Zhengzhou (simplified Chinese: 郑州; pinyin: Zhèngzhōu; Mandarin pronunciation: [t͡ʂɤŋ˥˩t͡ʂou̯˥˥]; Postal map spelling: Chengchow), formerly called Zheng County (simplified Chinese: 郑县), is a prefecture-level city, and the capital of Henan province, People's Republic of China. It also serves as the political, economic, technological, and educational centre of the province, as well as being a major transportation hub for Central China. It lies on the southern plain of the Yellow River.