Yao is traditionally counted among the
五帝 (Wǔ Dì, 'Five Emperors') of high antiquity. He was first enfeoffed at
陶 (Táo) and later at
唐 (Táng), giving him the alternate name
唐尧 — 'Yao of Tang'. Confucian texts hold him up as the ideal ruler: instead of passing the throne to his son, he abdicated to the worthy
舜 (Shùn). The phrase
尧天舜日 (Yáo tiān Shùn rì, 'days of Yao and Shun') still means 'a golden age'.
