Xinyang Normal University (XYNU for short) is the first undergraduate university established in Henan Province after China's reform and opening up, one of the two key normal universities in Henan Province, and a shining business card of higher education in Dabie Mountain area. It is known as "the cradle of teachers", "the university in the garden" and "a good university for free study in the green mountains".

The school was founded in 1975, when it was named Xinyang Branch of Kaifeng Normal University (now Henan University). 1978 was approved by the State Council and changed to its current name. 1979 became the first batch of authorized units for bachelor's degrees. 1998 was approved by the State Council Academic Degrees Committee as an authorized unit for master's degree.