Donations to the tune of 100 million yuan (about US$12.1 million) have been amassed for refitting the mausoleum of Huangdi, or the Yellow Emperor, the legendary founder of the Chinese nation.

Located on Qiaoshan Hill in Huangling County, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, the mausoleum is a popular place for people of Chinese origin to worship their ancestors.

The renovation, carried out in two stages, started in autumn 1992 to cater to the growing numbers of worshippers and bears a cost of 330 million yuan.

During the first stage, which was completed in 1998, projects such as building a bridge, the entrance plaza and a parking lot were completed. Projects including a fire control facility to protect 80,000 ancient cypress trees around the mausoleum, and the main hall for offering sacrifices are required to be finished during the second stage renovation which began in late 2001.

Sun Tianyi, head of Yellow Emperor Mausoleum Fund, said a public worshipping function would be organized at this year's Qingming Festival, which falls on April 5, the Chinese traditional day for cherishing the memory of the dead, with the attendance of business people and leaders from other parts of the country, as well as overseas Chinese.

(Xinhua News Agency March 25, 2004)