5000 guests presented the ancestor worship ceremony.

Five thousand participants at the ninth Hebei-Taiwan Economic Cooperation Conference attended the ancestor worship ceremony for the “Three Great Ancestors of China,” the Yellow Emperor of Huang Di, the Yan Emperor of Yan Di and Chiyou.

Wang Zaixi, deputy president of the Cross-Strait Relation Association, and members from the business, tourism and academic fields took part in the memorial ceremony at Zhuolu county’s China Hefutan Square in Hebei province on August 17.

Zhuolu is one of the origins of the Chinese civilization, which is indicated in the famous saying “civilization begins in Zhuolu”. More than 5000 years ago, the Yellow Emperor of Huang Di, the Yan Emperor of Yan Di and Chiyou created the Chinese culture through wars, farming and ethnic integration. So far, remains of 23 historic artifacts have been found in Zhuolu, including the Huang Di Spring, Huang Di City and Chiyou Stockade Village.

Lying in front of the China Hefutan Square are 56 9.9-meter-high stone pillars decorated with totems. As the ancestor worship ceremony began with the sound of bells and drums, compatriots from both sides of the strait offered wreaths and incense to show respect for their Chinese ancestors.

Zhao Shujian, who came from Taipei, said he took part in the activity with great piety. He hoped all citizens of Taiwan could have the chance to join the ceremony because both Taiwan and mainland China share the same ancestry.

Zhangjiakou city of Hebei province has successfully hosted two ancestor worship ceremonies and Hebei-Taiwan Economic Cooperation Conferences. The memorial service is part of the ninth Hebei-Taiwan Economic Cooperation Conference, which began on August 16.

China Hefutan Square at Zhangjiakou city, Hebei province

Performances at the worship ceremony