Henan

Shang-Orakelknochen excerpt adjusted for contrast

Mural Painting of a Banquet Scene from Han Tomb in Tahut'ing

Luoyang - Boddhisatvas at Longmen Grotto

View near Caizhai, Xiping, Zhumadian

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Henan is a province located in the central part of the People's Republic of China. It is often referred to as the cradle of Chinese civilization due to its historical significance as a cultural, political, and economic center throughout various periods in China's history. Henan is bordered by the provinces of Shanxi to the north, Hebei to the northeast, Shandong to the east, Anhui to the southeast, Hubei to the south, Shaanxi to the west, and Jiangsu to the east across the Yellow River which runs through the province from west to east.

Geography

Henan, with its capital at Zhengzhou, covers an area of approximately 167,000 square kilometers. It features a diverse landscape that includes portions of the Yellow River plains, the Taihang Mountains, and the Funiu Mountain range. The province experiences a continental monsoon climate with distinct seasons, including hot summers and cold winters.

History

Henan's history is among the richest in China. It was the heartland of ancient Chinese civilization, with several of the earliest dynasties, including the Shang and Zhou, establishing their capitals in the region. The province is home to numerous historical sites, such as the Yinxu ruins, the ancient city of Luoyang, and the Shaolin Temple, known for its association with Chinese martial arts and Zen Buddhism.

Economy

The economy of Henan is one of the largest among the provinces of China. It is highly diversified, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Henan is a leading producer of grains, cotton, and oilseeds in China. The province also has a robust industrial sector, with industries such as textiles, coal, machinery, and electronics playing vital roles. Zhengzhou has emerged as a major logistics hub, partly due to its central location in China.

Demographics

Henan is the most populous province in China, with a population exceeding 95 million people. The majority of the population is of the Han Chinese ethnicity, with a small number of ethnic minorities. Mandarin Chinese is the predominant language, and the province has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, opera, and cuisine.

Culture

Henan's cultural heritage is profound, with the province being a significant center for Chinese opera, such as the Yuju Opera, and traditional Chinese music. The province is also known for its martial arts heritage, particularly the Shaolin style of kung fu. Henan cuisine, characterized by its use of wheat-based staples and a wide variety of cooking techniques, is an essential part of China's culinary tradition.

Tourism

The province is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its historical sites, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty. Key attractions include the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of statues of Buddha and his disciples carved into the limestone cliffs, and the Songshan Mountain, one of the five sacred mountains in China.

Administration

Henan is divided into 17 prefecture-level divisions: 12 cities and 5 prefecture-level cities. Each of these is further divided into counties, county-level cities, and districts. Zhengzhou serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the province.