Zhengzhou, a major birthplace of Chinese civilization and one of China's eight ancient capitals, boasts a history spanning 355 years (excluding the Xia Dynasty). It is one of six key national heritage sites and a member of the World Historic Cities Alliance. As of August 2024, Zhengzhou boasts 12 World Heritage sites, 89 cultural relics under 83 national key protection, 149 cultural relics under Henan provincial protection, and six sites on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Zhengzhou, a city located in central China on the banks of the Yellow River, is not only a National Historic and Cultural City but also one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization. Nestled between Mount Song to the west and the Yellow River to the north, it has long been hailed as the "center of heaven and earth," serving as a crucial transportation hub connecting China's north and south, and east and west.
Zhengzhou's history dates back to ancient times, with human habitation and activity dating back to the Yangshao culture period, approximately 5,000 years ago. Archaeologists have discovered numerous stone tools, pottery, and other relics in the Zhengzhou area, providing valuable data for the study of prehistoric civilizations. Zhengzhou served as a capital five times and a prefecture for eight dynasties, making it one of the "Eight Ancient Capitals of China."
Zhengzhou's status has become even more prominent in the historical period. As one of the capitals of the Xia Dynasty, the Shuanghuaishu Ruins in Gaocheng Town, Dengfeng City, Zhengzhou, are believed to be the site of the "Heluo Ancient Kingdom." During the Shang Dynasty, the ruins of Zhengzhou's Shang City became an important capital of the early Shang Dynasty. Numerous precious artifacts, including bronze, jade, and pottery, have been unearthed here, along with the remains of a large palace and city walls, providing crucial material for the study of Shang dynasty history.
During the Sui and Tang dynasties, Zhengzhou was a key city in the Central Plains, enjoying significant economic, cultural, and military importance. In 583 AD, Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty renamed Xingzhou, then part of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, Zhengzhou, marking the first historical appearance of the name. Despite several subsequent name changes, Zhengzhou remained a prominent city in the Central Plains.
Zhengzhou boasts not only a rich historical and cultural heritage, but also many notable historical figures. These include Huangdi, the ancestor of the Chinese nation; Lie Zi, a representative of the Taoist school; and Han Fei, a representative of the Legalist school. Their ideas and achievements have profoundly influenced the development of Chinese civilization.
Today, Zhengzhou has become a modern metropolis, yet it still retains many traces of its history and cultural heritage. In the streets and alleys of Zhengzhou, you can see many ancient buildings and ruins. These buildings and ruins have witnessed the historical changes and cultural heritage of Zhengzhou, and have also become the city’s unique cultural symbols and tourism resources.