Kaifeng Prefecture (Kaifeng Fu)

Kaifeng Prefecture, called Kaifeng Fu, is a reconstruction of the Song dynasty magistrate's office on Bao Gong East Road in the Kaifeng Old City, Henan province. It is associated with Judge Bao Zheng, also called Bao Gong, an official of the Northern Song era who became a folk hero in Chinese storytelling, opera and television for his fairness and refusal to bend to the powerful. The complex is built as a working government compound, with a large ceremonial gate, a main courtroom, side halls, offices, and a series of courtyards that reflect how a Song prefecture functioned. Visitors see the central hall where cases were heard, with a raised judge's bench, inscribed tablets and the symbolic execution devices used in dramatised trials, along with exhibits about Bao Zheng's life and legal legacy. The main attraction is the staged court re-enactments held at fixed times in the morning and afternoon, in which costumed actors perform judgement scenes, often with dramatic dialogue and audience participation. These shows are lively and popular with Chinese tour groups. Around them, visitors can walk through gardens, view displays of Song governance, and look at the ornate roofs and painted beams. A visit takes one and a half to two hours, and timing arrival to catch at least one show gives the best experience. Weekends and holidays are crowded, and seats near the stage fill early. Photography is generally allowed in the courtyards and during shows, though flash is discouraged. The site is a modern reconstruction and is best treated as cultural theatre rather than an original historical building. It is a ten-minute walk from the Drum Tower, and Didi from Kaifeng Station costs about ¥15. It combines well with Dragon Pavilion Park and the night markets in the same district.