Huangdi Hometown, also called the Yellow Emperor Hometown or Yellow Emperor Birthplace, is the place where Huangdi was born, raised and founded the capital of his kingdom. It is located in Xinzheng, 40 kilometers (25 miles) south from Zhengzhou. In the Han Dynasty (202BC-220AD), Xuanyuan Temple was built here to memorialize Huangdi. After more than 2,000 years of deterioration and repair, the current Huangdi Hometown scenic spot was created. Now it is the most important place for Chinese people at home and abroad who wish to worship their ancestors.
Who is Huangdi?
Huangdi, also known as the Yellow Emperoror, is the mythical ancestor of all Chinese people. Huangdi is considered to be the first person to unify the Chinese nation and is believed to be the progenitor of the ancient civilization of the Chinese nation. He is said to have invented the south-pointing cart, boats, clothing and hats. He also created characters for writing, the Chinese calendar, music, and taught his people how to build shelter, tame wild animals and grow grain.
What to See and Do in Huangdi Hometown
Huangdi Hometown is divided into the Ancestor Worship Area, the Xuanyuan Temple and the Chinese Surname Square. In the Ancestor Worship Area, Huangdi Memorial Hall features a statue of Huangdi standing upright; In Xuanyuan Temple, a golden statue of a sitting Huangdi in middle age is in the main hall. A statue of Leizu – Huangdi’s wife is in the east hall and a statue of Momu - Huangdi’s concubine is in the west hall. You can burn incense and pray for good luck here. Xuanyuan Bridge, in front of Xuanyuan Temple, is an important part of the temple.
In Chinese Surname Square are carved more than 4,600 surnames with abstract auspicious clouds patterns. In the center of Chinese Surname Square is the Huangdi Treasure Tripod. The Tripod, 6.99 meters (22.93 feet) high, 2.8 meters (9.2 feet) deep, 4.7 meters (5.1 yards) in diameter, and 24 tons in weight, is the world’s largest Tripod. Its feet are in the shape of bears because the meaning of the surname of Hunagdi - Youxiong -literally means "bear". Its belly is decorated with nine dragon, fireball and water patterns, whose meaning is to pray for good weather for the crops and the stability of the country.
Ancestor Worship Ceremony
The Ancestor worship ceremony, a very special folk culture activity, is held on the 3rdday of the 3rd lunar month every year - the birthday of Huangdi. On that day, people wear a costume decorated with their surnames to worship their ancestors. There are nine items on the agenda including a 21-gun salute, the presenting of flower baskets, cleaning the hands and burning incense, worshipping, reading prayers, singing odes, religious dance, praying for the Chinese nation and finally praying for the harmony of heaven, earth and people.
How to Get to Huangdi Hometown from Zhengzhou
Take the bus from Zhengzhou Long-distance Bus Terminal or Zhengzhou South Long-distance Bus Station to Xinzheng Xiguan Long-distance Bus Station, then take bus line Xinzheng 1 and get off at Huangdi Hometown Station.