Ah Niu attends the public memorial ceremony for Huangdi in Shaanxi, representing overseas Chinese and expressing deep honor in offering flowers

(Shaanxi, April 9) Malaysian singer Ah Niu (Chen Qingxiang) was recently invited to Shaanxi, China, to attend the 2026 Qingming Memorial Ceremony honoring the Yellow Emperor. Representing overseas Chinese communities, he presented a ceremonial flower basket and described the experience as “the most unique stage” of his career—both nerve-wracking and deeply moving.

The ceremony was held on April 5 at the Huangdi Mausoleum, organized by multiple official bodies with the حضور of central and local leaders. The event began in the morning amid the resonating sounds of drums and bells, creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere.

Ah Niu also took part in a tree-planting activity at the Overseas Chinese Grove, where he personally planted a cypress tree symbolizing cultural continuity and heritage. He shared that he struggled to sleep the night before due to nervousness, noting that the ceremony was vastly different from concerts or entertainment shows. Dressed formally with a yellow sash, he stood before Xuanyuan Hall to participate in the ritual.

One of the highlights, “Dragon Soaring Over China,” featured a 56-meter golden dragon rising into the sky from the front of Xuanyuan Hall—an awe-inspiring moment. “I felt a surge of pride and even teared up,” he recalled.

During his visit, he also explored the mausoleum grounds and was particularly struck by an ancient cypress tree believed to be over 5,000 years old. He explained that while his understanding of the Yellow Emperor had previously come from textbooks and legends, witnessing these historical sites in person gave him a tangible sense of time and heritage.

As a fourth-generation Malaysian Chinese, Ah Niu emphasized the significance of representing overseas Chinese at such an event. He said he would share this experience with his family and ancestors, viewing it as not only a personal honor but also a proud moment for his lineage.

He described the entire trip as a meaningful “journey of reconnecting with his roots,” adding, “Planting a tree made me reflect on continuity—it’s like a way of keeping our roots alive.” The experience has deepened his understanding of his cultural identity.