In the surging, ceaseless river of Chinese civilization, Henan in the heartland of the Central Plains stands like a pearl that has settled over millennia, bearing the most profound foundations of Chinese culture. This land served not only as the stage for the rise and fall of dynasties and historical upheavals but also as the fertile soil where numerous cultural treasures that shaped the national spirit first took root and sprouted.

Henan's cultural richness is perhaps best represented by its historical landmarks. The ancient city of Luoyang, one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals, was once home to emperors and scholars alike. Its Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, hold thousands of Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs, embodying the artistic and religious fervor of past dynasties and the enduring spirit of Chinese culture. Meanwhile, Kaifeng, another ancient capital, remains a living museum of Song Dynasty traditions, with its restored city walls, temples, and folk customs.

But Henan's contribution to Chinese culture extends far beyond historical relics. The province is the birthplace of many of China's enduring cultural elements—calligraphy, traditional Chinese medicine, Confucian education, and martial arts. The famed Shaolin Temple, located at the foot of Mount Song, is recognized around the world as the spiritual home of Chinese kung fu. The monks of Shaolin not only practice martial arts but also follow a strict Chan Buddhist lifestyle, reflecting a deep harmony between body and mind—an essential value of Chinese cultural philosophy.

Festivals and folk arts continue to thrive in Henan,vibrant expressions of Chinese culture. From paper-cutting to shadow puppetry, traditional opera to lantern festivals, the province bursts with creative energy. Cities like Zhengzhou and Anyang regularly host cultural exhibitions that bring together ancient craftsmanship and contemporary interpretations, ensuring traditions are not lost but transformed and passed on to new generations.

Food is another cultural treasure of Henan and a delicious dimension of Chinese culture. Hearty stews, aromatic noodles, and steamed buns reflect the agricultural heritage of the region and the warmth of its people. Cuisine here isn't just about taste—it tells stories of family, seasons, and a connection to the land that remains central to the Chinese way of life.

In modern times, Henan continues to promote Chinese culture on the global stage. From international performances of Henan opera to cultural exchange events abroad, the province plays an active role in sharing China's heritage with the world.

Therefore, the culture of Henan is far from a relic confined to the dusty pages of history; it is a living heritage deeply rooted in its land and flowing through the veins of its people. Today, Henan strides onto the world stage with its unique cultural confidence. Transforming the profound depth and radiant brilliance born of the Central Plains into a bridge connecting past and present, China and the world, it carries forward the essence of Chinese culture.

Web editors: Shen Jianqi, Li Siyao