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    Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor

    Written by: Luo Zhewen
    Posted on: January 05, 2016 |

    Yellow Emperor of China

    One of the most significant figures in Chinese history is the Yellow Emperor, buried in the heartland of early China, in what is now known as the province of Shaanxi. One particular county in Shaanxi lays claim to the burial place of this august being: in 1944, the county changed its name from former Zhongbu County to Huangling (Yellow Mausoleum) County, in honor of the Emperor.

    The Yellow Emperor is believed to have been the leader of the alliance of all tribes in early Chinese society. According to legend, he is responsible for many of China's notable accomplishments, such as the knowledge of raising silkworms, the construction of boats and carts, the system of writing, and the medical arts. For these reasons, he has long received the love and commemoration of the Chinese people for thousands of years.

    Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor in China

    Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor

    The mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor is situated in the northern part of the county seat, on a hill called Qiao Mountain. It is 3.6 meters high, and has a circumference of around 48 meters. Ancient trees grace the top of the hill amidst beautiful scenery. Behind the tomb stands a stele with four large characters, which was erected during the Qing dynasty and which commemorates the emperor. To the south of the tomb is a broad terrace, on which offerings are made to the great ancestor.

    At the foot of Qiao Mountain is also a Yellow Emperor Temple, which is also used for offerings and homage. Inside the grounds are ancient trees, some of which may be more than one thousand years old. Among them is a tree that stands 19 meters high and whose branches are some ten meters long. Legend says that it was planted by the Emperor himself. Before the great hall of the Temple are around 70 stelas, on which are recorded the offerings made by the different dynasties in history, as well as the names of emperors and kings who came to make offerings. At the center of the Great Hall entryway hangs a plaque extolling the Yellow Emperor as the creator of writing, and the earliest ancestor to lead China into the age of civilization.

    People who come to pay their respects at this temple can perhaps begin to understand the significance of this ancient figure in the rich history of China. His outstanding achievements have brought many blessings upon this land.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021