Zhengzhou , formerly called Zhengxian (traditional form: Chengchow) , is a prefecture-level city and the capital of Henan province, People's Republic of China. Located just north of the province's centre and south of the Yellow River, it borders Luoyang to the west, Jiaozuo to the northwest, Xinxiang to the northeast, Kaifeng to the east, Xuchang to the southeast, and Pingdingshan to the southwest.