A ceremony is held to honor Huangdi, or the Yellow Emperor -- the legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation, in Huangling County, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, April 4, 2016. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

A ceremony was held to honor Huangdi, or the Yellow Emperor -- the legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation, on Monday, in Huangling County, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The gathering started with 34 drum beats and nine toll bells, signifying the 34 provinces and special administrative regions of China.

High-level officials and dignities, including Wang Jiarui, vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Chan Ch'un Po, former vice-chairman of the Kuomintang, were present.

Monday was the traditional Qingming Festival, or Tomb-sweeping Day, when Chinese hold activities to cherish the memories of their ancestors and deceased family members.