Kaifeng’s Cultural Renaissance Thrills SCO Delegates

Delegates from over 20 countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Egypt, and Nepal, visited Kaifeng during the SCO Media and Think Tank Summit held in Henan Province. The summit, themed “Upholding the ‘Shanghai Spirit’ to Build a More Beautiful Home,” made Kaifeng a key stop.

Located along the Yellow River, Kaifeng has over 4,100 years of urban history and was the capital of eight dynasties. During the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127), it thrived as a major political and cultural hub for 168 years.

Millennium City Park (Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden) was a major highlight. The park recreates scenes from Along the River During Qingming Festival, featuring 200+ Song-style buildings, 800 performers in costume, 100+ daily shows, and 20+ traditional crafts like Bian embroidery, woodblock paintings, and porcelain. The 98.8-acre park blends restored scenes, cultural performances, and interactive tech to bring the era to life.

“This is my first visit to Kaifeng. Its beauty transports me through time to the Northern Song Dynasty’s glorious heyday,” said Nikita Kornev, Executive Director, Ural Federal University, Russia.

Song culture still shapes everyday life in Kaifeng. From historic landmarks to Yuju opera, tea culture, and students reciting poetry, the city preserves its legacy through daily routines.

Delegates also visited Lankao County, known for its afforestation movement led by Jiao Yulu over 60 years ago. His efforts to combat sandstorms with paulownia trees restored the ecosystem and inspired modern development.

“I was profoundly impressed by China’s achievements in poverty alleviation,” said Ahmed Hassan Ahmed Mohamed Moustafa, Director of the Asia Center for Studies and Translation. He noted that Lankao’s success could serve as a model in his country.

Today, paulownia wood supports Lankao’s traditional instrument industry, producing guzheng zithers, pipa lutes, and more for markets across China and beyond.

Kaifeng continues to thrive as a living link between history and modern innovation — a place where ancient culture and resilience meet progress.