The City of Kaifeng, Henan, China

12. Kaifeng Temple Palace Pool

Kaifeng is located in eastern Henan Province, a few kilometers south of the Yellow River and east of the provincial capital, Zhengzhou. Unlike most other Chinese cities, its population has increased little in recent decades (from 280,000 in 1923 to about 340,000 in 1989). Kaifeng is known for its fine silks and embroidery work. It is also a commercial center serving the Hubei Plains region to the east. New industry has been developed here since 1949, including electrical, chemical, and agricultural machinery plants, and flour and edible oil processing mills. Winters in Kaifeng are cold and dry, while summers are hot and wet. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit.