Central China: The Cradle of Civilization and Hub of Modern Development

Covering Henan, Hubei and Hunan provinces, Central China is a core region in China. It boasts a long history as the birthplace of Chinese civilization, with numerous cultural relics and natural landscapes. Endowed with superior agricultural and energy resources, it is a key grain production and industrial base. Driven by Wuhan, Zhengzhou and other central cities, it forms two major urban agglomerations, emerging as a vital engine for the rise of central China and linking eastern and western development.

Central China, one of China’s seven geographical divisions, mainly includes Henan, Hubei and Hunan provinces, located in the middle of the country. Covering an area of approximately 560,000 square kilometers, it accounts for 5.9% of China’s total land area and has a permanent population of over 234 million, making it a crucial concentration of population and economy. Geographically, it connects the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, crisscrossed by four major water systems, featuring diverse landforms from plains in the north to hills in the south, and a temperate monsoon climate with distinct seasons.

As the cradle of Chinese civilization, Central China bears a profound historical heritage. Ancient capitals such as Luoyang and Kaifeng in Henan witnessed the rise and fall of more than 20 dynasties, while world cultural heritages like Yinxu and Longmen Grottoes preserve the traces of ancient civilizations. Landmarks such as Yellow Crane Tower in Hubei, Yueyang Tower and Yuelu Academy in Hunan, together with traditional arts like Chu dance and Embroidery, inherit the essence of Chinese Culture across thousands of years.

In terms of economic development, Central China enjoys a solid foundation and enormous potential. Agriculturally, it is a major national base for rice and cotton production, with high comprehensive output capacity of grain, cotton and oil. Industrially, it has a well-developed industrial system, leading the country in heavy industry, with prominent advantages in energy and equipment manufacturing. Guided by national strategies, the Yangtze River Middle Reaches Urban Agglomeration and the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration drive regional coordinated development, making Central China a core engine for the rise of central China.