Dragon Pavilion Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information
Dragon Pavilion is the main part of Dragon Pavilion Park located in the northwest of Kaifeng City, where six dynasties located their capitals. The site where Dragon Pavilion is located is the site of many dynasties' imperial palaces and reached its height of prosperity in the Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127). Then, most of the constructions were destroyed through wars. In the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), the mansion of an emperor's son was established here with a garden. In the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) a hall was added, a place where the emperors' tablets were placed, thus getting the name of Dragon Pavilion.
Dragon Pavilion Park
Dragon Pavilion, together with other scenic beauties, makes up the Dragon Pavilion Park. This area is the most famous and the largest scenic spot in Kaifeng, with an area of 0.87 square kilometers (214 acres). So it is a must-see when traveling to Kaifeng.
Dragon Pavilion
Dragon Pavilion is a typical representative of the cultural and historical heritages of Kaifeng City. It is the main part of the constructions in Dragon Pavilion Park. In fact, Dragon Pavilion is a grand hall built on a 13-meter (43 feet) blue brick terrace with 72 steps.
This hall, a wooden structure built facing south, is 26.7 meters (88 feet) in height, covering 19.10 meters (63 feet) from east to west and 11.90 meters (39 feet) from south to north. It holds many rare cultural relics, and dragons playing with pearls are carved on the ceilings and walls. Dragon Pavilion is also a favorable place to overlook all the sceneries of Kaifeng City. In a word, travelers can have a visual feast here.
Lake of Family Pan and Lake of Family Yang
In front of the Dragon Pavilion is a straight road. On the east side of the road is the Lake of Family Pan, and on the west side is the Lake of Family Yang. Can you believe that Yang Lake is always clean and smooth while Pan Lake is dirty? There is an interesting story about this. Both the Pan and Yang families are renowned from the Song Dynasty. The Yang Family is famous for their loyalty, so the lake of their family is clear, while the Lake of the Pan Family is feculent due to their treachery.
Waxwork Hall
To the west of Dragon Pavilion is the Waxwork Hall, which exhibits nine groups of vivid waxworks reflecting the important events under the rules of nine emperors of the Song Dynasty. All clothing of the historic characters, even the color and style of their hats and ribbons were carefully investigated and are historically accurate. What's more, the sculptors display superior skills. The skin, hair and expressions of the waxworks are so vivid that they look like real persons. This hall certainly deserves a visit.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden, which backs to Dragon Pavilion, is a masterpiece in such kind of gardens. Junipers, arborvitaes and other plants are tied into various vivid animal shapes, plane and train models, and models of many famous scenic spots in China, such as the Iron Pagoda in Kaifeng. Visitors will be impressed by the superb pruning techniques and wisdom of the gardeners. To its west is another garden featuring various kinds of bonsai.
Kaifeng Chrysanthemum Show
Beginning every October 18, Kaifeng celebrates the month-long Chrysanthemum festival at the Dragon Pavilion Park. At that time it becomes a carnival of flowers and the best place for visitors to spend the festive season. Though it can get little chilly, it is a beautiful time to soak in the atmosphere and join in the festivities and take at the gorgeous flowers.
What to savor
When you are traveling in Kaifeng City, you may try some cuisine which adds glamour to your tour here.
- Carp with noodles, combining tender fish with thin noodles are a local specialty.
- Deep fried pork is also worth a try, its golden skin is crispy and crunchy.
- Tube chicken which gets its odd name because the slices of chicken curl into the shape of a tube after they are cooked is tasty.
- Kaifeng's meat-filled buns are famed throughout China.
- Finish off dinner with a sweet and crispy peanut cake for dessert.
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