Kaifeng is one of the major regions in Where Winds Meet, but unlike the open fields of Qinghe, this area only becomes accessible once you’ve advanced far enough into the main storyline. New players often try to glide across the border or swim their way in, only to be pushed back by an invisible wall. The game intentionally locks Kaifeng until very specific requirements are met.

How to Get to Kaifeng in Where Winds Meet: Requirements, Unlock Steps & Travel Guide

Kaifeng Unlock Requirements

Kaifeng cannot be entered freely—it is tied directly to two conditions:

1. Complete Chapter One: Heaven Has No Pier

You must finish the full Chapter One storyline, including the “For Whom Does He Return” sequence and the boss fight that caps the chapter.

Attempting to cross the regional border before this will automatically teleport you back.

2. Reach Level 32

After launch, the developers added a level requirement. You must be Level 32 or higher to begin the Kaifeng storyline and board the boat to the new region.

Note: New accounts also have a temporary level cap during the first few days, so reaching Kaifeng is impossible until that cap lifts.

Once both conditions are met, the next chapter automatically unlocks in your quest log.

How to Begin the Kaifeng Story Quest

After completing Chapter One and reaching Level 32, the game introduces the first quest of Chapter Two. It appears in your journal under titles such as “New Arrival in Kaifeng” or “New Guest in Kaifeng.”

This quest is the gateway to the region—there is no other way to enter Kaifeng for the first time.

Make sure the quest is set as tracked so markers appear on the map.

How to Travel from Qinghe to Kaifeng

Unlike most open-world travel in the game, your first trip to Kaifeng happens through a story-controlled boat journey.

Step 1 — Go to the Dock in Qinghe

Head to the docks near Blissful Retreat or Harvestfall Village. A boatman marked with the main quest icon will be waiting once the quest is active.

Step 2 — Speak to the Boatman

Select the dialogue option to leave for Kaifeng.

If you aren’t ready, you can decline and return later—once unlocked, the option stays available.

Step 3 — Board the Boat

After confirming, a cutscene begins. This boat sequence cannot be skipped by traveling manually—you must sail through the story.

Step 4 — Arrive at Kaifeng Dock

When the cutscene ends, you’ll be standing at the Kaifeng dock.

This officially unlocks the Kaifeng region on your world map.

First Steps in Kaifeng: What the Opening Quest Includes

Arriving at the dock doesn’t grant full freedom immediately. You must progress through several introductory objectives that guide you through the southern portion of the region and slowly introduce Kaifeng City.

Here’s what happens next.

1. Leave the Dock and Ride to Wheatwind Bazaar

You’ll ride inland toward the bustling market area. Here you’ll discover your first con artists, encounter a Treasure Basin scam, and defeat a group of thugs.

2. Follow Yingying and Deal with the Inn Debt

A local girl named Yingying offers to “help” you, but eventually sticks you with a meal bill.
To resolve it, you’ll need to:

Debate the waiter using the discussion mechanic
Leave your Parting Tears wine as collateral
Follow a tip to earn money quickly

3. Buy and Sell 20 Bags of Grain

You’ll buy grain from a traveling merchant, then follow Old Jin to a buyer.
This short trading segment gives you enough profit to repay the inn and reclaim your wine.

4. Enter Kaifeng City Proper

Following Little Fu, you’ll travel toward the South Gate.
A major cutscene introduces the harsh realities of Kaifeng, contrasting the glamorous city with its grim underbelly.

5. Confront Government Guards

A group of guards inspects the crowd for banned Tang Coins.
The situation escalates into a forced fight, which you must win to proceed.

6. Escape and Complete the Quest

Crouch and follow Big Zhao to avoid additional patrols.
Your escape concludes the introductory Kaifeng quest, unlocking:

Kaifeng City as a fully accessible hub
Echo Jade
Coins and EXP
Kaifeng Exploration progress

What Kaifeng Unlocks for Your Character

Entering Kaifeng opens up a large new region filled with storylines, characters, and exploration opportunities.

You gain access to:

Kaifeng City, a major story hub
New subregions, starting with the southern province
Merchants and markets with unique items and professions
Mystic Arts and martial arts styles only obtainable in Kaifeng
New side quests, Sentient Being encounters, and exploration rewards

Some northern areas remain locked until later story progression and around level 50, but the core city opens immediately after finishing the introductory quest.

Things to Do Before Unlocking Kaifeng

Upgrade your gear before finishing Chapter One—the final boss is tough.
Stock up on healing items and enhance your Medicine Chest.
Unlock useful skills such as Cloud Steps and Meridian Touch to make the journey easier.
Don’t try to reach Kaifeng early—the border forcibly turns you back until the story allows entry.

Once you complete Chapter One, reach Level 32, and sail from the Qinghe docks, the world of Kaifeng opens naturally through story progression. Play Now!

Read More:

How to Get to Kaifeng in Where Winds Meet: Requirements, Unlock Steps & Travel Guide

Kaifeng Unlock Requirements