Fu Xi or Fu Hsi (mid 29th century BCE) was the first of the Three Sovereigns (sanhuang) of ancient China. He is a cultural hero reputed to be the inventor of writing; fishing; and trapping. Note; however; that Cangjie is also said to have invented writing.

The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors (Sanhuang wudi; Wade-Giles: San-huang wu-ti) are a blend of mythological rulers and cultural heroes from ancient China dating loosely from the period from c.3500-2000 BCE. This represents the earliest period of recorded Chinese history and is regarded as largely mythological. In chronological terms it precedes the Xia Dynasty (c.2070-1600 BCE).

There are several variations as to who constitute the various Three Sovereigns and Seven Emperors. According to the Diwang Xishi or Record of Imperial Lineages; also called the 'Sovereign Series' in English; the Three Sovereigns were; in chronological sequence: Fuxi; Shennong and Huangdi. The same source lists the Five Emperors; again chronologically; as: Shaohao; Zhuanxu; Gaoxin; Yao and Shun.