Ancient Jewish Settlement

Ancient Jewish Settlement

Kaifeng was the first city in China to have a Jewish settlement. Historical records indicate that during the Northern Song Dynasty, a group of Jewish immigrants migrated from Tianzhu (India) to the then-prosperous Song capital, Dongjing (Kaifeng). The Song emperor warmly welcomed them and issued an imperial edict stating, “Submit to our rule, abide by your ancestral customs, and remain in Bianliang.” The ancient Jewish community mainly settled in the area of Nanbei Jiaojing Hutong near today’s Kaifeng Synagogue, maintaining friendly and harmonious relations with the surrounding Han and Hui peoples. In the third year of the Dading era of the Jin Dynasty (1163), the Jewish synagogue was first built and named “Yicileye Religion” (the name used for Judaism at the time). They lived and thrived according to their own ethnic customs, continuing for over 700 years. Due to historical, cultural, and natural factors, the Jewish community in Kaifeng gradually integrated with the local population. Today, remnants such as Jewish religious steles and daily utensils can still be found in Kaifeng. These sites attract many Jewish tourists each year who come to explore this unique piece of history.

Getting There

Take bus routes 1 or 3.