Henan
Name : Henan
Chinese name : 河南 (Hénán)
Status : Province
Capital : Zhengzhou
Population : 94,133,500 inhabitants (2013)
Area : 167,000 km²
An ancient cradle of Chinese civilization, Henan is a province blessed with extraordinary cultural heritage that offers visitors a wealth of sites to explore. The province is home to China's oldest Buddhist temple and hosts the renowned Shaolin Temple Kung Fu school. Henan also boasts fabulous natural landscapes that are sure to enchant travelers.
History
For long it was believed that the Shang dynasty (1700-1100 BCE) had been founded by tribes from Western Asia. However, excavations of Shang sites in Henan revealed that these cities had been built over far more ancient, even prehistoric settlements. The first archaeological evidence from the Shang era was discovered near Anyang, in northern Henan. It is now believed that the first Shang capital, dating perhaps to 3,800 years ago, was located at Yanshi, west of present-day Zhengzhou. Around the middle of the 14th century BCE, it was reportedly transferred to Zhengzhou, where its walls remain visible today.
Henan came to prominence again during the Song dynasty (960-1279), but lost its political power when, in the 12th century, the government abandoned its capital at Kaifeng and fled southward to escape the Jurchen invaders from the North. Nevertheless, thanks to its large population in the fertile plains of the untamed Yellow River, Henan remained an important agricultural region.
It was not until the rise of the communists that the province began a development comparable to its neighbors. Though Zhengzhou, Luoyang, and Kaifeng have buried much of their history beneath concrete, they continue to reveal, through ongoing exploration, captivating glimpses of their past.
Henan Today
While Shaanxi is considered the cradle of Chinese history, it is Henan, at the heart of nine regions of ancient Chine, that originally bore the title of "central region," both culturally and geographically. Pioneers, drawn by the capricious course of the Yellow River, came to populate the fertile plains of its basin. Capitals arose and eventually disappeared, leaving traces of their past in northern Henan, particularly at Kaifeng and Anyang.
The province witnessed the flourishing of Buddhism in the country, and the White Horse Temple, in Luoyang, is arguably Chine's oldest Buddhist sanctuary.
Today, much of the country dismisses Henan province as a backward and rural region where the momentum of reform is severely hindered. Yet Henan is determined to play its historical card with confidence and composure, reminding those who might forget its undeniable dynastic legacy.
Henan extends far beyond ruins and ancient cities. Intrepid travelers will discover fabulous landscapes, notably at Guoliangcun village, perched at a dizzying altitude. As for pilgrims, many converge on two of Chine's most sacred sites: the Shaolin Temple with its Kung Fu school and the Longmen Grottoes, adorned with truly remarkable Buddhist artwork.
Climate
Henan enjoys a warm temperate climate. Winters are cold, dry, and windy with an average temperature of -2°C in January.
Henan summers are very hot and humid with an average temperature of 28°C.
Annual rainfall, which increases from north to south, ranges from 60 to 120 cm. The rainy season typically runs from July to September.
To best appreciate Henan, it is preferable to visit in spring or autumn, when you will enjoy mild and dry weather.
How to Get There
Travel within Henan is fairly straightforward, as the province enjoys good connections to other regions. Zhengzhou is an important rail hub and comfortable express buses use the new highways that extend to the province's southern reaches.
Zhengzhou is also home to Henan's main airport. Luoyang also has an airport, though smaller, serving flights to Hong Kong and Okayama.
Language
Most residents speak one of the sub-dialects of Zhongyuan hua, itself a dialect of Northern Mandarin. In the northern part of the province, two of the fifteen Jin dialects are spoken.
What to Do in Henan?
- Attend Kung Fu classes at the Shaolin Temple.
- Immerse yourself in Henan's history by exploring the rich historical heritage of Kaifeng.
- Discover the sculptures of the Longmen Grottoes, near Luoyang.
- Wander the streets of Zhengzhou and visit the remains of the ancient capital and its walls.
- Stop at the traditional village of Guoliangcun, an authentic refuge for artists.
