Zhongyuan, also known as the Central Plain(s), is a geographical region located in China. It primarily refers to the portion of the North China Plain situated around the lower and middle reaches of the Yellow River, with its center positioned between the cities of Luoyang and Kaifeng.
The region is historically significant as it has been perceived as the birthplace of Chinese civilization. Historically, the Huaxia people regarded Zhongyuan as "the center of the world." Human activities in this area can be traced back to the Palaeolithic period.