Gulou District Travel

Gulou District, Kaifeng, Henan — the commercial and cultural center of Kaifeng's old town, home to the millennium-old Xiangguo Temple, integrating ancient architecture, commercial blocks, Buddhist culture, and characteristic snacks. A 2-day 1-night in-depth tour includes historic site visits, commercial experiences, and food exploration.

1400+
Years of Xiangguo Temple History
1
National-level Cultural Relic Protection Unit
3+
Century-old Commercial Streets
50+
Varieties of Special Snacks
Panoramic Night View of Kaifeng Drum Tower
Kaifeng Drum Tower Night View
Night view of Kaifeng Drum Tower Square, the commercial and cultural center of the old town

2-Day 1-Night In-depth Cultural Tour of Gulou District Old Town

Climb the Drum Tower to enjoy the panoramic view of the ancient city, visit Xiangguo Temple to experience Buddhist culture, stroll through century-old streets to experience civic life, and taste Kaifeng snacks to appreciate food culture

Trip Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Kaifeng Drum Tower, Xiangguo Temple, Bookstore Street, Madao Street
Suitable For
Food Lovers, Cultural Experience Seekers, Shopping Enthusiasts
Per Capita Budget
¥300-¥600
01
Historic Site Visit
Kaifeng Drum Tower · Xiangguo Temple · Drum Tower Square
Itinerary Highlights

Climb Kaifeng Drum Tower to enjoy the panoramic view in the morning, visit Xiangguo Temple in the afternoon, stroll through Drum Tower Square Night Market in the evening, and taste Kaifeng snacks.

Attraction Arrangement
Kaifeng Drum Tower
A landmark building of Kaifeng, first built in the Ming Dynasty, once opposite to the Bell Tower, it was an important facility for timekeeping and alarm in ancient times. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of Kaifeng's old town.
Xiangguo Temple
A famous Buddhist temple in China, first built in the Northern Qi Dynasty, originally named Jianguo Temple. In the first year of Yanhe in the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Ruizong of Tang renamed it Daxiangguo Temple to commemorate his ascension to the throne from being the Prince of Xiang.
Drum Tower Square
The commercial center of Kaifeng's old town, surrounded by numerous shops and a bustling night market, it is the best place to experience Kaifeng's civic life and taste characteristic snacks.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Hotels around Drum Tower Square
  • Characteristic Inns on Bookstore Street
  • Hotels near Xiangguo Temple
Food Recommendations
  • Drum Tower Night Market Snacks
  • Di Yi Lou Soup Dumplings
  • Huang Family Old Shop Dumplings
  • Pang's Barrel Chicken
Travel Tips
  • It is recommended to climb the Drum Tower in the evening to see the night view
  • You can buy incense to pray at Xiangguo Temple
  • The night market is crowded, please take care of your belongings
02
Old Street Stroll
Bookstore Street · Madao Street · Xufu Street
Itinerary Highlights

Stroll through Bookstore Street to experience the cultural atmosphere in the morning, shop on Madao Street in the afternoon, and taste time-honored food on Xufu Street in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Bookstore Street
A famous historical and cultural street in Kaifeng, first built in the Qing Dynasty, mainly engaged in books and four treasures of the study, with simple architectural style and strong cultural atmosphere.
Madao Street
A century-old commercial street in Kaifeng, historically a horse trading place, now a clothing and general merchandise commercial street with Republican-style architecture.
Xufu Street
A traditional food street in Kaifeng, gathering many time-honored restaurants, it is an ideal place to taste authentic Kaifeng cuisine and characteristic snacks.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • It is recommended to travel on foot in the old town
  • Dense bus routes
  • Taxis are convenient
Ticket Information
  • Drum Tower: ¥20
  • Xiangguo Temple: ¥30
  • Commercial Blocks: Free
Travel Tips
  • Bookstore Street is suitable for buying cultural and creative products
  • Madao Street is suitable for purchasing clothing
  • Recommended time-honored restaurants on Xufu Street

Must-Try Food in Gulou District

Drum Tower Night Market Snacks

Kaifeng's largest night market, gathering snacks of various flavors from all over the country, mainly featuring local Kaifeng specialties, open until midnight, bustling with activity.

Di Yi Lou Soup Dumplings

The representative of Kaifeng soup dumplings, a century-old time-honored brand, with thin skin, large filling, juicy soup, delicious taste, renowned at home and abroad.

Huang Family Old Shop Dumplings

Another famous dumpling shop in Kaifeng, as famous as Di Yi Lou, with unique dumpling making technology and authentic taste, deeply loved by local people.

Pang's Barrel Chicken

A famous marinated snack in Kaifeng, selected tender hens, marinated with ancestral secret recipe, golden in color, crispy skin and tender meat, salty and palatable.

Gulou District Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-May): Pleasant climate, suitable for shopping
  • Autumn (September-November): Clear and crisp weather, comfortable night market
  • Summer nights: Lively night market with abundant snacks
Must-Try Food
  • Soup Dumplings
  • Barrel Chicken
  • Stir-Fried Jelly Jelly
  • Lamb Pancake
  • Almond Tea
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥50
  • Accommodation: ¥100-200 per night
  • Catering: ¥80-150 per day
  • Shopping: ¥100-200
  • Total: ¥300-600
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What are the business hours of Drum Tower Night Market? → 18:00 to midnight
  • How long to visit Xiangguo Temple? → 1-2 hours recommended
  • Characteristic shops on Bookstore Street? → Ancient book stores, four treasures of the study
  • Characteristic souvenirs? → Bian embroidery, Zhuxian Town New Year paintings, Kaifeng specialties

Explore Travel in Districts and Counties of Kaifeng City

Longting District
Gulou District
Yuwangtai District
Shunhe Hui District
Xiangfu District
Qi County
Tongxu County
Weishi County
Lankao County