Yu, also known as Wenming, was the son of Gun. Born in West Qiang, he later moved to Chong. During Emperor Yao's reign, the Yellow River basin suffered severe floods, submerging crops and destroying homes. Yao appointed Gun to control the floods. Gun spent nine years using dikes to block the water, but his method failed.

He stole 'xilang,' a self-growing soil, from heaven, angering the Heavenly Emperor, who then ordered Gun's execution. Before his death, Gun urged his son Yu to succeed where he had failed.

Yu adopted a different approach from his father. Instead of blocking, he led the people to dredge riverbeds, open channels like the Dragon Gate, and guide the floodwaters to the sea. He worked tirelessly alongside the common folk, wearing a straw hat and wielding a shovel, leading by example in digging and carrying earth. His feet were constantly soaked and became sore, forcing him to use a staff.

Despite his new marriage, Yu spent thirteen years dedicated to flood control, famously passing his own home three times without entering. The first time, his wife was ill, but he did not go in. The second time, his wife was pregnant, and he again stayed outside. The third time, his wife gave birth to their son, Qi, and Yu heard the baby crying from outside but still resisted the urge to enter and visit.

His unwavering dedication eventually brought the floods under control, making the land arable again. It is said that Yu the Great had three treasures when taming the Yellow River: the River Map, the Mountain-Opening Axe, and the Sea-Stabilizing Needle.