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Kaifeng Travel Resources

Kaifeng Travel Resources

Kaifeng Henan, China Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for Your Destination

  • WeChat (微信)

    Absolutely required for messaging, social media, and mobile payments. China's super-app.

  • Alipay (支付宝)

    Another widely used mobile payment platform. Many vendors accept both WeChat Pay and Alipay.

  • Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行)

    The dominant ride-hailing app, helpful for taxis and private cars.

  • Baidu Maps (百度地图) / Gaode Maps

    These are the most accurate local navigation apps for walking, driving, and public transport.

  • Pleco / Google Translate

    Translation tools. Download offline language packs for Google Translate. Pleco is an excellent Chinese dictionary.

VPN & Planning Apps

  • VPN App

    Access many international websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) blocked by China's "Great Firewall." Download and set this up Before you arrive.

  • Trip.com (Ctrip)

    A reliable platform for booking flights, hotels, and train tickets within China.

  • Official Tourism Websites

    Search for official Henan or Kaifeng tourism websites for updated information on attractions and events.

  • Travel Blogs

    Many travel blogs focus on China or Henan Province. They offer personal insights and practical tips.

  • Offline Maps

    Download map data for offline use when internet access is unavailable.

Further Digital Content

Local Social Media

Many local tourism boards and attractions maintain accounts on WeChat.

Cultural Podcasts

Search for podcasts or documentaries about Song Dynasty history or broader Chinese culture. These sources of information provide context.

Traveler Forums

Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Forum (China section) and Reddit r/ChinaTravel for questions and advice.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

  • Lonely Planet China or A Popular series of travel guidebooks China: The overall context for China travel, culture, language.
  • Local Paper Maps: Available at tourist information centers or hotels, though digital maps are often more current.
  • Phrasebooks: Compact language guides for basic communication.
  • Historical Atlases: Visualize dynastic changes and Kaifeng's place in history.

Books About Kaifeng History, Culture, Fiction

  • "A History of Chinese Civilization" by Jacques Gernet: Historical context for Song Dynasty.
  • "Daily Life in Ancient China" by Norman F. Carver: Insights into everyday life during the Song Dynasty.
  • Historical fiction or academic texts related to the Song Dynasty for a deep dive.
  • Local Folktales: Explore Kaifeng's legends and traditional stories.

Local Publications

Newspapers

  • Kaifeng Daily
  • Henan Daily
  • Local event flyers
  • Tourist magazines

Brochures

  • Attraction pamphlets
  • Museum guides
  • Restaurant menus
  • Shopping directories

Cultural Journals

  • Local history magazines
  • Art exhibition catalogs
  • Cultural event programs
  • Academic papers on Song culture

Emergency & Medical Information

Critical Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 110
  • Ambulance: 120
  • Fire: 119
  • Tourist Complaint Hotline: 12301

Hospital Locations

  • Kaifeng First People's Hospital (开封市第一人民医院)
  • Kaifeng Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (开封市中医院)
  • Specialized care: Consider clinics in Zhengzhou.
  • Emergency Clinics: For minor urgent care.

Lost Document Procedures

  • Report to Police: Dial 110 immediately. Obtain a police report.
  • Contact Embassy/Consulate: For advice on temporary travel documents.
  • Keep Copies: Store digital and physical copies of important documents.
  • Report Theft: As needed, detail circumstances to authorities.

Disaster Protocols

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Follow instructions from local authorities.
  • Stay informed via the hotel employees or local news.
  • Hotels usually have emergency procedures in place.

Post-Event Actions

  • Seek assistance from emergency services if needed.
  • Contact family to inform them of your safety.
  • Adhere to safety advisories issued by authorities.

Travel Insurance

Coverage Recommendations

  • Travel insurance is highly recommended.
  • Coverage includes medical emergencies.
  • Lost luggage and trip cancellations are covered.

Policy Details

  • Purchase your policy before departure.
  • Keep policy particulars accessible during your trip.
  • Consider World Nomads for comprehensive travel insurance.

Further Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  1. Search for documentaries or films about the Song Dynasty.
  2. Historical documentaries deliver valuable context.
  3. Films about Chinese history or the Yellow River.
  4. Art history films focused on Song aesthetics.
  5. Travel documentaries featuring Henan province.

Music and Art

  1. Music: Explore traditional Chinese music, like performances featuring the guqin or pipa.
  2. Art: Look at Song Dynasty paintings, depicting the sophisticated culture.
  3. Calligraphy: Study ancient scripts and their cultural significance.
  4. Porcelain: Learn about Song ceramics, renowned for their beauty.
  5. Tea culture: Explore traditional tea ceremonies and their rituals.

Language Learning Resources

Duolingo

An effective app for basic Mandarin expressions and pronunciation practice.

Memrise

Utilize Memrise for vocabulary and phrase acquisition through engaging methods.

Pimsleur

Audio-based learning to develop conversational Mandarin skills.

Language Tip

Preparing for communication: Using Babbel, Duolingo, Memrise, or Pimsleur can build basic Mandarin phrases.

Digital Resources

Further Digital Content

Social Media Accounts to Follow

  • WeChat Official Accounts

    Many local tourism boards and attractions maintain accounts on WeChat for updates.

  • QR Code Scanning

    Utilize WeChat's QR code scanner to follow local businesses and services.

  • Local Hashtags

    Search for Kaifeng-related hashtags on Chinese social media for local content.

Podcasts and Digital Content About Kaifeng

  • Song Dynasty History Podcasts

    Search for podcasts or documentaries about Song Dynasty history. These resources provide context.

  • Broader Chinese Culture Content

    Explore digital content on broader Chinese culture, which enriches your visit's background.

  • Documentaries

    Look for documentaries focused on historical cities and cultural heritage in China.

Online Communities and Forums

Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Forum

The China section is a good place to ask questions and find advice from other travelers.

Reddit r/ChinaTravel

An active community for China travelers to partake in tips and experiences.

General Travel Forums

Look for broader travel communities for general China travel advice and discussions.

Language Learning Resources

App-Based Learning

  • Duolingo: Excellent for learning basic Mandarin expressions and improving pronunciation.
  • Memrise: Good for vocabulary and phrase acquisition through engaging methods.
  • Pimsleur: Audio-based programs ideal for developing conversational skills.
  • Babbel: Structured classes for practical language use. Visit Babbel.com

Additional Resources

  • Phrasebooks: Carry a compact phrasebook for quick reference in various situations.
  • Online Tutors: Consider a few sessions with a digital Mandarin tutor before your trip.
  • Chinese Dramas/Films: Exposure through media can improve listening skills.
  • Language Podcasts: Listen to Mandarin lessons or cultural podcasts to stay immersed.

Local Insights

Common Tourist Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Not With a VPN: Many essential international apps are blocked. Download and set up a VPN Before you arrive.
  • Not Using Mobile Payment: Cash is less common for many transactions. Set up WeChat Pay and Alipay with your international credit card.
  • Underestimating Language Barrier: English is not widely spoken. Have translation apps ready and learn some basic Mandarin phrases.
  • Not Bargaining (where appropriate): In markets, bargaining is expected and a part of the experience. In stores, prices are usually fixed.

Local Customs That Visitors Know

  • Politeness: Be polite and patient in engagements.
  • Elders: Show respect to elders.
  • Littering: Dispose of waste properly; public cleanliness is valued.
  • Queuing: Queuing can be less strict than in Western countries. Be prepared for people to push forward.

Language Learning

Even a few basic Mandarin phrases significantly enhance local interactions. Use apps like Babbel to prepare.

Kaifeng Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts