Zhengzhou---Travel In China

Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou (郑州 pinyin: zhèng zhou) formerly called Zhengxian, is located 24 km south of Huanghe (Yellow River). It is the capital of Henan province in China.Population: 5.97 million.

History
Shang Dynasty established Aodu (see also: History of China). The pre-historical city had been long lost even before the time of the first emperor.

The name of Zhengzhou came from Sui Dynasty (581 AD) albeit it was located in Chenggao, another town. The government was moved to the contemporary city during Tang Dynsty.

Economy
The GDP per capita was ¥16028 (ca. US$1940) in 2003, ranked no. 117 among 659 Chinese cities.

Argriculture
Zhengzhou has a rural population of 3.97 million. Its main products include apple, paulownia, tobacco, corn, cotton, and wheat. Besides, Zhengzhou has something that can rarely be seen outside of this area. It also produces Yellow River Carp, Zhengzhou Watermelon, Xinzheng Date, dired persimmon, Guangwu Megranate and Zhongmu Garlic.
Industry

Zhengzhou has been one of the major industrial cities in China since 1949. The city's stample industry is textile. Others manufactures include: tractors, locomotives, cigarettes, fertilizer, processed meats, agricultural machinery, and electrical equipment
Transportation
Zhengzhou is a major railroad center as it is located in te crossroad of the Long-hai railroad (east-west) and the Jing-guang railroad (north-south).

Culture

Martial arts: Shaolin Monastery (Shao4 Lin2 Shi4) (Buddhist Monastery)

Chinese opera: Henan opera

Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan Province, is located in the middle of China. The famous Shaolin Temple near this city is the cradle of the Chinese martial arts that provided the inspiration for Kung Fu movies. Zhengzhou is a vital transportation hub especially for railways as many important railway trunks pass Zhengzhou such as the Longhai Railway (Lanzhou to Lianyungang) and Jingguang Railway (Beijing to Guangzhou).


With a pleasant climate, Zhengzhou is welcoming all year round. The hottest month is July and the average temperature is about 27C (80.6F) while the coldest month is January with an average temperature of -0.2C (31.64F). Autumn and spring are the best and the peak tourist seasons. You can enjoy a more beautiful Zhengzhou at that time.


The city is a national historical and cultural city and also the first destination for any Henan Tour. The ancient city was the capital of Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC) 3,500 years ago when porcelain and the Chinese technique of bronze smelting were comparatively more developed. A green ceramic glaze pot unearthed in Zhengzhou has been shown to be the most ancient porcelain in China. A long history has left Zhengzhou with many cultural and historic sites. Shaolin Temple situated at the foot of Mt. Song is the cradle of Shaolin Kong Fu. If you are interested in Chinese Kong Fu, the temple and the performances must be seen. One of the four Academies of Classical Learning in the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), Songyang Shuyuan, gives a complete depiction of Chinese ancient education. In addition, many ancient tombs, temple buildings and battle sites all show the dense culture of Zhengzhou.


Erqi Memorial TowerTransportation provision in the city is excellent. Arriving and departing, whether by air, train or bus, is a smooth process as Zhengzhou is a center of transportation in middle China. You can find various grades of hotels inside and near the city. With comprehensive facilities, they provide safe and clean places to stay at a reasonable price. As a provincial capital, Zhengzhou is the height of fashionable entertainment and shopping in Henan - you won't be disappointed.
For anyone interested in Chinese ancient history and wishing to know more on it, Zhengzhou is one city that should not be missed.