Henan Travel Guide

Situated at the central part of the country, Henan covers an area of more than 167,000 square kilometers (64,479 square miles). Yu is the shortened form of Henan Province, with Zhengzhou as the provincial capital. It ranks first in the production of wheat, beef, and fiber crops. It is one of the most important railway hubs in China, with its capital Zhengzhou as the junction, the largest in China. Traditionally it is regarded as the cradle of Chinese civilization.

Henan province has a long history and a developed culture. Henan (literally means South of the River) gets its name from its geographic characteristic-the greater part of the province is lying south of the Yellow River. Northern Henan, along the Yellow River, was the core area of ancient China for at least the first half of Chinese history. The two cities of Luoyang and Kaifeng each served as the capital city of a long list of dynasties. During the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), Kaifeng was not only the political, economic and cultural center, but also one of the most prosperous international capitals.

The province is divided geographically into two parts: rugged mountains in the west and rich agricultural land in the eastern and central areas. There are four major rivers in the province: Yellow River, Sha River, Huai River and the Wei River, and there are no significant lakes. The Yellow River cuts across the northern part of the province and the southwestern portion is part of the Yangtze River Basin.

With most rainfall in summer, Henan has the temperate climate advantages of both the south and the north with annual average temperature of 13 - 15 degrees Celsius (55.4 - 59 degrees Fahrenheit). Extending from the temperate zone to the subtropical zone, Henan enjoys not only the continental monsoon climate but also humid and semi humid climate. Different climates provide good conditions for plants and animals growing.

Henan, holding a very important position in Chinese history, abounds in tourist resources. The places of interest include Songshan Mountain, Jigong Mountain, and the Imperial Mausoleum of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770 - 256 BC), the White Horse Temple and the Longmen Grotto in Luoyang, Kaifeng Fu, Shaolin Temple and the Zhongyue Temple. Especially, as a renowned historic city, Luoyang was once the capital of 13 dynasties. It is recognized as the Capital of Poems for its abundance in literati and the Capital of Flowers for its typical flower peony.

 Recommended Henan Tour Itinerary: 
China Tour with Luoyang: 10-Day of Beijing - Xian - Luoyang (Shaolin Temple) - Shanghai