Henan, located at the heart of China's territory, comprises eighteen prefecture-level cities. Henan city serves as convergence points of culture, economy, and technology, boasting not only profound historical heritage, but also radiating vibrant vitality of modern development.

Henan city cluster stands as a "living museum" of Chinese civilization. The rammed-earth walls at Zhengzhou's Shang Dynasty capital ruins witness the splendor of an early imperial capital; Anyang's Yinxu oracle bone inscriptions extend China's documented history by a millennium; Luoyang's Longmen Grottoes sculptures crystallize the artistic zenith from Northern Wei to High Tang eras; Kaifeng's Millennium City Park recreates the urban bustle of Northern Song Bianjing through its Riverside Scenes at Qingming Festival.

Henan cities construct an evidential system of Chinese civilization's continuity through tangible heritage and intangible cultural legacies, such as Yu Opera and Shaolin Kung Fu. The UNESCO World Heritage inscription of historic architectural complexes like Songyue Temple Pagoda has further cemented Henan's unique position in the global tapestry of civilizations.

Henan cities are transforming at a remarkable pace from a traditional agricultural powerhouse into a modern economic stronghold in the new era. In 2024, Henan's GDP reached 6.36 trillion yuan. Growth further accelerated to 5.9% in the first quarter of this year, signaling robust momentum.

Urbanization is another hallmark of Henan city's modernization. Zhengzhou, positioned as a national central city, leverages its crisscrossing high-speed rail network and international aviation hub to attract population agglomeration in its metropolitan area. Meanwhile, regional central cities like Luoyang and Nanyang are forging multi-polar development through industrial upgrading and cultural IP creation.

Henan cities never cease exploring future pathways. In technological innovation, Henan has established 20 provincial laboratories across 12 cities including Zhengzhou and Luoyang, catalyzing urban innovation. For the green transition, Henan city actively advances ecological conservation in the Yellow River basin, weaving a "green ribbon" for the Mother River.

From the oracle bones to the international airports, from the temple bells to the eco-zones along the Yellow River, Henan city perpetually navigates its path between heritage preservation and bold reinvention. Serving as both guardians of history and pioneers of the future, these cities are scripting a new chapter for the Central Plains' resurgence with open-armed inclusiveness.

Web editors: Shen Jianqi, Li Siyao