The imperial road and heavenly steps of the Six Dynasties palaces, overlooking a thousand years between Pan Lake and Yang Lake

Standing on a 13-meter-high blue brick platform, beneath your feet lie the ruins of imperial palaces from the Tang to Qing dynasties. Before you, Pan Lake and Yang Lake gaze at each other with clear waves on one side and turbid currents on the other, as if the thousand-year stories of loyalty and betrayal continue to unfold in the waters.
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🗺️Tour Information
【Attraction】: Longting Park
【Address】: North end of Songdu Imperial Street, Longting District, Kaifeng City
【Hours】: 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM (until 7:00 PM in summer)
【Duration】: 3 hours
【Transport】: Bus lines 1/15/20 to Longting Park Station
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🌟Must-See Highlights
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✅【Central Axis Scenic View】
▪️Longting Hall: Song-style hall built on a 13-meter blue brick platform
▪️Imperial Gate and Road: 72 stone steps symbolizing the number of earthly spirits, with a coiled dragon red step in the center
▪️Pan and Yang Lakes: Unique hydrology with clear water on the left and turbid on the right, linked to legends of loyalty and treachery
▪️Jade Belt Bridge: White marble bridge connecting the north and south scenic areas
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✅【Hidden Treasures】
▪️Stele Pavilion: Qing Dynasty Kangxi Emperor’s calligraphy "Songhu" stone inscription
▪️Plant Sculpture Garden: Features "Songdu Imperial Carriage" and other plant-shaped landscapes
▪️Waterside Pavilion Corridor: Ancient-style buildings built by the lake
▪️Plum Grove in Spring: 300 plum trees blooming simultaneously in early spring
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💡Tour Tips
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✅【Classic Route】
South Gate → Jade Belt Bridge → Imperial Gate → Longting Hall → East and West Side Halls → Botanical Garden → North Gate
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✅【Special Experiences】
▪️Court Assembly Performance: Daily at 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM, reenacting Song Dynasty officials’ court ceremonies
▪️Boat Ride on the Lake: Electric boats 60 RMB/hour (recommended on Yang Lake)
▪️Rubbing Experience: Make souvenirs by rubbing the "Songhu" stele inscription
▪️Night Tour: Summer light shows create a dreamy palace atmosphere
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📸Photo Guide
1️⃣Upward Shot of the Imperial Road: Capture the majestic Longting Hall from below
2️⃣Lake Center View: Take symmetrical reflections of Longting in the water by boat
3️⃣Stele Pavilion Frame: Use the round arch to create a picture-in-picture composition
4️⃣Dusk Silhouette: Capture the dialogue between flying eaves and sunset glow
5️⃣Plum Grove Portraits: Take photos with blooming plum trees in early spring
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🚗Nearby Attractions
Tianbo Yang Mansion (800m): Former residence of the Yang family generals, 10-minute walk
Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden (1.2km): Large Song Dynasty-themed park
Kaifeng Prefecture (1.5km): Former site of Judge Bao’s court
Songdu Imperial Street (200m): Ancient-style commercial street
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🍜Food Recommendations
▪️First Floor Soup Dumplings: 400 meters from the park, century-old brand
▪️Huang Family Old Shop: Most authentic carp baked noodles
▪️Xing Family Potstickers: Crispy skin and tender filling, local favorite
▪️Plum Grove Pastries: Seasonal plum blossom pastries as souvenirs