Henan province is located in eastern central China, on the plain between the Yellow and Huaihe rivers. As most part of the province lies to the south of the Yellow River, which runs for over 700 km through its territory, it was given the name Henan (River South). Because Henan was called Yuzhou and considered as the center of China more than 2,000 years ago, the province is called Yu for short, and also referred to as Zhongzhou (Central Prefecture) and Zhongyuan (Central Plain). Neighboring Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Hubei, Anhui and Shandong provinces, Henan covers an area of 167,000 sq km.
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.
Many great people have come from Hunan Province. In ancient times, Quyuan, a patriotic poet, committed suicide by throwing himself into the Miluo River. The story of his death and the search for his body started the tradition of Dragon Boat Festival. Chairman Mao, idol of the Chinese people, was born in Shaoshan. Zhu Rongji, one of the important leaders in the country, also comes from Hunan Province. Such famous people show that Hunan is a place that has cultivated talent as well as being a destination for tourists.
The province of Henan is very rich with natural resources such as coal, gold and as well aluminium. The major national products of Henan are meat products, cement, glass, and tires. The other industries flourishing in Henan are metallurgy, petroleum products, building materials, food products, electronics and machinery. Henan has highly developed agriculture and industries. Its agricultural products of wheat, cotton, tobacco, sesame and peanut are among the most important in the whole country. Its output of coal and petroleum holds an important position in China. Henan is also famous for it's Art and Craft products. The Junci porcelain is well known for its irregular patterns and Zhenping is good in the jade carvings.
The province is divided topographically 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.
Henan Province is one of the fastest growing in China. The fertile and green land has long been a source of pride for the people who live there. However, the population growth of this little visited province might be its downfall. China-watchers wonder if the land will be able stand up to the development and the construction and pollution that come with it. Still, there are charms to be found in Henan, both in the land itself, and in the people who call it home.
Henan has 16 cities and 2 districts under its jurisdiction, and Zhengzhou is the capital. For its special regional advantages, abundant resources of agricultural and by-products, varieties of minerals, perfect facilities, glory historical culture and rapid development of economy, Henan becomes one of the most important provinces in China.
Henan is a place propitious for giving birth to great men. Tourist attractions can be seen everywhere. There are more cultural relics and historic sites in Henan than in any other province of the country. Yuelu Mountain is also a famous tourist attraction which has attractions such as the Yuelu Gongyuan (Bottom of the High Mountain Park), Yuelu Academy, Yuelu Temple, Yuele Palace, King Yu Tablet and Aiwan Pavilion (also known as Aiwan Ting which is translated as the Loving Dusk Pavilion). Zhengzhou and Luoyang are two of the major cities in Henan Province. Zhengzhou is a dusty city whose best tourist attraction is the Henan Province Museum. There are some very old and unique artifacts displayed in the museum, some dating back to Neolithic times. There are several night markets of note in the city. Food vendors set up shop in the evening as well, making a shopping and eating excursion worthwhile.
Outside Zhengzhou, the world famous Shaolin Monastery provides a look at the famous fighting monks. There are several pagodas on the temple’s grounds. Aside from a rather nifty wax museum, the temple has performances showcasing the unbelievable skill of the monks. The Shaolin temple is about an hour and a half outside Zhengzhou.
Luoyang is a historic city about 4 hours from Zhengzhou by rail. The three thousand year history of Luoyang is on display at The Ancient Tombs Museum. Also, the sight of the oldest Buddhist temple in China is at the White Horse Temple. Though the temple itself has been destroyed and subsequently rebuilt several times, it is the legendary spot where the first Buddhist scriptures were allegedly brought from India. Finally, the Dragon Gate Grottoes are an un-miss able sight. There are several thousand Buddhist statues carved on the mountainside overlooking the river. Though a lot of the statues have been harmed over the years (by weather and enthusiastic collectors), the area is not destroyed, and it is something to see so many of these thousand year old statues in one place. |
