Memorial ceremony for the Yellow Emperor in China (19 images)

The Yellow Emperor who, according to legend, is the immortal ancestor of the Chinese people, was celebrated in a public memorial at his tomb in Qiaoshan Mountain Square, Hanging Country, Shaanxi Province on April 4, 2017. State leaders, officials and representatives from across China, Hong Kong, Macua and overseas attended the ceremony, paying their respects to a deity who inspires Chinese nationalism.

Chinese performers dressed in imperial garb perform in a public memorial ceremony honoring the Yellow Emperor in Qiaoshan Mountain Square, Hanging Country, Shaanxi Province on April 4, 2017. Accounts of the Yellow Emporor started to appear in Chinese culture as far back as the fifth century. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI

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Chinese dancers dressed in imperial garb perform in a public memorial ceremony for the Yellow Emperor in Qiaoshan Mountain Square, Hanging Country, Shaanxi Province on April 4, 2017. State leaders, officials and representatives from across China, Hong Kong, Macua and overseas attended the ceremony, paying their respects to an emperor that inspires Chinese nationalism. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI

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A Chinese dancer dressed in imperial garb waits to perform in a public memorial ceremony for the Yellow Emperor in Qiaoshan Mountain Square, Hanging Country, Shaanxi Province on April 4, 2017. In 2006, the ceremonial offerings were added to China's list of national intangible cultural heritage. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI

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Chinese men dressed in imperial garb wait to perform in a public memorial ceremony for the Yellow Emperor in Qiaoshan Mountain Square, Hanging Country, Shaanxi Province on April 4, 2017. Members of the ancient Han Dynasty used to pray to the Yellow Emperor for a long life and fortune in battle. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI

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