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Henan Province, also known as Zhongyuan, is located in central China and is one of the most historically and culturally rich provinces in the country. Henan occupies an area of 167,000 km², which includes a large part of the fertile North China Plain, and has a population of approximately 94 million individuals, ranking as the third most populous Chinese province. The Yellow River, one of the most important rivers of China, passes through the province. Despite its rich historical and cultural significance, Henan is currently one of the least developed provinces in China.

Capital of Henan

Zhengzhou serves as the capital of Henan. The city, which encompasses an area of 7,507 km2, is located just north of the center of Henan and slightly south of the Yellow River. In addition to serving as the political capital, Zhengzhou is also the economic, educational, and technological hub of Henan, and is one of China’s Nine National Central Cities. The city is situated in the transition zone between the Song Mountains to the west and the North China Plain to the east. Zhengzhou experiences a humid sub-tropical climate.

Demographics of Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou has an estimated population of 10,120,000, and is subdivided into 6 urban districts, 5 county-level cities, and 1 county. The Han people comprise the vast majority of the city’s population, and the Hui people form the largest minority population.

History of Zhengzhou

Archeological evidence indicates the presence of a large settlement in the area of modern Zhengzhou during the rule of the Shang dynasty. However, the city soon became abandoned, but was later part of a fief of the Guan family. In AD 587, the settlement became the seat of prefectural administration and was first named Guangzhou. In 605, the name Zhengzhou was introduced, and has been used ever since. During the reign of the Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties, Zhengzhou underwent rapid growth and development. After the Song dynasty shifted its capital from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng, the city lost much of its importance. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, Zhengzhou became a major rail junction and a regional center of agricultural produce. Zhengzhou later became the capital of Henan, a province in modern-day China, following the formation of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Economy of Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou is a rapidly developing city with the potential to become one of China’s biggest economic centers. Given its location in one of the country’s most densely populated areas and its well-connected transport network, Zhengzhou is a political capital as well as a regional economic hub. In recent decades, both foreign and domestic investments in Zhengzhou have increased. The surrounding fertile land makes the city a major food producing hub in China, with crops that include apples, maize, cotton, wheat, and watermelons. Additionally, large reserves of coal and other minerals exist in the areas surrounding the city. Zhengzhou has growing manufacturing and textile industries, as well as emerging biotechnology and high-tech companies.