Grand Ceremony Honoring Emperor Yan Held in Suizhou, Hubei
On June 11, the Grand Ceremony Honoring Emperor Yan, also known as Shennong, was held in Suizhou, Hubei Province, the legendary birthplace of the Chinese ancestor. Nearly 3,000 representatives from across China and overseas Chinese communities gathered to pay tribute to Emperor Yan and offer prayers for the prosperity of the Chinese nation.Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage event, this year’s ceremony was themed “Tracing Our Ancestral Roots in Lieshan, Forging the Soul of the Chinese Nation.” By incorporating the chime bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng and traditional ritual-and-music culture into the proceedings, the event emphasized immersive experiences and youth engagement in cultural heritage preservation. Through deeper exploration of the contemporary significance of Emperor Yan culture and chime bell culture, the ceremony created a cultural atmosphere where ritual and music blended harmoniously, highlighting the enduring legacy of Emperor Yan and the continued inheritance of Chinese ritual civilization.
This year, the event also expanded beyond an annual ceremony into an ongoing cultural initiative, encouraging broader public participation and shared cultural experiences. Through cultural education and heritage preservation, participants sought to reconnect with the roots of Chinese civilization and strengthen the collective spirit of national rejuvenation.
Solemn Rituals Honor the Ancestor of Chinese Civilization
Surrounded by lush greenery and an atmosphere of dignity and reverence, the Emperor Yan Scenic Area welcomed guests from around the world. Dressed formally and wearing yellow ceremonial scarves, participants followed the ceremonial procession from the entrance screen wall, passing landmarks including the Four Oxen Farming Sculpture, the Nine-Arch Bridge, the Gate of the Chinese Ancestors, the Sacred Fire Platform and the Seven-Step Ascension Terrace before arriving at the Ancestral Worship Square, where they stood facing the Hall of Emperor Yan.
At 8:40 a.m., the ceremony officially began.
The event consisted of nine ceremonial segments:
1. Drum and Bell Ceremony
The resonant sounds of drums and bells marked the opening of the ceremony and welcomed guests from near and far.
2. Opening of the Sacred Gate
A traditional three-offering ritual was performed, presenting silk and jade, grains and ceremonial wine in tribute to Emperor Yan.
3. Lighting of the New Sacred Flame
Youth representatives from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas Chinese communities jointly lit the new sacred flame.
As a symbolic vermilion bird adorned with colorful feathers soared across the sky, the Sacred Fire Platform was ignited simultaneously. The moment symbolized descendants of Yan and Huang around the world carrying forward the spirit of Emperor Yan and promoting Chinese civilization.
4. Presentation of Floral Tributes
Flower baskets were respectfully presented to honor the ancestor.
5. Offering of Incense
Participants offered incense as a gesture of reverence and remembrance.
6. Reading of the Tribute
A ceremonial tribute was read in honor of Emperor Yan’s enduring contributions to Chinese civilization.
“As the Bingwu Year arrives and the Dragon Boat Festival draws near, descendants of the Chinese nation from around the world gather in Lieshan to trace their roots. We hold this solemn ceremony to commemorate the birth of Shennong and pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Emperor Yan.”
The tribute praised Emperor Yan’s historic contributions to Chinese civilization and the lasting cultural values associated with his legacy.
7. Collective Ancestral Worship
All participants stood solemnly and bowed three times toward the statue of Emperor Yan inside the hall, expressing respect and remembrance.
8. Chanting in Honor of the Ancestor
Descendants of Yan and Huang dressed in the traditional attire of China’s 56 ethnic groups performed the “Ode to Emperor Yan.”
The performance inspired participants to carry forward the spirit of Emperor Yan, preserve China’s cultural roots, strengthen the sense of community of the Chinese nation and advance confidently toward national rejuvenation.
9. Paying Respects to the Sacred Statue
Guests entered the Hall of Emperor Yan in an orderly manner to pay tribute to the sacred statue and commemorate his lasting contributions.
With the completion of this final segment, the Grand Ceremony Honoring Emperor Yan concluded successfully.
Broad Participation from Across China and Overseas
The ceremony was jointly hosted by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, the Chinese Yan Huang Culture Research Association and the People’s Government of Hubei Province.
Nearly 3,000 representatives from political, cultural, scientific, business and religious sectors, as well as compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and overseas Chinese communities, attended the event.
More than 40 media platforms in China and abroad broadcast the ceremony live.
Week-Long Cultural Temple Fair Celebrates Intangible Heritage
Prior to the ceremony, the Emperor Yan Cultural Temple Fair opened in Suixian County and ran for one week.
Featuring representative intangible cultural heritage programs from six localities across Shaanxi, Henan, Hubei and Hunan provinces, the event included street parades, folk performances and cultural showcases. Community performance groups brought diverse regional traditions and folk customs directly to local residents, creating a vibrant celebration of China’s rich cultural heritage.
Reporters: Lei Shaojun, Zhou Keyi, Yin Chen, Zhang Ran
Correspondents: Zhang Jie, Liu Qingsong, Jiao Yuan, Zhang Qin
Media Contact
Company Name: Open Hubei (HICC)
Contact Person: Li Xin
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Country: China
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