Henan University is located in Kaifeng, a famous historic city and the capital of 7 dynasties in Chinese history. It was founded in 1912 and was originally named The Preparatory School for Further Study in Europe and America. Afterwards it was renamed Zhongzhou University (1923), Henan Zhongshan University (1927), Henan Provincial University (1930), and Henan National University (1942). By the end of the 1940s, it had developed into an influential comprehensive university with 6 schools, namely, School of Art,?School of Science, School of Law, School of Agriculture, School of Engineering and School of Medicine. The name - Henan University was restored in May, 1984.

Since its founding in 1912, Henan University has cultivated nearly 400,000 graduates for the country. Many famous scholars have taught here. Many of its graduates are well-known experts, scholars or social activists. Its alumni have made and are making great contributions to the development of China and the progress of mankind. Now there are more than 40,000 students who receive full-time education here. Among the 3,600 staff members, 10 are academicians, 300 have doctor's degrees, and over 800 are full or associate professors. The university library houses 3 million books, 170 thousand of which are thread-bound ancient writings and 200 thousand books and magazines in foreign languages. The museum houses a collection of valuable cultural relics. With its first-class equipment the key labs are available for various scientific experiments. In addition, the university has its teaching & research institutions such as the Computing Center, the Network Center, the Survey and Experiment Center, and the Audio-Visual Education Center. Located in the northeast corner of Kaifeng, the old campus is fragrant with?flowers and green with grass and trees. With carved beams and painted rafters, the buildings in traditional architecture?such?as the Auditorium and Building No. 7 are elegant with rich Chinese culture. The modern buildings such as the Science Building, the University Library and the Gymnasium are grand, magnificent and spectacular. They match each other well in radiance and beauty giving a unique style and an elegant taste to the university.

At present, Henan University is a comprehensive university with 11 branches of learning: Liberal arts, Science, Engineering, Economics, Management, Law, Philosophy, Education, History, Agriculture and Medicine. It consists of 29 schools and teaching departments. There are 72 specialties for undergraduates, of which 20 are the key subjects in Henan province, and 176 specialties offer master’s degrees and 16 offer PhD degrees. The university also has 8 post-doctoral posts and two key labs. With the deepening of reform in universities, Henan University has entered a new era. It has purchased 122.7 hectares of land for a new campus. 600 million Yuan will be invested in the near future to speed up the all-round construction. The university will take measures to guarantee the guiding principle of “Aim high, develop wide and breakthrough any barriers for a long and successful future”.

Accordingly, the university aims to lay emphasis on the development of liberal arts and sciences. The development of applied disciplines such as economics, trade, and law will be speeded up. The special branches of learning, such as art and physical culture, will come to a higher standard. Engineering will have a moderate development. The university is to be built into a comprehensive and creative university with its unique characteristics and will serve local economy and social progress. The past, the present and the future of Henan University convinces people that its future will be brighter than ever.