Xinzheng

Xinzheng is a small county-level city of Zhengzhou in the south of Henan province of China. The city has a population of 600,000 people and covers an area of 15.

History

Xinzheng is considered the birthplace of the Chinese nation. It was the seat of government for the Qin Dynasty, from about , which is considered the beginning of a unified China. The word qin , which is pronounced similar to "chin", is thought to be the basis for the word "China."

Education

Xinzheng also has one of the largest concentrations of foreign teachers in central China, thanks to Sias International University. The school has 14,000 students and about 90 foreign teachers. Along with SIAS University, the city is also home to another university: ShengDa.

Dragon

A giant is being constructed by private investors near the city out of concrete and marble with a 29.9 tall head and a body that will eventually stretch 21km along the ridge line of Shizu Mountain. The hollow body of the dragon is 9m high and 6m wide and will contain a light rail system along with facilities for sight seeing and leisure, such as shops, restaurants and luxury clubs. The 21km length represents the wish for China's rapid growth in the 21st century. The project is expected to be completed before October 1, 2009 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China