Qingming Riverside Cultural Park

清明上河园

A theme park recreating the Song Dynasty landscape from the famous painting Along the River During Qingming Festival, featuring authentic architecture, traditional crafts, and performances. It provides an immersive experience of medieval Chinese life and culture.

Things to do

• Watch Traditional Performances — Catch scheduled shows of Song Dynasty music, dance, and martial arts demonstrations performed in period costume throughout the park.
• Visit the Grand Carriage Exhibition — Explore authentic Song Dynasty carriages and sedan chairs displayed in dedicated halls, showing the transportation methods of medieval China.
• Explore the Riverside Market Street — Stroll through the main commercial area lined with traditional shops selling handicrafts, calligraphy, and authentic Ming and Qing Dynasty replicas.
• Experience Traditional Crafts Workshops — Participate in hands-on sessions learning woodblock printing, paper cutting, pottery, or traditional painting from artisans in the park.
• Take a Boat Ride on the Artificial River — Enjoy a scenic cruise along the park's river while observing waterside architecture and daily life scenes inspired by the famous painting.
• Visit the Wine and Tea Houses — Sample Song Dynasty-style rice wine and tea blends in traditional teahouses while viewing performances or leisurely observing park scenery.
• Explore the Wedding Pavilion Complex — Tour the intricately designed traditional bride and groom chambers showcasing Song Dynasty marriage customs and ceremonial practices.

Food to try

• Kaifeng Steamed Dumplings — Delicate xiaolongbao with pork, shrimp, or vegetable filling served at traditional dim sum restaurants throughout the park, a signature local specialty.
• Maozi Tofu — A famous Kaifeng tofu dish seasoned with spices and served at dedicated stalls, representing authentic Song Dynasty vegetarian cuisine.
• Dongjing Noodles — Hand-pulled wheat noodles served in savory broths with traditional toppings, recreating medieval dining experiences from the Song period.
• Sesame Seed Cakes — Crispy pastries topped with sesame seeds sold by street vendors, a popular Song Dynasty street food still prepared with traditional methods.
• Rice Wine Tasting — Sample traditional huangjiu (yellow rice wine) in period teahouses, experiencing the beverages that were central to Song Dynasty social gatherings.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress in Period Clothing — Consider renting traditional Song Dynasty clothing or costumes available at park entrances to enhance immersion and photo opportunities.
• Visit During Qingming Festival — Plan your visit around the actual Qingming Festival (April 4-6) when the park hosts special celebrations and reenactments most closely aligned with the historical painting.
• Respect Performance Schedules — Check the daily performance schedule at the entrance and plan your route accordingly, as shows occur at specific times and locations throughout the park.
• Learn Basic Historical Context — Familiarize yourself with the famous 'Along the River During Qingming Festival' painting and the Song Dynasty era beforehand to better appreciate the park's design and recreations.