Zhengzhou, located in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, serves as the capital of Henan Province. Its geographic location is strategically significant, making it an important city in the Central Plains region throughout history. Zhengzhou’s history dates back to the Neolithic period, with the renowned "Zhengzhou Shang City" site, one of China’s earliest ancient capitals, highlighting its historical prominence. During the Shang Dynasty, Zhengzhou was a key political center, later developing under the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang Dynasties into a central economic and cultural hub in the region.

In the Sui and Tang periods, Zhengzhou leveraged its proximity to the Grand Canal, constructed during the Sui Dynasty, to become a vital transportation link between north and south. In the Northern Song Dynasty, Zhengzhou's role as a transportation node connecting Kaifeng (then the capital) to other regions became even more significant. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the city prospered further with the growth of trade and grain transport, developing an economy centered on agriculture and handicrafts. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Zhengzhou became the capital of Henan, with rapid economic, transportation, and cultural development, solidifying its status as a major city in central China.

Ancient Flood Control and River Management

As early as the Han and Tang Dynasties, the Yellow River in the Zhengzhou region garnered attention. The Han Dynasty dug the Honggou Canal (later part of the Grand Canal), which provided transportation and flood control benefits to the Yellow River basin. With urban expansion during the Tang Dynasty, flood threats from the Yellow River became more severe. To protect Zhengzhou and surrounding areas, the Tang government initiated dike construction and river dredging efforts.

Dike Construction during the Song and Yuan Dynasties

During the Northern Song Dynasty, Zhengzhou’s strategic position as Kaifeng’s gateway heightened its importance in Yellow River flood control efforts. To safeguard Kaifeng, the Song government strengthened dikes around Zhengzhou. The Yuan Dynasty witnessed frequent Yellow River flooding, leading to sedimentation and river course changes. Although the Yuan government built several dikes in the Zhengzhou area, the river’s unpredictable behavior made comprehensive control challenging.

Flood Control Efforts in the Ming and Qing Dynasties

Flooding remained a significant issue in Zhengzhou during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In the Ming Dynasty's Hongwu period and under the Qing Emperor Kangxi, several dike-building efforts were undertaken to curb flood disasters. The renowned Qing water control official Pan Jixun promoted the “constraining water to scour silt” method, widely applied across the Yellow River basin. However, Zhengzhou’s severe silt accumulation limited the effectiveness of such measures. Even so, the Qing government repeatedly repaired dikes and enhanced Zhengzhou’s water management facilities.

Modern Flood Management Measures during the Republic of China Era

In the early 20th century, Yellow River flooding caused severe disasters in Zhengzhou and surrounding areas, most notably the 1938 breach at Huayuankou, which inundated extensive regions of Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu provinces. This incident underscored the urgent need for flood control, prompting the government to construct modern water management structures, including strengthened dikes, sluices, and dredged river channels.

Comprehensive Governance after the Founding of New China

Following the establishment of the People's Republic of China, Yellow River management became a national priority. Large-scale flood control projects were launched in the 1950s, with dikes around Zhengzhou being fortified. In recent decades, technological advancements have further enhanced the Yellow River basin’s water management infrastructure in Zhengzhou, including flood control dikes, irrigation systems using Yellow River water, and reservoirs. This comprehensive management has not only reduced flood risks but also improved irrigation and water supply, providing Zhengzhou and nearby areas with greater security and developmental opportunities.