Mere China Language   

Fun Chinese Lessons - 8: 

Names and Locations of China's Provinces and Cities: Henan

Henan literally means "South of the River." The river here refers to Yellow River, which was so dominant in China's past that it was simply known as "the river." While the name "South of the River" might be accurate historically, it is a misnomer of sorts today because part of the province it designates actually lies north of Yellow River. But of course, as with many matters in China, history is too powerful a force to argue with.

Henan also has "Yu" for a short name or nickname. It is so called because in ancient times, very ancient times, Henan was the province of Yu. This was about three thousand years ago, when China then was administratively divided into nine provinces or states, and Yu was one of them. The Chinese character Yu (see below), has an elephant in it, a fact that has prompted some people to surmise that once upon a time the big animal lived in the region. If that was true, environmentally Henan back then must be very different; after tens of centuries' heavy agricultural cultivation, little of that can been detected in the province now.

Also, because of its location, Henan is often referred to as "Zhongyuan" - the "Central Plain."

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