng Tuo, Yao Xueyin, and Zhou Erfu. Kaifeng High School, with a century-long history, has produced 13 academicians. Xiao Hong, the main designer of the flag and emblem of the Macao Special Administrative Region, and Zhang Wu, the designer of the "Chinese Seal" emblem for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, are both natives of Kaifeng.

• Universities: Henan University, Kaifeng University, Kaifeng Education College, Yellow River Conservancy Technical Institute, Kaifeng Vocational College of Culture and Arts, Kaifeng Radio and Television University
• Senior High Schools: Kaifeng No. 4 High School, Kaifeng High School, The Affiliated High School of Henan University, Kaifeng No. 25 High School, Kaifeng No. 5 High School, Kaifeng No. 7 High School, Kaifeng Tianjiabing Experimental High School
• Secondary Specialized Schools: Henan Pharmaceutical School, Kaifeng Advanced Technical School

9. Population

The local residents of Kaifeng were originally primarily Han Chinese from Henan. Historically, the most prosperous period for Kaifeng's population was during the Jin Dynasty, when it reached 1.38 million. In 1642, towards the end of the Ming Dynasty, Li Zicheng attacked Kaifeng. The Ming army breached the Yellow River dikes, flooding the city and reducing its population from 370,000 to just over 30,000. In modern times, during the 1850s, Kaifeng's population was about 360,000, while Luoyang and Zhengzhou had only 70,000 and 30,000 respectively. In 1954, when the provincial capital of Henan was moved from Kaifeng to Zhengzhou, nearly 70,000 people relocated to Zhengzhou. A large number of urban elites left Kaifeng, leaving behind mostly small-scale producers and their descendants, who became the mainstay of Kaifeng's urban population.

For decades, Kaifeng's population composition has remained relatively fixed. Population growth has relied on natural reproduction, leading to steady overall growth with few immigrants from other regions. The number of people leaving has exceeded the number moving in, with most out-migrants relocating outside the province. According to 2011 statistics, 316,000 people (67.5%) went to work in coastal developed regions and major cities, while 112,000 people (23.8%) went to surrounding counties, cities, and medium-sized cities. The city's population reproduction pattern is of the modern type characterized by "low birth rate, low death rate, and low growth rate." The population distribution is gradually shifting towards urban areas, with over one-third of the population residing in towns and cities. The predominant household type is the two-generation household. In 2009, households consisting of parents and children accounted for 59.58% of all household types in the city. Households with three and four members constituted 51.24%, reflecting a trend towards smaller, nuclear family sizes.

According to the 2020 Seventh National Population Census, the city's permanent resident population was 4,824,016. Compared with the 4,676,483 people from the Sixth National Population Census, this represents an increase of 147,533 people over ten years, a growth of 3.15%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.31%. Among them, the male population was 2,445,455, accounting for 50.69% of the total population; the female population was 2,378,561, accounting for 49.31%. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) was 102.81. The population aged 0–14 was 1,136,933, accounting for 23.57% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 2,756,293, accounting for 57.14%; the population aged 60 and above was 930,790, accounting for 19.29%, of which the population aged 65 and above was 684,965, accounting for 14.2%. The population residing in urban areas was 2,500,493, accounting for 51.83% of the total population; the population residing in rural areas was 2,323,523, accounting for 48.17%.

At the end of 2022, the city's permanent resident population was 4.694 million, a decrease of 89,000 compared to the end of 2021. The main reason for this decrease was the transfer of Gangli Township and Dama Township in Weishi County to the jurisdiction of Zhengzhou City in March 2022. At the end of 2022, among the city's permanent resident population, males numbered 2.382 million, accounting for 50.75%; females numbered 2.312 million, accounting for 49.25%; the sex ratio was 103.03 (with females as 100).

9.1 Ethnic Groups

Among the city's permanent resident population, the Han ethnic group numbered 4,758,068, accounting for 98.63%; ethnic minorities numbered 65,948, accounting for 1.37%. Compared with the 2010 Sixth National Population Census, the Han population increased by 155,216, a growth of 3.37%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.21 percentage points. The ethnic minority population decreased by 7,683, a decline of 10.43%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 0.21 percentage points.

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10. Culture

As the capital of the Song Dynasty for 168 years, Kaifeng embodies the distinctive characteristics of Song culture across various cultural expressions. The folk arts inherited from the Song Dynasty's entertainment venues have profoundly influenced the culture of the Central Plains. In terms of opera culture, Kaifeng boasts a rich theatrical atmosphere and is the birthplace of the "Xiangfu Tune" in Yu Opera. Renowned Yu Opera performers such as Chen Suzhen, Chang Xiangyu, Si Fengying, and Ma Jinfeng all rose to fame in Kaifeng before gaining national recognition.

Bian embroidery is one of China's five major embroidery styles, celebrated for its unique stitching techniques and regarded as a masterpiece of Chinese arts and crafts. The official porcelain of the Northern Song Dynasty features a thick, even glaze with a jade-like warmth, simple and elegant shapes, and an artistic style that transcends the ordinary. As the "Hometown of Woodblock New Year Pictures," the Zhuxian Town woodblock New Year pictures, considered the origin of Chinese woodblock New Year art, are one of China's four major woodblock New Year picture styles. After a millennium of evolution, they have developed a unique artistic style and are hailed as national treasures by scholars both domestically and internationally. Through ever-changing lines, vibrant colors, lifelike figures, and rich scenes, these New Year pictures encapsulate over a thousand years of China's outstanding traditional culture. As the "Hometown of Painting and Calligraphy," Kaifeng is renowned across China for its painting and calligraphy arts. The four major calligraphy schools of the Song Dynasty—Su, Huang, Mi, and Cai—all originated in Kaifeng. The Hanyuan Forest of Steles in Kaifeng is an artistic treasure trove integrating calligraphy, poetry, painting, and seal carving. As the "Hometown of Chrysanthemums," Kaifeng produced the Liu's Chrysanthemum Manual, the world's first monograph on chrysanthemum art. With a history of cultivating and appreciating chrysanthemums spanning over 1,600 years, Kaifeng enjoys the reputation of "Bian chrysanthemums being the finest under heaven." Kaifeng's folk and traditional culture is exceptionally rich and diverse. The Kaifeng Pan Drum, originating from the Northern Wei Dynasty, is bold, unrestrained, and varied in performance, with thunderous sounds and majestic momentum, deeply beloved by the masses. Folk recreational activities such as cockfighting, dogfighting, and kite flying have a broad popular foundation. Kaifeng is the birthplace of "Yu Cuisine," which blends the essence of northern and southern culinary traditions. Its food culture is characterized by "famous restaurants, famous dishes, and famous products." Yi Yin, revered as the progenitor of Chinese cuisine, was born in Kaifeng.

11. Sister Cities

• Wichita, Kansas, USA
• Toda City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
• Kiryat Motzkin, Haifa District, Israel
• Yeongcheon, South Korea

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Gulou District

Qi County

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Chrysanthemum