Henan province, largely situated south of the Yellow River, derives its name from its geographic location, translating literally to "South of the River." It is one of the earliest inhabited areas in China and historically formed the center of the nine ancient prefectures, thus serving as a pivotal political and cultural hub in ancient China. Today, Henan ranks among the most densely populated provinces in China.
Henan is geographically defined by mountains and rivers that act as natural barriers to the west, northwest, and south, while opening eastward onto the vast plains that provide excellent conditions for agriculture, particularly grain cultivation.
Significantly, Zhengzhou serves as a crucial junction for two major railway lines: the Beijing-Guangzhou line and the Shanghai-Urumqi line. This convergence has fueled industrialization and economic development in the region.
Zhengzhou is the capital of Henan province, located approximately 20 kilometers south of the Yellow River. The modern city of Zhengzhou has a history dating back thousands of years. As early as the Neolithic period, the area of present-day Zhengzhou and its surroundings was inhabited by people with a highly developed culture, dating back to around 7500 BC.
Archaeologists have also discovered a Bronze Age city (16th century BC) within the city limits of Zhengzhou, which was a fortified capital of the Shang Dynasty. The Shang site of Zhengzhou has been listed as a national monument of the People's Republic of China since 1961.
Zhengzhou serves as a convenient starting point for visiting the Shaolin Monastery. Several tour buses depart from the main train station heading towards the Shaolin Monastery and Mount Song. From the Shaolin Monastery, visitors can take various bus routes to Luoyang.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport is located 37 kilometers outside the city of Zhengzhou and is serviced by all major cities in China. In recent years, the airport has seen a rapid increase in passenger numbers and is continuously being expanded. A quick and easy train connection to the city has been established, which also integrates the high-speed rail network, buses, and the metro.
Luoyang Beijiao Airport is located 13 kilometers north of the city center of Luoyang. Various bus lines offer a comfortable connection between the airport and the city.
