Yisi year ancestor worship ceremony to be held at the end of the month, ai-powered “cloud worship” launched

Ta Kung Pao Zhongyuan

Zhengzhou: On March 31, the third day of the third lunar month in the Yisi Year, the Huangdi Hometown Ancestor Worship Ceremony will take place in Xinzheng, Zhengzhou, Henan, the birthplace of the Yellow Emperor.

The event warmly invites Chinese people from around the world to embark on a soul-stirring journey to trace their roots at Juci Mountain and the banks of the Qinwei River. Participants will pay tribute to the great achievements of their ancestors and collectively pray for national prosperity, people’s well-being, and world peace.

This year’s ceremony aims to preserve and promote China’s rich cultural heritage while resonating with contemporary values. The event aspires to become a landmark cultural and spiritual gathering, demonstrating cultural confidence, strengthening unity, and continuing the historical and national lineage. It is expected to be an even more distinctive and spectacular celebration for Chinese people worldwide.

The ceremony follows the theme: “Same Roots, Same Ancestors, Same Origin; Peace, Harmony, and Concord.” The event will feature nine official ritual procedures, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage project by the State Council.

As in previous years, the ceremony will include online ancestor worship and simultaneous worship activities overseas, integrating virtual and physical participation to connect the global Chinese community.

On March 18, the Yisi Year “Cloud Worship” platform was officially launched, unlocking new possibilities for spreading Huangdi culture through digital technology. The upgraded “Cloud Worship” platform utilizes a 3D immersive experience powered by AI, inviting global Chinese communities to partake in an interactive and meaningful ancestor worship experience.

One of the most significant upgrades this year is the transition from 2D to 3D digital modeling, offering a realistic reconstruction of the worship site. This enhancement allows users to virtually step into the ceremony, experience the rituals firsthand, and immerse themselves in the solemn atmosphere of the event.

With just a tap on the screen, users can explore the Huangdi Hometown Worship Square, navigate through the site with the “Smart Guide,” and take part in various traditional rituals—such as presenting floral tributes at Xuanyuan Hall, purifying hands, and offering incense. AI-generated personalized blessing messages and commemorative posters further enrich the experience.

The digitization of ancestral worship rituals enables overseas Chinese to experience the full grandeur, cultural depth, and solemnity of the ceremony from anywhere in the world. The immersive 3D worship experience fosters a deeper connection among global Chinese communities, reinforcing their shared heritage and identity.

“I’m Ling Lun, the ancestor of music, igniting the flames of civilization with rhythm…”

A newly AI-composed and AI-generated music video (MV) titled “I Am Ling Lun – The Melody in Our DNA” is now available on the “Cloud Worship” platform, offering a modern artistic tribute to ancient cultural roots.

Additionally, this year’s “Huangdi Heavenly Team” has welcomed two new digital characters: Xuan Nu and Feng Hou. Thanks to AI technology, these legendary figures showcase their unique talents—Ling Lun sings, Leizu dances to the rhythm, and Youxiong practices martial arts. Through intelligent rendering and AI voice technology, previously static sculptures of Huangdi Hometown have been brought to life, dynamically narrating the story of the Yellow Emperor in a vivid and engaging manner.

AI technology has provided new, diverse pathways for spreading Huangdi culture, appealing to younger audiences with modern, dynamic, and engaging storytelling techniques. The initiative aims to deepen cultural identity and national pride among global Chinese communities, making the “Cloud Worship” platform a central hub for collective ancestral reverence.

The newly upgraded “Cloud Worship” platform continues to offer a “Caring Edition,” a Traditional Chinese version, and an English version, ensuring that Chinese communities worldwide can engage in the online worship experience and immerse themselves in Huangdi culture.

With more surprises awaiting users, the platform invites all participants to join in spreading Huangdi culture globally, ensuring it gains greater visibility and influence across the world.