Gulin Yaoling in Heze

　　     Yaoling, also known as the Tomb of Emperor Yao, is the burial site of Emperor Yao. As recorded in the Lüshi Chunqiu: “Yao was buried in Gulin.” It is located in Gulin, Fuchun Township, about 7 kilometers from the county seat of Juancheng, hence the name “Gulin Yaoling.”
　　   Yao, of the Yiqi clan, given name Fangxun, also known as Taotangshi, was the fifth-generation descendant of the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan. His father was Emperor Ku, and his mother was Qingdu. Sima Qian listed him as one of the Five Emperors. Yao governed his people with the four virtues of reverence, clarity, culture, and thoughtfulness, fostered harmony among kin, and became renowned throughout the land for the virtuous act of abdication (“shanrang”), earning deep respect and admiration from his people. At the age of 15, he was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Tang, became the Son of Heaven at 20, established his capital in Pingyang (now the western part of Linfen, Shanxi), reigned for 98 years, and passed away at the age of 117. He was buried in Gulin.

　　      Heze City, Shandong Province