Henan,which locates in the central part of china,lies in the middle-lower reaches of the Yellow River. The name of the province Henan comes from its geographic situation,it means 'the south of the Yellow River'.In the remote past, China was divided into nine geographical regions, and Henan was called the "Central Region" or "Central Plain" because it was situated in the middle of the nine regions. Henan is considered the cradle of Chinese civilization due to its location on the Yellow River.
Map of Henan province
Ethnic groups Henan is not a very big province,but it has the largest population in china.Its nationality mainly including Han, Hui, Mongolia, and Manchu,and Han is the most.
Climate Henan has a continental monsoon climate ,with hot, rainy summers, dry, inclement winters and windy springs,and it bakes in strong sunlight during the autumn months. It has a mean temperature of 13oC-15oC, increasing from north to south.
Cities and highlights As the provincial capital,Zhengzhou is the largest city in Henan and a vital transportation hub of China because of important position. Shaolin Temple situated at the foot of Mt. Song is the cradle of Shaolin Kong Fu(martial art),it's not far from Zhenzhou.One of the four Academies of Classical Learning in chinese history,Songyang Shuyuan, gives a complete depiction of Chinese ancient education.
Shaolin Temple in Mt.Song
Luoyang,the start point of "the Silk Road",one of the seven ancient capital cities in China's history,served as the capital city for 13 different dynasties . Longmen Grottoes, famous for its grand treasure trove of Chinese Buddhist statues, are located 12km south of Luoyang.The White Horse Temple is the first temple that has been built in china.Luoyang is recognized as the Capital of Poems for its abundance in literati and the Capital of Flowers for its typical flower peony.
Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang
The White Horse Temple in Luoyang
Kaifeng,known as one of the six major centers of ancient Chinese civilization,are ruins of the Shang Dynasty, an important part of human cultural and historic heritage.Iron Pagoda ,Dragon Pavilion and Xiangguo Temple are places worthy of visiting.
Great Taste Liyu Beimian (Carp Covered with Baked Noodles in Sweet and Sour Sauce), Luoyang Shuixi (Feast Characterized by Its Soup in Luoyang Style) are favorite by local people.Besides,there are still many kinds of noodles visitors may have a try!
