The Cradle of Chinese Civilization
Henan Province (河南省) lies in central China and is often regarded as the birthplace of Chinese civilization. Home to ancient capitals, the Yellow River, and legendary dynasties, Henan has played a key role in China’s historical, cultural, and agricultural development. Today, it is one of China’s most populous provinces and a hub for manufacturing, logistics, and tourism.
Formation and Historical Background
- The name “Henan” means “south of the river”, referring to its location relative to the Yellow River (Huang He).
- Historically home to ancient capitals like Luoyang, Kaifeng, and Anyang.
- Origin of the Shang Dynasty, and key site of oracle bone script, the earliest known Chinese writing.
- Central in multiple dynastic eras including the Han, Tang, and Song.
- Site of numerous battles, revolutions, and cultural renaissances.
Administrative Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Province Name | Henan Province (河南省) |
| Provincial Capital | Zhengzhou (郑州市) |
| Location | Central China |
| Total Area | Approx. 167,000 sq. km |
| Population | Over 98 million (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone | China Standard Time (UTC+8) |
| Abbreviation | 豫 (Yù) |
| ISO Code | CN-HA |
Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2024) |
|---|---|
| Party Secretary | Lou Yangsheng (楼阳生) |
| Governor | Wang Kai (王凯) |
| Provincial Legislature | Henan Provincial People’s Congress |
| Administrative Body | Henan Provincial People’s Government |
Administrative Divisions of Henan Province
Henan has 17 prefecture-level cities and 1 sub-provincial city, further divided into districts, counties, and county-level cities.
- Zhengzhou (郑州市) – Provincial Capital
- Districts: Zhongyuan (中原区), Erqi (二七区), Guancheng (管城区), Jinshui (金水区), Shangjie (上街区), Huiji (惠济区)
- Counties: Zhongmu (中牟县)
- County-level Cities: Xingyang (荥阳市), Xinmi (新密市), Xinzheng (新郑市), Dengfeng (登封市)
- Kaifeng (开封市)
- Districts: Longting (龙亭区), Shunhe (顺河回族区), Gulou (鼓楼区), Yuwangtai (禹王台区), Xiangfu (祥符区)
- Counties: Weishi (尉氏县), Tongxu (通许县), Kaifeng County (开封县), Lankao (兰考县)
- Luoyang (洛阳市)
- Districts: Xigong (西工区), Laocheng (老城区), Jianxi (涧西区), Chanhe (瀍河回族区), Luolong (洛龙区), Yanshi (偃师区)
- Counties: Mengjin (孟津县), Xin’an (新安县), Luoning (洛宁县), Yiyang (宜阳县), Yichuan (伊川县), Songxian (嵩县), Ruyang (汝阳县), Luanchuan (栾川县)
- Pingdingshan (平顶山市)
- Districts: Xinhua (新华区), Weidong (卫东区), Zhanhe (湛河区), Shilong (石龙区)
- Counties: Baofeng (宝丰县), Ye (叶县), Lushan (鲁山县), Jiaxian (郏县)
- County-level City: Ruzhou (汝州市), Wugang (舞钢市)
- Anyang (安阳市)
- Districts: Wenfeng (文峰区), Beiguan (北关区), Yindu (殷都区), Long’an (龙安区)
- Counties: Anyang (安阳县), Tangyin (汤阴县), Hua (滑县), Neihuang (内黄县)
- County-level City: Linzhou (林州市)
- Hebi (鹤壁市)
- Districts: Heshan (鹤山区), Shancheng (山城区), Qibin (淇滨区)
- County: Xun (浚县), Qi (淇县)
- Xinxiang (新乡市)
- Districts: Weicheng (卫滨区), Hongqi (红旗区), Fengquan (凤泉区), Muye (牧野区)
- Counties: Xinxiang (新乡县), Huojia (获嘉县), Yuanyang (原阳县), Fengqiu (封丘县), Changyuan (长垣市), Yanjin (延津县)
- County-level Cities: Weihui (卫辉市), Huixian (辉县市)
- Jiaozuo (焦作市)
- Districts: Jiefang (解放区), Zhongzhan (中站区), Macun (马村区), Shanyang (山阳区)
- Counties: Xiuwu (修武县), Wuzhi (武陟县), Bo’ai (博爱县), Wenxian (温县)
- County-level Cities: Qinyang (沁阳市), Mengzhou (孟州市)
- Puyang (濮阳市)
- Districts: Hualong (华龙区)
- Counties: Qingfeng (清丰县), Nanle (南乐县), Fan (范县), Taiqian (台前县), Puyang (濮阳县)
- Xuchang (许昌市)
- Districts: Weidu (魏都区), Jian’an (建安区)
- Counties: Yanling (鄢陵县), Xiangcheng (襄城县)
- County-level Cities: Changge (长葛市), Yuzhou (禹州市)
- Luohe (漯河市)
- Districts: Yuanhui (源汇区), Shaoling (召陵区), Yancheng (郾城区)
- Counties: Linying (临颍县), Wuyang (舞阳县)
- Sanmenxia (三门峡市)
- Districts: Hubin (湖滨区), Shanzhou (陕州区)
- Counties: Lushi (卢氏县), Mianchi (渑池县)
- County-level Cities: Yima (义马市), Lingbao (灵宝市)
- Nanyang (南阳市)
- Districts: Wancheng (宛城区), Wolong (卧龙区)
- Counties: Deng (邓州市), Nanzhao (南召县), Fangcheng (方城县), Sheqi (社旗县), Tanghe (唐河县), Xinye (新野县), Neixiang (内乡县), Xixia (西峡县), Zhenping (镇平县), Tongbai (桐柏县)
- County-level City: Dengzhou (邓州市)
- Shangqiu (商丘市)
- Districts: Liangyuan (梁园区), Suiyang (睢阳区)
- Counties: Ningling (宁陵县), Sui (睢县), Minquan (民权县), Yucheng (虞城县), Xiayi (夏邑县), Zhecheng (柘城县)
- County-level City: Yongcheng (永城市)
- Xinyang (信阳市)
- Districts: Shihe (浉河区), Pingqiao (平桥区)
- Counties: Luoshan (罗山县), Guangshan (光山县), Xinxian (新县), Shangcheng (商城县), Gushi (固始县), Huaibin (淮滨县), Xi (息县)
- Zhoukou (周口市)
- Districts: Chuanhui (川汇区)
- Counties: Fugou (扶沟县), Xihua (西华县), Shangshui (商水县), Shenqiu (沈丘县), Dancheng (郸城县), Huaiyang (淮阳区), Taikang (太康县), Luyi (鹿邑县)
- County-level Cities: Xiangcheng (项城市)
- Zhumadian (驻马店市)
- Districts: Yicheng (驿城区)
- Counties: Suiping (遂平县), Xiping (西平县), Pingyu (平舆县), Zhengyang (正阳县), Biyang (泌阳县), Queshan (确山县), Runan (汝南县), Shangcai (上蔡县), New Cai (新蔡县)
- Jiyuan Demonstration Zone (济源示范区) – Sub-provincial city directly under provincial control
Summary:
| Level | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prefecture-level Cities | 17 + 1 sub-provincial |
| County-level Divisions | 160+ |
| Township-level Divisions | 2,300+ |
Local Government Structure
- Henan’s cities and counties are governed by People’s Governments and Municipal Party Committees.
- Rural administration is robust, with township offices and village committees.
- Jiyuan operates directly under the provincial administration as a demonstration zone.
Leadership & Governance
- Henan’s government prioritizes:
- Poverty alleviation and rural revitalization
- Industrial transformation
- Historical and cultural heritage protection
- Xinyang, Luoyang, and Kaifeng are cultural heritage hubs with governance for preservation and promotion.
Law Enforcement & Safety
- Managed by the Henan Provincial Public Security Department
- Emphasis on:
- Railway and rural safety
- Disaster response (especially flood zones near Yellow River)
- Emergency Numbers:
- 110 – Police
- 119 – Fire
- 120 – Ambulance
Economy & Industry
- Henan is a major agricultural producer:
- Wheat, maize, cotton, tobacco
- Major Industries:
- Food processing, textiles, heavy machinery, automotive, logistics
- Luoyang and Zhengzhou are tech and industrial hubs.
- GDP Growth (2023): Approx. 5.2%, among central China’s strongest
Education & Institutions
- Major Universities:
- Zhengzhou University (国家“双一流”重点建设高校)
- Henan University (Kaifeng)
- Henan Normal University
- Strong in medical, agricultural, and engineering disciplines
Healthcare
- Top Hospitals:
- Henan Provincial People’s Hospital
- First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University
- Luoyang Central Hospital
- Regional medical centers extend to rural townships
Transport & Connectivity
- High-speed rail: Beijing–Guangzhou, Zhengzhou–Xi’an, Zhengzhou–Hangzhou
- Airports:
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport
- Road & Logistics:
- Zhengzhou is a national logistics hub, part of China-Europe freight rail link
Tourism & Attractions
- Shaolin Temple – cradle of Chinese Kung Fu
- Longmen Grottoes – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Ancient City of Kaifeng, White Horse Temple (Baima Si)
- Yellow River Scenic Areas
- Red Tourism sites in Nanyang and Xinyang
Culture & Lifestyle
- Birthplace of:
- Oracle Bone Script
- Traditional Chinese opera styles like Yu Opera
- Cuisine:
- Stewed noodles, Kaifeng dumplings, spicy soups
- Traditional festivals, folk art, and martial arts are deeply embedded
Summary
Henan Province is not only the heartland of Chinese civilization but also a modern economic engine in Central China. From ancient capitals and Shaolin monks to industrial zones and smart cities, Henan blends timeless history with dynamic progress.