Henan, located in central China, is named after the ancient Chinese dynasty, the Shang Dynasty. The name "Henan" is derived from the Chinese characters "河南" (Héngnán), which translates to "south of the river." This refers to the geographical location of the region, situated south of the Yellow River, one of the longest rivers in China. The Yellow River played a crucial role in the development of ancient Chinese civilization, and the Shang Dynasty, which flourished around 1600-1046 BCE, was based in the Henan region. The name Henan thus reflects the historical and cultural significance of the region in Chinese history.