Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan Province is renowned as one of the eight historical capitals of China. With a rich culture, long history, and a significant contribution to Chinese culture and civilization, Zhengzhou is called the cradle of Chinese civilization.

Zhengzhou borders the Yellow River to the north and Mount Songshan to the west. It was the capital of the Shang Dynasty (1766–1050 BC) 3,600 years ago and it served as the capital four times during later states and dynasties.

Since 1950, archaeological finds have shown that Neolithic settlements existed in the area. The Shang Bronze Culture flourished there from about 1500 BCE and was centered in a walled city. Outside this city, in addition to remains of large public buildings, a complex of small settlements has also been discovered.

Zhengzhou was called Zhongzhou in ancient times, which means ‘Middle Province', when it was the transportation hub of ten provinces. Luoyang and Kaifeng, both of which are famous historic cities and among the eight historical Chinese capitals, are just an hour from Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou is also central to the remaining five.