Longting Park (Dragon Pavilion, 龙亭公园) is a national AAAA-rated scenic area in Kaifeng, Henan, built on the former imperial palace grounds of the Northern Song and several earlier dynasties. Its centerpiece, the Dragon Pavilion, is a Qing-era palace hall set atop a roughly 13-meter blue-brick terrace reached by 72 steps — despite the name, it is a grand hall rather than a pavilion. Framed by the twin Panjia and Yangjia lakes, the garden-style park pairs the old capital's imperial history with scenic waterside landscapes.
The Dragon Pavilion hall crowning a blue-brick terrace via 72 steps — the park's symbol, on the Northern Song palace foundations
Two encircling lakes, Panjia (潘家湖) and Yangjia (杨家湖), giving the park a water-wrapped, classical-garden setting
A walk along the restored palace axis: the Wumen Gate, Jade Belt Bridge, Chaomen Gate and spirit wall
Main venue of the annual Kaifeng Chrysanthemum Cultural Festival (mid-Oct to mid-Nov), showcasing 100+ varieties
Song Dynasty–themed daytime and evening performances and lighting, with extended night hours during the festival
Good to know
CautionAvoid unlicensed 'black taxis' touting outside the train station and park gate. Use metered cabs or the DiDi (滴滴) app, and confirm the meter is running before you set off.
CautionBe wary of friendly strangers inviting you to a 'traditional tea tasting' or leading you to a specific shop. Teahouse scams with sky-high bills are reported around Chinese tourist sites.
RulesChinese scenic areas commonly require real-name, passport-based booking and entry. Foreign visitors should carry their original passport and check the latest online pre-reservation requirements.
SeasonDuring the Chrysanthemum Festival (roughly mid-Oct to mid-Nov), crowds surge and floating (variable) pricing plus extended night opening may apply. Reconfirm fares and hours before visiting.
SafetyReaching the Dragon Pavilion means climbing 72 steps up a tall terrace. Take care with young children, elderly visitors, and slippery stone in rain; summer offers little shade, so prepare for heat and sun.
MannersDo not touch or step on the chrysanthemum displays or heritage structures, and stay out of flowerbeds for photos. Keep orderly during performances.
Practical info
Opening hours vary by peak/off-peak season and whether a festival is on (broadly morning to evening, with extended night hours during the Chrysanthemum Festival), and ticket prices differ by period. Children under 1.2 m and seniors 70+ may enter free or at a discount. Always reconfirm fares, hours and reservation rules via official channels just before your visit. Location: Longting District, Kaifeng City, Henan.
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