Sanhuang (Three Sovereigns)

The Sanhuang, or Three Sovereigns, are legendary Chinese cultural heroes representing moral virtues and early civilization, traditionally said to have governed China in ancient times before emperors. They symbolize the foundational principles of health, leadership, and harmony: the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) symbolizes wisdom and innovation, the Zhuanxu represents moral virtue, and the Emperor of the Three Sovereigns embodies benevolence. These figures are often regarded as cultural archetypes, credited with innovations such as medicine, agriculture, and social order, serving as symbolic ancestors of Chinese civilization.