Longting Park

Introducing Longting Park

Longting Park is located at the northern end of Zhongshan Road in Kaifeng City. It is a group of ancient buildings built according to the layout of the Wanshou Palace in the Qing Dynasty. From south to north, it consists of the Meridian Gate (the south gate of the scenic area), the Jade Belt Bridge, the Songhu Bridge, the Chaomen Gate, the East and West Chaofang, the Screen Wall, the Longting Hall, the Song Dynasty Wax Museum, the East and West Chuihua Gates and the East and West Cross Courtyards, the models of the Northern Song Dynasty Tokyo City and the Imperial City, the ruins of the Gongchen Gate of the Northern Song Dynasty Imperial City, the square pavilion of the "Five Sacred Mountains True Shape Stele", the North Gate, and the East Convenience Gate. There are also plant modeling gardens, bonsai gardens, plum gardens, and landscape gardens. It is a national AAAA-level tourist scenic spot and has been rated as a national civilized scenic tourist area demonstration site by the Central Civilization Office, the Ministry of Construction, and the National Tourism Administration.

Longting Park was built on the ruins of the imperial palace of the Six Dynasties (Later Liang, Later Jin, Later Han, Later Zhou, Northern Song and Jin dynasties during the Five Dynasties period). It is dominated by the magnificent and majestic Longting Hall, and consists of the Qing Dynasty Wanshou Palace complex, including the Meridian Gate, Jade Belt Bridge, Songhu, Chaomen, Screen Wall, Chaofang, etc.

Longting Park covers an area of ​​1,038 mu, of which the water area (including Yang Lake and Fan Lake) is 710 mu. The Longting scenic area certainly has its own connotations [5]. The ancient building complex built according to the layout of the Wanshou Palace of the Qing Dynasty consists of the Meridian Gate (the south gate of the scenic area), the Jade Belt Bridge, the Songhu, the Chaomen, the East and West Chaofang, the screen wall, the Longting Hall, the Song Dynasty Wax Museum, the East and West Chuihua Gates and the East and West Cross Courtyards, the models of the Northern Song Dynasty Tokyo City and the Imperial City, the ruins of the Gongchen Gate of the Northern Song Dynasty Imperial City, the square pavilion of the "Five Mountains True Shape Monument", the North Gate, the East Convenient Gate, etc. There are also plant modeling gardens, bonsai gardens, plum gardens, landscape gardens, etc. The Longting scenic area is surrounded by water on three sides, and the main venue of the annual chrysanthemum festival is located here. Longting has become a symbol of Kaifeng.

Climate and best time to travel

Warm temperate continental monsoon climate, with distinct four seasons, abundant sunshine, mild climate and moderate rainfall. Suitable for chrysanthemum viewing in autumn

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Longting Hall

The Dragon Pavilion Hall is part of the former imperial gardens behind the Song Dynasty imperial palace. The elevated platform beneath the hall is a remnant of the earthen hills that formed the gardens of the Ming Dynasty Zhou Palace. The Dragon Pavilion Hall is the centerpiece of the entire Qing Dynasty architectural complex within the park, built atop a 72-step staircase. Facing south, the hall is preceded by a winding bluestone path woven with coiled dragons. The stone carvings still bear the horse's hoof prints of Zhao Kuangyin.

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Sculpture Garden, known as "a unique wonder in Zhongzhou," is located behind the Dragon Pavilion. Covering 7.8 acres, the garden features a variety of animal shapes, airplanes, trains, towers, and other models, created using juniper and cypress plants, as well as depictions of stories from Journey to the West and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.

Bonsai Garden

The Bonsai Garden, also known as the Fanglin Garden, is located west of the Botanical Garden. Covering 6.7 acres, it serves as the park's premier bonsai viewing venue. Hundreds of tree stump bonsai and landscape bonsai are housed within the garden. The diverse and uniquely shaped, delicate and elegant bonsai are a delight to the eye. The ingenious embellishments of the garden, including small rocks, ponds, and flower stands, further captivate visitors.

It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.

Tickets

50 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

7:00-19:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Longting Park

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Longting Park was originally the site of the royal palace during the Song Dynasty. Today, it serves as a scenic spot, preserving the city's historical legacy while offering visitors a relaxing place to enjoy nature and history.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The park is located in the northeastern part of Kaifeng. It can be easily reached by taxi or bus from the city center. Public transportation options are available, and the park is also walkable from nearby attractions.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The park is open from 7 AM to 6 PM daily. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the park's flowers and trees are in full bloom.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Tickets cost around 20-30 CNY. They can be purchased at the entrance, and some online platforms also offer ticket purchasing during peak seasons.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking in advance is not required, but during holidays or weekends, it's advisable to book tickets online a few days in advance to avoid long queues.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to explore Longting Park fully, including the boat ride and visits to the pagodas and pavilions.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The key highlights include the ancient pagodas, the serene lake, the historic pavilions, and the lush green gardens. The area around the lake offers great opportunities for photography and relaxation.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides might be offered in Chinese, but English-speaking options may be limited.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best viewpoints are around the lake and from the top of the pagodas, where you can capture panoramic views of the park and the surrounding areas.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by exploring the lake and taking a boat ride, then head towards the pagodas. Afterward, stroll through the gardens and enjoy the pavilions along the way.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There are no light shows, but the park is beautifully illuminated at night, offering a peaceful atmosphere for evening strolls.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The park can be crowded during weekends and holidays. For a quieter experience, it’s best to visit early in the morning or on weekdays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The park has clean public toilets, small food stalls selling snacks and drinks, and rest areas with benches where visitors can relax. There are also souvenir shops near the entrance.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The park is mostly accessible for elderly visitors and children. However, the boat ride might not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Some parts of the park may have uneven ground.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted. It's recommended to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case of any technical issues with mobile payments.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are several restaurants offering local Kaifeng cuisine near the park, including noodle dishes and local snacks. You can also find cafes around the area for a quick coffee break.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian food options are available in local restaurants, though halal food may be limited. It's best to inquire at specific eateries.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Several mid-range hotels are located near the park. For a more luxurious stay, hotels in Kaifeng's city center are easily accessible.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Kaifeng City Wall Scenic Area, Iron Pagoda, and Dragon Pavilion, all of which can be easily combined in a day trip.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops near the park offer local handicrafts, traditional Chinese fans, postcards, and miniature models of the pagodas and park's landmarks.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Public buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services are available to continue your trip to other attractions in Kaifeng. The city's transportation network makes it easy to get around.