Overview
Key takeaway
Kaifeng is China's night market capital. Gulou Square and Xisi night markets have 100+ stalls selling local snacks. Vibrant, cheap, and delicious.
Time & cost
Plan 2 hours. Budget: Free. Hours: ~17:30–24:00.
Best for
Best for first-time Kaifeng visitors who want a clear 2 hours stop without guesswork.
Practical
PriceFree
Duration2 hours
Hours~17:30–24:00
Getting thereWalk to Gulou Square from center
Tips
On site
Try xiaolongbao, almond tea, and fried jelly.
Timing
Go hungry.
Also
Cash preferred at small stalls.
Also
Xisi is more local than Gulou.
Timing
Leave with hours in mind (~17:30–24:00). Weekends and holidays need extra queue time.
Pay
Nearby stalls usually take Alipay or WeChat. Foreign-card terminals are rare — set up Alipay before you go.
Show to staff
你好，请问入口在哪里？我有预约/门票，谢谢。
Hi — where is the entrance? I have a reservation/ticket. Thank you.
Location & how to go
Kaifeng Night Market, Kaifeng
MetroWalk to Gulou Square from center
BusCity buses serve the area, but routes change. Use Amap/Baidu for the live stop and last bus near Kaifeng Night Market.
Taxi / DidiDidi or a licensed taxi is the simplest door-to-door. Set destination to “开封夜市” and pay in-app with Alipay/WeChat.
