Kaifeng is an ancient walled city south of the Yellow River, in the Henan providence. This city is one of the main cities of ancient Chinese civilization, know as “the capital of seven dynasties”. This area was where some of the earliest Chinese settlements were constructed. Kaifeng was the capital city of seven dynasties beginning with the Kingdom of Wei (475-331 B.C.) Then followed by the Northern Song Dynasty (960 a.d.-1126 A.D.), Lin, Hang, Zhou and Jin dynasties. During the Song Dynast (960-1137) this city was at its height. The population reached almost 700,000 people, confirming that it was a very popular and powerful city. Inside the city walls, the Imperial City is protected by the “Red Phoenix Gate”
There is a historical Jewish center in the western part of the city. Many Jewish merchants settled after trading along the Silk Road, beginning sometime around the 8th century. Today, there are many religious relics of both cultures in the Kaifeng Municipal Museum. There was a large synagogue built in the 12th century, which unfortunately was destroyed by a flood in the late 1800’s.
Xiangguo Temple
This Buddhist Temple was built in 555 A.D. The monastery was home to thousands of monks and there is a treasury with ancient Buddhist artifacts.
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