Henan, in central China, is the cradle of Chinese civilization, with Luoyang and Kaifeng boasting ancient capitals, Shaolin Temple’s kung fu legacy, and the Longmen Grottoes’ Buddhist art. Zhengzhou, its modern capital, drives industry and logistics, while the Yellow River nourishes its fertile plains, growing wheat and cotton. Overpopulated and industrious, Henan’s deep history contrasts with its bustling present. It’s China’s cultural heartbeat, often overshadowed by coastal giants.