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Memorial ceremony for Yu the Great in Shaoxing [Photo provided to enshaoxing.com]

Yu the Great was an ancient hero in prehistoric times, whose most remarkable accomplishment was taming the waters. He was also an excellent political leader and established the Xia Dynasty (c. 21st century-16th century BC), the first dynasty in Chinese history to follow the hereditary system.

After Yu the Great died, he was buried in Kuaiji, now Shaoxing in Zhejiang province, and activities to worship and memorialize him started with his death.

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Shaoxing government has attached great importance to the protection of Yu's temple and has regularly allocated funds for its renovation.

On April 20, 1995, a grand memorial ceremony for Yu the Great was held, drawing thousands of people from all walks of life around the world. The grand ceremony was regarded as the beginning of worshiping Yu the Great in the new era.

Since 1995, a memorial ceremony for Yu the Great on April 20 every year has become a permanent festival in Shaoxing. A grand ceremony is held every five years.