It was the seat of government for the Qin dynasty, from about 221 BCE, which is considered the beginning of a unified China.

[5] Xinzheng has one of the largest concentrations of foreign teachers in central China due to the presence of Sias International University.

At harvest time, large quantities of these fruits are sold in markets, as well as on the side of the roads into the town.

At Sias, the administration tacitly allows students to live off campus, creating a large community of landlords around the university.

Due to limited accommodation, lack of infrastructure, pollution and other factors, tourism has been slow to take off in Xinzheng.

Every Spring, the city hosts a ceremony honoring the Yellow Emperor, the legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation.

[13] A giant dragon was being constructed by private investors near the city out of concrete and marble with a 29.9m tall head and a body that would have stretched 21 km (13 mi) along the ridge line of Shizu Mountain.

[14][15] The hollow body of the dragon was slated to be 9m high and 6m wide and would have contained a light rail system along with facilities for sight seeing and leisure, such as shops, restaurants and luxury clubs.

[15] The project was expected to be completed before October 1, 2009, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The regional bus station to the north of the town's city center (34°26′12″N 113°45′21″E / 34.436638°N 113.755725°E / 34.436638; 113.755725) serves buses destined for Zhengzhou, Xinmi, Kaifeng, and Luoyang.