A 12-year renovation of the Mausoleum of Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor), a legendary ruler of the Chinese nation, has been basically completed.

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

To cater to the growing needs of worshippers from home and abroad, the Shaanxi provincial government launched the renovation project in 1992. A foundation was set up to raise money for the project that year.

The foundation has raised 230 million yuan (US$27.7 million) from government departments and Chinese at home and abroad so far for the repair of the mausoleum. Donations from Chinese residing abroad totaled 30 million yuan (US$3.6 million).

The project was divided into two phases. The first stage, completed in 1996, included construction of an entrance plaza and a place for holding sacrificial rites. The second stage is in the final phase. Experts are discussing ways to erect a portrait of Huangdi at the mausoleum.

According to historical records, the Yellow Emperor unified tribes at the Yellow River valley 5,000 years ago. He was considered the founder of the Chinese nation and culture.

(Xinhua News Agency April 6, 2004)