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 concludes 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.

Important: Even if you complete the Chapter One questline early, Kaifeng does not unlock unless you are Level 32 or above.

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 Defeat Qianye (Mandatory for Kaifeng Access)

Before you can travel to Kaifeng, you must defeat Qianye, the final boss of Chapter One. This fight is significantly more challenging than previous encounters and often stops players from progressing.

Phase 1 – Learn Her Scythe Rhythm

Qianye uses wide sweeping attacks with long reach. During the early phase, you should:

Dodge sideways instead of backward
Strike in short combo windows
Build Spirit safely for defensive skills

This phase focuses on movement and spacing.

Phase 2 – Burst Attacks & Learning Parry Timing

The second half of the fight is where most players struggle. Qianye becomes faster and gains:

Multi-hit scythe chains
A delayed overhead strike
Faster lunges with extended hitboxes

To survive:

Prioritize parrying her heavy strikes
Heal early rather than waiting for low HP
Avoid long combos unless she has just finished an animation

Recommended Preparation Before the Fight

Upgrade your gear at least once or twice
Carry multiple medicine items
Raise defensive stats via meridian progression
Equip Melodies of Peace from Qi Sheng for bonus survivability

Defeating Qianye completes Chapter One and unlocks the route to the Qinghe dockmaster.

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 as:

New Arrival in Kaifeng
New Guest in Kaifeng

This quest is the only way to enter Kaifeng for the first time.

Set it as your tracked quest to ensure 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 with the main quest icon will be waiting once the quest activates.

Step 2 — Speak to the Boatman

Choose the dialogue option to sail to Kaifeng.
If you decline, you can return later — the option remains available.

Step 3 — Board the Boat

A cutscene plays as the journey begins. You cannot skip this by gliding, teleporting, or swimming into the region.

Step 4 — Arrive at Kaifeng Dock

When the cutscene ends, you’ll be standing on the Kaifeng docks.
This officially unlocks the region on your world map.

First Steps in Kaifeng: What the Opening Quest Includes

Arriving at the dock doesn’t grant full freedom right away. You must complete several guided objectives across the southern part of the region.

1. Leave the Dock and Ride to Wheatwind Bazaar

Travel inland to the market, encounter scammers, and fight thugs during your first city conflict.

2. Follow Yingying and Resolve the Inn Debt

You’ll debate a waiter, hand over your Parting Tears wine as collateral, and follow instructions to earn money quickly.

3. Buy and Sell 20 Bags of Grain

Purchase grain from a traveling merchant, follow Old Jin, and sell it for profit to recover your wine.

4. Enter Kaifeng City Proper

Following Little Fu, travel to the South Gate and experience a major cutscene that introduces Kaifeng’s political tension.

5. Confront Government Guards

A sudden inspection escalates into a battle. Win the fight to proceed.

6. Escape with Big Zhao

Follow him while crouching to avoid patrols.
Completing this section unlocks:

Kaifeng City as a full 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