The Imperial River of the Great Song Dynasty

The Imperial River of the Great Song Dynasty

The Imperial River spans 1,900 meters, linking two major scenic areas in Kaifeng City — Longting Lake and Bao Gong Lake. The surroundings feature picturesque landscapes and rich cultural history. Around Longting Lake, there is one 5A-level scenic spot, two 4A-level scenic spots, and one 3A-level scenic spot. Beneath the lake lies a millennia-old national treasure — the ruins of a Six Dynasties imperial palace. Next to Bao Gong Lake are two 4A-level scenic spots, one national heritage site, and the Imperial River docks are flanked by the Xisi Night Market on both sides.

As a vital link, the Imperial River organically connects nearly all of Kaifeng’s major tourist attractions. With a total investment of nearly 550 million yuan, the river connects the water systems within Longting Lake, Bao Gong Lake, and the Millennium City Park, linking the city’s two major scenic zones. It holds a pivotal position within the ancient capital’s waterway system. The municipal government has placed high importance on its development, adopting high-standard planning, substantial investment, and premium construction efforts, transforming the Imperial River into a stunning scenic attraction in Kaifeng.

Address: Imperial River Dock at Bao Gong Temple, Xiangyang Road, Gulou District, Kaifeng City

Type: River

Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Phone: 0371-23322688

Opening hours:

The Imperial River of the Great Song Dynasty: Daytime 9:00–17:30, Evening 18:00–21:30 (boats depart every 30 minutes); 18:00 is the last daytime departure, 18:30 is the first evening departure

Ticket information:

Daytime: One-way adult boat ticket: 35 RMB, round-trip adult boat ticket: 50 RMB; Evening: One-way adult boat ticket: 60 RMB, round-trip adult boat ticket: 80 RMB

Transportation

Locations of the various docks along the Imperial River:

Imperial River Bao Gong Temple Dock:

20 meters south of the main gate on West Baogonghu Road, Bao Gong Temple.

Imperial River Xisi Dock:

West side of the South Gate of Huaihe Hospital, on North Baogonghu Road.

Imperial River Bianjing Dock:

Directly opposite the main entrance of the Millennium City Park.

Imperial River Qishengjiao Dock:

Opposite the main archway entrance of Qishengjiao.