Legend has it that the qin , has a history of about 5,000 years ; that the legendary people of China 's pre-history ; Fuxi , Shennong and Huang Di ( the Yellow Emperor ) , was involved in its creation . Legend has it that the qin , the most revered of all Chinese musical instruments , has a history of about 5,000 years . This legend states that the legendary figures of China 's pre-history â '' Fuxi , Shennong and Huang Di , the `` Yellow Emperor '' â '' were involved in its creation .