Millennium City Park: Experience the Magic of the Song Dynasty
Located in Kaifeng, Millennium City Park is a historical and cultural theme park that brings to life the famous Song Dynasty painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival. Spanning over 600 acres, including 180 acres of water, the park features more than 100 ancient-style boats, 400 replica Song Dynasty buildings, and over 32,000 square meters of landscaped architecture.
As a national 5A-level tourist attraction, it is not only a landmark of Kaifeng, the ancient capital of eight dynasties, but also a masterpiece of Chinese cultural tourism. The park’s meticulously recreated Song Dynasty architecture and immersive cultural experiences transport visitors back in time, allowing them to experience the bustling prosperity of Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng), the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty.
Beyond its historical and cultural landscapes, the park offers continuous live performances throughout the day, such as Yue Fei Defeats Prince Xiao Liang and The Defense of Bianjing, which are both thrilling and visually stunning. Visitors can also savor local Kaifeng delicacies, including steamed soup dumplings and crispy fried carp with noodles.
Combining modern technology with traditional artistry, Millennium City Park creates an immersive experience that attracts countless domestic and international visitors eager to explore the charm of Song Dynasty culture.
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Opening Hours:
Peak Season (March 1 – November 30): 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
(December 1 – February 28): 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
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Visiting Route:
Rainbow Bridge Square → Bianjing Food Street → Folk Culture Street → Nine Dragons Bridge → Fuyun Pavilion → Dantai Palace → Wang Yuanwai Mansion → Evening Activities
Official phone number: 0371-23818888 / 0371-23818800
Must-see Highlights
Rainbow Bridge
The Rainbow Bridge, one of the iconic structures in Millennium City Park, is a faithful recreation of the wooden arch bridge depicted in Along the River During the Qingming Festival. Spanning the Bian River, its elegant design offers visitors a stunning view of the Song Dynasty-style streetscapes along the riverbanks. The bridge is a perfect spot for photos, especially with traditional boats passing beneath it.
Bianjing Food Street
Bianjing Food Street is the park’s culinary hub, featuring a variety of traditional snacks from Kaifeng and across China. Visitors can savor local delicacies like steamed soup dumplings, braised fish, and stir-fried bean jelly. The street’s ancient-style architecture and lively atmosphere recreate the vibrant food culture of the Song Dynasty.
Folk Culture Street
Folk Culture Street is one of the park’s highlights, showcasing the traditional crafts and customs of the Song Dynasty. Here, visitors can watch artisans demonstrate paper-cutting, sugar painting, and woodblock printing, and shop for unique souvenirs. With vendors and performers dressed in Song-era attire, the street feels like a step back in time to ancient Bianjing.
Nine Dragons Bridge
Located in the park’s northern section, the Nine Dragons Bridge is a beautifully crafted stone bridge with intricate carvings of nine dragons, symbolizing imperial authority. From the bridge, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the royal gardens, including landmarks like Dantai Palace and Fuyun Pavilion, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Northern Song court.
Fuyun Pavilion
Standing at 40 meters tall, Fuyun Pavilion is the park’s highest point and a stunning example of Song Dynasty-style architecture. Climbing to the top rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the entire park, including the Bian River, Rainbow Bridge, Folk Culture Street, and royal gardens. The pavilion also houses exhibits of Song Dynasty artifacts and historical materials, making it a must-visit for understanding the era’s culture.
Things to Do
Dream of the Song Dynasty Live Performance
Dream of the Song Dynasty, the grand finale of the Millennium City Park, reconstructs the bustling prosperity of Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng), the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty through lighting, music and dance. The performance is divided into several exciting chapters, including Along the River During the Qingming Festival, 108 Stars of Destiny and Yue Fei's Expedition. It is recommended to book seats in advance to experience this visual and auditory feast.
Yue Fei Defeats Prince Xiao Liang Horse Battle Performance
This is a wonderful horse battle performance showcasing the heroic deeds of Yue Fei. During the show, actors dress in Song costumes and gallop on horseback, which recreates the intense scenes of ancient battlefields. The performance takes place at Yue Fei Square and is regularly staged every day, making it an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of the Song Dynasty.
The Defense of Bianjing
This is a live performance with the theme of the Northern Song Dynasty's resistance against the Jin Dynasty, which recreates the intense scenes of the defense of Bianjing through sound and light technology. Visitors can get a closer look at the shock of ancient wars and learn about the military culture and historical background of the Song Dynasty. The performance takes place at Dantai Palace and is staged every afternoon.
The Experience of Folk Culture Street
The Folk Culture Street in Millennium City Park is a good place to experience the folk culture of the Song Dynasty. Visitors can not only enjoy traditional handicraft performances such as paper-cutting, sugar-painting and the woodblock New Year pictures, but also buy a variety of specialty souvenirs. The street vendors and performers are dressed in Song Dynasty costumes, as if they were on the streets of Bianjing a thousand years ago.
Journey of Bianjing Food Street
Bianjing Food Street is the food gathering place of Millennium City Park, which concentrates traditional snacks from Kaifeng and other parts of China. Visitors can enjoy such specialties as Kaifeng soup dumplings, braised fish in yellow wine sauce, fried bean jelly and so on. The architectural style of the Food Street is quaint and creates a strong atmosphere of the Song Dynasty marketplace, making it a good place to experience the food culture of the Song Dynasty.
Landlord Wang Chooses A Son-in-Law
This is a fun-filled live performance that tells the story of landlord Wang choosing a son-in-law. The show is held outside the Mansion of landlord Wang and is regularly staged every day. Visitors can participate in the interaction to feel the marriage custom culture of the Song Dynasty and experience a lively drama.
Best Time to Visit Millennium City Park
The best time to visit Millennium City Park is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November):
Spring: As the weather warms up, the park comes alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery, creating a picturesque setting. April, in particular, is a stunning time to visit, with the park awash in vibrant colors, making it perfect for photography and leisurely strolls.
Autumn: With cool temperatures and clear blue skies, autumn is an ideal season for exploring the park. The golden hues of falling leaves, combined with the park’s rich cultural activities and live performances, offer a deeper immersion into the charm of Song Dynasty culture.
While summer can be hot, the park’s waterways, such as the Bian River, provide a refreshing escape. Additionally, the park’s evening events, including the spectacular Dream of the Song Dynasty live performance, make summer nights a memorable experience.
Transportation Guide
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By Air
Kaifeng does not have its own airport, but it is conveniently located near Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, approximately a 1-hour drive away.
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By High-Speed Rail / Train
High-Speed Rail: Take a high-speed train from Zhengzhou East Station to Kaifeng North Station, with a travel time of about 15 minutes.
Regular Train: Direct trains to Kaifeng Station are available from various cities across China, with travel times varying depending on the departure location.
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By Long-Distance Bus
Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: The Zhengzhou-Kaifeng intercity bus runs every 15 minutes, with a journey time of around 30 minutes.
Other Cities: Direct buses connect Kaifeng with cities like Luoyang and Shangqiu, taking approximately 1-2 hours.
Some areas of the park are near water or have steps, so please watch your step and stay safe.
During live performances, observe from designated viewing areas to avoid crowding or getting too close to the performance zone.
We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and outdoor-appropriate clothing for ease of exploration.
In summer, bring sun protection like sunscreen and hats, while in winter, dress warmly to stay comfortable.
The park features multiple captivating live performances. Check the schedule in advance and plan your visit accordingly to ensure you don’t miss these unforgettable shows.