Henan Survey

Locating in the middle east of China , the province is called " Henan " (meaning 'south of the river') because most of its territory lies on the southern side of the Yellow River . It is also called "Zhongzhou", "Central plain"; Henan is often called "Yu" for short. Henan Province is situated in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River , covering the southwestern part of the Huanghe-Huaihe-Haihe Plain. It boasts a large area of 167,000 sq.km between 31o23' and 36o22' latitude, 110o21' and 116o39' longitude, with arable land area of 1.1 billion mu, inhabited by 93.15 million people. In Henan , there are mainly nationalities of Han, Hui , Mongolia and Manchu. Henan has 16 cities and 2 districts under its jurisdiction, and Zhengzhou is the capital. For its special regional advantages, abundant resources of agricultural and by-products, varieties of minerals, perfect facilities, glory historical culture and rapid development of economy, Henan becomes one of the most important provinces in China . Henan enjoys particularly favorable geographic and natural conditions. Stretching over the north temperate zone and the north subtropical zone, Henan has the temperate climate advantages of both the south and the north with annual average temperature of 13oC-15oC, distinct seasons, a plentiful rainfall with annual average precipitation of 700 mm and yearly frost-free period of 200-236 days, fertile farmland, and exceptionally rich resources of animals, plants and minerals, which are favorable for the development of both industry and agriculture. The terrain of Henan Province is characterized by the rugged and rolling country in the west, which slopes down toward the east, thus forming a complicated surface configuration. Within the province there are many kinds of land forms, including mountainous regions, hilly lands (occupying 44.3%), plains (occupying 55.7%), basins, etc. The height of the Funiu mountainous region in the west and the Taihang mountainous region in the north are generally 1,000 m above sea level, while the plain in the east is generally below 100m above sea level. Because of its complicated configurations, the province holds a rare area in the country, which reaches Yellow River , Huaihe River , Changjiang River and Haihe River valleys, therefore, is rich in water resources. Among more than 150 kinds of minerals founded in the world, Henan possesses 107 types. Over 80 kinds of deposits have preliminarily proven, 61 types have been opened up and used, including 43 kinds of mineral deposits stand the first 10 position in the country. The deposits of molybdenum, blue asbestine, casting sandstone, natural alkali, pearl stone, blue spar and red mainstay stand the first in our country. The deposits of bauxite, natural oilstone, glass-use tuff and concrete-use limestone place the second in the country, and the deposits of tungsten, cesium, coal, oil, natural gas, nickel, gold and marble also stand the former position in the nation. Henan is one of the most important region of agricultural and by-products. The output of grain, wheat, sesame and jute stands the first in the country, the output of cotton, grease and tobacco ranks the second in the nation. Henan is rich in woods and fruits. Paulownia, apple, jujube, chestnut, macaque peach and watermelon enjoy high reputations. Chinese medicinal materials are also well known. Stockbreeding is much developed. Amount of livestock ranks the first in the nation and the output of meat stands the third in the whole country.

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