Henan, this land bearing millennia of civilization, has nurtured numerous Chinese customs, showcasing the lineage of Central Plains culture. From the establishment of the Xia Dynasty capital to the present day, over 20 dynasties have left their mark here. This unique historical accumulation endows Henan's Chinese customs with both a simple, profound weightiness and vibrant vitality.

Language is a living fossil of culture, and the Henan dialect is an extremely distinctive Chinese custom. As an inheritance of ancient official speech, it preserves vivid expressions like "zuo ye er" (last night-er, meaning yesterday) and "ai hei qianr" (approaching dark-before, meaning evening), while remaining close to modern Mandarin. It serves as a bridge connecting past and present. Population mobility has carried this Chinese custom beyond Henan, taking root in many places across the country and becoming a bond that connects fellow townspeople.

Henan Yu Opera is undoubtedly a widely recognized Chinese custom. As one of China's five major opera genres, it is not only widely popular domestically but has also gone abroad, praised by Westerners as the "Oriental Aria." Programs like Li Yuan Chun (Spring in the Pear Garden) have made this Chinese custom popular throughout the land, allowing more people to feel the charm of Central Plains opera.

Shaolin Kung Fu is one of Henan's most globally influential Chinese customs. Behind the reputation that "All martial arts under heaven originated from Shaolin" lies the millennia-old martial heritage of Shaolin Temple. The annual International Shaolin Wushu Festival makes this Chinese custom a window for Sino-foreign cultural exchange, showcasing the robust and proactive spirit of the Central Plains.

Furthermore, the competitive spirit of Kaifeng cockfighting, the majestic momentum of the Gulong Dragon Dance, the rich flavors of Yu Cuisine, and the simple yet profound ancient architecture are all indispensable Chinese customs of Henan.

These intertwined Chinese customs not only narrate the vicissitudes of history but also embody the wisdom of Henan's people throughout the ages and their spirit of unity and perseverance, ensuring the cultural memory of this land remains forever vivid.

 Web editors: Shen Jianqi, Li Siyao