Cities in Henan

Introduction

Henan is located in central China, bordered by Shanxi, Hebei, Anhui, Hubei, Shaanxi, and Shandong. The province features fertile plains along the Yellow River, rolling hills, and occasional mountains. Henan is historically significant as a cradle of Chinese civilization, with rich cultural heritage, ancient capitals, and early dynastic sites. The region is also known for agriculture, traditional crafts, and educational institutions.

Zhengzhou is located in central Henan on the North China Plain. The city has a population of about 10 million and is the provincial capital, positioned approximately 450 km from Beijing. Zhengzhou is a modern transport hub with a strong industrial and commercial identity.

The city is known for its historical significance as a transport and trade center, including its connection to the ancient Silk Road. Zhengzhou hosts Henan University and Zhengzhou University, making it an educational center.

Its economy is diversified, covering electronics, machinery, and textiles. Zhengzhou also preserves cultural sites, such as ancient temples and relics from early dynasties, combining history with modern urban life.

📍 Main places to visit include Shaolin Temple, Henan Museum, Zhengzhou Ancient City Wall, Yellow River Scenic Area, Erqi Memorial Tower.

Zhengzhou (郑州)

Luoyang (洛阳)

Luoyang is in western Henan, on the alluvial plains near the Yellow River, surrounded by low mountains. The city has a population of about 6 million and lies roughly 150 km from Zhengzhou. Luoyang is celebrated as one of China’s ancient capitals.

Luoyang is known for its imperial history, serving as a capital for multiple dynasties, including the Eastern Zhou and Tang. The city is famous for Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its role in peony cultivation, often called the “Peony Capital.” Luoyang combines cultural tourism, education, and light industry, with institutions such as Luoyang Normal University supporting regional development.

📍 Main places to visit include Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, Luoyang Museum, Peony Park, Guanlin Temple.

Kaifeng is located in eastern Henan on the Yellow River plain. The city has a population of about 5 million and is about 90 km east of Zhengzhou. Kaifeng is a historical city with deep imperial significance.

Kaifeng is famous for being the capital of the Northern Song dynasty. The city maintains well-preserved ancient city walls, temples, and pagodas. Kaifeng’s economy includes cultural tourism, traditional crafts, and light industry. Institutions such as Henan University of Science and Technology contribute to local education. Its historical role as a center for politics, culture, and commerce makes it a key cultural hub.

📍 Main places to visit include Dragon Pavilion, Iron Pagoda, Kaifeng City Wall, Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Museum, Daxiangguo Temple.

Kaifeng (开封)

Jiaozuo (焦作)

Jiaozuo is in northwestern Henan near the Taihang Mountains. The city has a population of about 3 million and is roughly 90 km from Zhengzhou. It is recognized for its scenic landscapes and industrial heritage.

The city is known for mountain tourism and coal mining history, as well as Wuzhi Mountain cultural sites. Jiaozuo’s economy integrates energy, mining, and tourism, and it hosts regional educational institutions supporting engineering and environmental studies.

📍 Main places to visit include Yuntai Mountain, Qinlou Ancient Town, Jiaozuo Museum, Red Flag Canal Scenic Area.

Anyang (安阳)

Anyang lies in northern Henan, near the border with Hebei. The city has a population of about 5 million and is approximately 200 km from Zhengzhou. Anyang is an ancient cultural center with archaeological significance.

It is known for the Yinxu ruins, the last capital of the Shang dynasty, and for its role in early Chinese writing, with oracle bones discovered locally. Anyang combines historical research, cultural tourism, and light industry. Anyang Normal University supports education and archaeology studies.

📍 Main places to visit include Yinxu Archaeological Site, Wenfeng Pagoda, Ancient Tombs Museum, Ci'en Temple.

Nanyang (南阳)

Nanyang is in southwestern Henan near the Nanyang Basin and the Dabie foothills. The city has a population of about 10 million and is roughly 250 km from Zhengzhou. It serves as an agricultural and historical hub.

Nanyang is known for its ancient military history, including sites from the Three Kingdoms period, and for agricultural development in the region. The city also hosts Nanyang Normal University, supporting education and research. Tourism focuses on historical landmarks and river valleys.

📍 Main places to visit include Wolong Temple, Nanyang Han Tombs, Stone Gate Grottoes, Danjiangkou Scenic Area.

Xinyang (信阳)

Xinyang is located in southern Henan near the Dabie Mountains. The city has a population of about 6 million and is about 300 km from Zhengzhou. It functions as a regional agricultural and educational hub.

Xinyang is famous for Xinyang Maojian tea, local forestry, and scenic mountainous landscapes. The city supports education with Xinyang Normal University and has a developing economy that blends agriculture, tourism, and light industry.

📍 Main places to visit include Xinyang Tea Garden, Shihe River Scenic Area, Foziling Temple, Baofeng Mountain.