得中原者得天下
“得中原者得天下”这一古语意为得到中原这块地区的人，就可以得到天下。 “逐鹿中原”“问鼎中原”等古语都阐明了一个道理，即河南省所在的中原地区，是中国几千年来的核心地区，执政并治理好中原，方可鼎立天下。
在古代，中原地区被视为政治、经济、文化和交通中心，是中国建都朝代最多、建都历史最长、古都数量最多的地区。在中国建都时间较长的八大古都中，河南省占据4个，包括洛阳、开封、安阳和郑州。河南地理位置优越，通往各地的交通都比较便利，大部分地区都处在华北平原上，土壤肥沃，是中国古代的重要粮仓。
在中华民族绵延不断的历史进程中，中原地区是华夏民族的摇篮，是中华民族产生、发展的核心区域，其深厚的文化积淀和悠久的文明为中华民族的茁壮成长提供了充足营养和不竭动力。中原地区由于独特的区位与文化优势，成为古代政治家、军事家争夺的战略要地，其治乱兴衰直接关系到整个国家和民族的命运。“得中原者得天下”就是反映了中原地区在国家政治和中华文明中无可替代的核心地位。
He Who Controls the Central Plains Will Control the Whole Country
There are a couple of idiomatic Chinese phrases expressing the idea that he who controls the Central Plains will control the whole country. This proves the important position of the Central Plains, where Henan Province is located, in China for thousands of years.
In ancient China, the Central Plains region was thought to be the political, economic, cultural and transportation center, boasting the largest number of capitals of the most dynasties for the longest history. Four of the eight major ancient capitals – Luoyang, Kaifeng, Anyang, and Zhengzhou – are located in Henan Province. In addition, with its favorable geographic position, convenient transportation to other places, and fertile land, Henan was an important breadbasket in ancient times.
The Central Plains region is the cradle of the Chinese nation. The profound cultural heritage and ancient civilization of the region have nourished and powered the birth, growth, and prosperity of the Chinese nation. Because of the unique geographical and cultural advantages, the Central Plains remained a strategic stronghold that ancient statesmen and military strategists had vied for, and the region's rise and fall, peace and chaos bore on the destiny of the entire country and nation. The saying that "he who controls the Central Plains will control the whole country" well demonstrates the irreplaceable core position of the region in state governance and the Chinese civilization.
