Program in Henan

Henan is located in Central-eastern China. Lying in the middle and lower reaches of Yellow River, it plays the most important role in the development of Chinese civilization and Chinese nation.

Henan Province ('he' means 'river', here refers in particular to the Yellow River; 'nan' means 'south') got its name from its geographic position that most part of Henan is sitting in the south of the Yellow River. About 4,000 years ago, China was divided into nine states, and Henan Province was named Yu State which was the center of these nine states, hence the short name 'Yu' (豫). According to the historical data, the Chinese name of China (Zhongguo, 中国) originated from Henan Province, because in ancient times, 'China' (Zhongguo) meant the center of a country which referred to the area of Henan Province centering Luoyang City.

Henan has a large number of cultural relics, such as the earliest Zen Buddhism Temple - White Horse Temple; China's top famous ancient temple - Mt. Songshan's Shaolin Temple; the world-famous Xiangguo Monastery, and so on. The total province has about 189 national key cultural relics protection units. Luoyang's Longmen Grottoes and Anyang's Yin Dynasty ruins were listed into the world cultural heritage list.

Henan cuisine, also known as Yu cuisine, has the accolade of being one of China's most traditional and oldest cooking styles. As the representative of culinary civilization of Central China, Henan cuisine has preserved traditions and made great innovations.

The Shaolin Vegetarian Food is one specialty standing out among the varieties of Henan cuisine. Chinese Buddhist belief has for centuries prohibited the eating of animal flesh and the monks here have spent an age perfecting the cooking of all types of vegetarian food. Although not rich in fat or protein, this cuisine is packed full of nutrition and is healthy.

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Program in Henan