On March 16th (UK local time), the 2015 (Year of the Snake) Yellow Emperor Ancestor Worship Ceremony, a joint event between the Yellow Emperor's birthplace in Xinzheng, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, and the UK—the 2015 (Year of the Snake) Grand Ceremony for Overseas Chinese in the UK to Pay Homage to the Yellow Emperor—was solemnly held at Cambridge University.
This event was hosted by the British Yellow Emperor Culture Innovation and Development Foundation and the London Chinatown Business Association, and organized by the China-UK Technology and Innovation Platform(CNUKTIP). Nearly 300 people, including leaders from the Chinese Embassy in the UK, representatives from the Cambridge City Government, scholars from Cambridge University, representatives from British overseas Chinese communities and chambers of commerce, and guests from various sectors, gathered to commemorate the legendary Yellow Emperor, the ancestor of Chinese civilization, through traditional rituals and music, promote Chinese culture, pray for national peace and prosperity, and convey the friendship between China and the UK.
A New Paradigm of Cultural Diplomacy Through Political and Academic Collaboration
At 10:30 AM local time on the 16th, Wang Taisheng, the master of ceremonies, grandson of the renowned patriotic general Fang Ying, son of General Wang Boxiang, and honorary president of the Association of Descendants of Chinese Veterans of the War of Resistance Against Japan in the UK, announced the official start of the ceremony.
Wang Taisheng, grandson of the renowned patriotic general Fang Ying, son of General Wang Boxiang, and honorary president of the Association of Descendants of Chinese Veterans of the War of Resistance Against Japan in the UK, presided over the ceremony.
Liu Hongmei, Counselor for Overseas Chinese Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in the UK, delivered the opening remarks, extending warm congratulations on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in the UK on the holding of the ceremony. Liu Hongmei pointed out that the Yellow Emperor, as the cultural ancestor of the Chinese nation, embodies the spirit of unity, struggle, and innovation, which serves as a common spiritual bond for Chinese people at home and abroad. On the occasion of the successful conclusion of the 2025 National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (NPC and CPPCC), she called on overseas Chinese compatriots and international friends to actively shoulder three missions: first, to be practitioners of the international dissemination of Chinese culture and tell China's story in innovative ways; second, to be promoters of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the UK and seize the opportunities of high-quality development; and third, to be promoters of mutual learning among civilizations and inject new momentum into deepening people-to-people friendship between China and the UK. Liu Hongmei also emphasized the need to implement the strategic deployment of the NPC and CPPCC regarding "comprehensively building a modern socialist country," deepening practice in key areas such as scientific and technological innovation, reform and opening up, and common prosperity, so that the spirit of the Yellow Emperor can shine with new era brilliance. Finally, she encouraged all compatriots to be guided by the spirit of their ancestors, jointly draw a blueprint for national rejuvenation, and jointly build a "golden era" for China-UK relations.
Liu Hongmei, Counselor for Overseas Chinese Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in the UK, delivered a speech.
In her speech, Cambridge Deputy Mayor Diana Ponzi stated that Cambridge is not only an academic mecca with an 800-year history, but also a forefront of technological innovation and an international metropolis where cultures converge. While preserving its historical character, Cambridge is committed to building a vibrant arts community and promoting cross-cultural dialogue through cultural heritage. She noted that culture and art can connect different groups, and Cambridge has always cherished its deep ties with the Chinese community. In the future, Cambridge will further strengthen cooperation in culture, education, and other fields, welcoming global talent, especially scholars and students from China. This event not only infused the cultural festival with a warm humanistic spirit but also created a new paradigm for mutual learning between Chinese and English cultures.
Cambridge Deputy Mayor Diana Ponzi delivered a speech.
Jeremy Saunders, Honorary Professor for Life and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, spoke on the theme of "The Heritage and Innovation of a Millennial University," reviewing the long-standing academic ties between Cambridge University and China spanning three centuries. He specifically pointed out that Cambridge has forged an indissoluble bond with China since establishing the first professorship of Chinese Studies in Britain in 1888, and currently has over two thousand Chinese students at the university. He also specifically mentioned the Xu Zhimo Memorial Garden within King's College, which evokes the historical depth of Sino-British cultural exchange. He emphasized, "Knowledge knows no borders; it is the fusion of global talent that allows this ancient university to maintain its innovative vitality. Today, such cultural activities are the most effective way to achieve cross-border and cross-academic exchanges." Finally, he quoted lines from Xu Zhimo's poem "Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again" to encourage the mutual learning between Chinese and English cultures and usher in a new chapter.
Address by Jeremy Saunders, Honorary Professor for Life and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge
Upholding Ancient Rituals and Respectfully Paying Homage to the Ancestor of Chinese Civilization
Adhering to the theme of "Same Roots, Same Ancestors, Same Origin; Peace, Harmony, and Unity," the event comprised nine ritual procedures.
Qiankun Taiji: Taiji generates Yin and Yang, Yin and Yang give rise to all things. The Way of Taiji embodies the harmony of heaven and earth, revealing the beginning of civilization. Taiji performers, with their graceful and powerful movements, interpreted the Chinese cosmology of the creation of heaven and earth and the mutual generation of Yin and Yang, thus opening the grand ceremony.
Presenting Flower Baskets: A fragrant offering to the ancestor; eternal achievements, forever etched in our hearts. Liu Hongmei, Counselor for Overseas Chinese Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in the UK; Lin Xinxian, Vice President of the London Chinatown Business Association and President of the UK Fuqing Association; Cheng Jian, Director of Phoenix TV Europe; Zhu Liangwei, Secretary-General of the All-UK Overseas Chinese Association for the Promotion of China's Reunification; Qiu Zenghui, President of the Sino-British Opera Association; and Liu Kaixiang, Executive Vice Chairman of the British Chinese Chamber of Commerce, successively took the stage to present flower baskets to the statue of the Yellow Emperor.
Liu Hongmei, Counselor for Overseas Chinese Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in the UK, presented a flower basket.
Hands cleansed and incense offered: Cleansing hands and burning incense purifies the heart and clarifies intentions; the incense burns on, and ancestral virtues endure. Six representatives—Ren Xiang, Chairman of the China-UK Technology and Innovation Platform; Wang Shuoguang, President of the Hebei Chamber of Commerce in the UK; Zhao Qin, Deputy Secretary-General of the London Chinatown Business Association; Yao Xiaoming, Dean of the School of Foreign Languages at Zhongyuan University of Technology; Lu Yu, Co-founder of Yisheng Biotechnology and General Manager of the Operations Department of Aceso BioSciences, Cambridge Research Laboratory; and Du Yutong, Director of the International Cultural Exchange Center of the UK Branch of the China Times and Director of the China-UK New Media E-commerce Center—stood solemnly, hands cleansed with water and incense burning, the wisps of smoke conveying their remembrance of their ancestors and their prayers for the peace and well-being of their nation.
From left to right: Ren Xiang, Chairman of the China-UK Science and Technology Innovation Platform; Wang Shuoguang, President of the Hebei Chamber of Commerce in the UK; Zhao Qin, Deputy Secretary-General of the London Chinatown Business Association—cleans hands and burns incense.
Paying Homage to the Ancestor: Our revered ancestor, who initiated the primordial chaos; whose millennia-long achievements have benefited all people. Led by the master of ceremonies, everyone stood solemnly, straightened their attire, and bowed three times to the statue of the Yellow Emperor, the solemn atmosphere revealing deep patriotic sentiment.
Reading the Eulogy: The eulogy carries profound meaning, each word carrying immense weight. Mr. Li Bingnan, recipient of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), Founding President of the Cambridge Chinese Association, Founder of the Chinese School Management Committee, and Chairman of the Cambridge Chinese Dragon Boat Association, led the guests in reading the eulogy. The resounding words reviewed the Yellow Emperor's achievements and prayed for "unity across the land and prosperity for all." Thunderous applause erupted upon its completion.
Mr. Li Bingnan, Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), Founding President of the Cambridge Chinese Association, Founder of the Chinese School Management Committee, and Chairman of the Cambridge Chinese Dragon Boat Association, led the guests in reciting the prayer text.
Singing Hymns: The hymns resounded, filled with deep patriotic sentiment. Renowned British-based opera soprano Wang Beibei, President of the UK-China Performing Arts Association, and children from the Cambridge Chinese School jointly sang "Ode to the Yellow Emperor," their clear voices blending with the adult chorus, singing of the magnificent spirit of "Dragons soaring through the clouds, China forever prosperous."
Musical and Dance Worship: Bells and drums resounded, music and dance filled the air. The dance "Powder and Ink," performed by the CultureKind Chinese community, brought the ceremony to a climax. The flowing sleeves resembled splashed ink landscapes, depicting the profound meaning of "harmony between ritual and music, unity of heaven and man," immersing the audience in the enduring artistic vitality of Chinese culture.
Praying for China: With one heart, we pray for a prosperous and lasting future. Attendees tied prayer plaques to the branches of the blessing tree. Their sincere hearts and the blessing tree shared the same sunshine and moon, their prayers reaching the world!
Harmony of Heaven, Earth, and Man: At the end of the ceremony, participating guests placed ears of wheat into the "Harmony of Heaven, Earth, and Man" symbol. The golden ears of wheat symbolize a bountiful harvest. Each ear represents a wish: may the weather be favorable, may the nation prosper; may the country and its people be forever safe and sound, may the land be beautiful and prosperous; may the world be one family, may the universe be peaceful and harmonious; may the spirit of the Yellow Emperor bless China's prosperity!
XR Technology Empowers Tradition: A Thousand Miles Homecoming "Arrives in a Second"
This grand ceremony innovatively introduced an immersive XR interactive experience. Overseas Chinese, wearing special glasses, could "travel" to the birthplace of the Yellow Emperor, thousands of miles away. A "time portal" with flowing light and shadow slowly opened before them, allowing participants to stroll through a virtual hometown, entering the Roots-Seeking Gate, the Ancestral Altar, and the Ancestral Hall, finally arriving at the Ancestor Worship Square, where the majestic and solemn statue of the Yellow Emperor instantly came into view. Guests used gestures to complete rituals such as "washing hands and offering incense" and "presenting flower baskets," with the scenes of incense smoke and falling petals vividly brought to life with a light touch. The technology replicated not only the scene but also the emotional journey home. Even separated by oceans, those with a deep love for their homeland could use technology to "be physically present in Xinzheng," completing a cultural roots-seeking journey across time and space.
"Same roots, same ancestors, same origin; peace, harmony, and unity." The six-year-old joint worship ceremony in the UK, based on the principles of "three similarities" (sameness, sameness, sameness, sameness) and "three harmonies" (harmony, sameness, sameness, sameness, sameness, sameness, sameness, sameness, sameness, sameness, sameness, sameness, sameness, sameness, sameness, sameness, sameness, and sameness), has become a major cultural event for Chinese compatriots in the UK to trace their roots, pray for blessings, and fulfill vows.
This year's joint worship event in the UK also extends beyond the Chinese community to a world-renowned university. With the concept of "inheritance, transmission, and dissemination," and highlighting the deep integration of overseas intellectuals, high-level talents, and outstanding experts, it further promotes the dissemination and integration of Yellow Emperor culture within top international academic and talent circles.
On the third day of the third lunar month, some of the British guests will travel across the ocean to return to their homeland to participate in the Yellow Emperor's birthplace worship ceremony in Xinzheng, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, joining overseas Chinese around the world to worship their ancestor, fulfill a "spiritual covenant," and seek their "spiritual roots." From Cambridge to the Central Plains, cultural resonance across the ocean is flowing into the long river of national rejuvenation; and we see the Chinese people around the world, holding the torch of civilization as their oars and the ideal of universal harmony as their sails, sailing together on the long river of human civilization where beauty and harmony coexist.
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