Tian gao, Huangdi yuan (Chinese: 天高皇帝远, Tiān gāo, huángdì yuǎn) is a Chinese proverb typically translated "Heaven is high and the emperor is far away". The saying is thought to have come from Zhejiang province in the Yuan Dynasty.
Connections between the Chinese Central Government in Beijing and the people has historically been weak, with much regional autonomy and little loyalty. The proverb has thus come to generally mean that central authorities have little influence over local affairs, and it is often used in reference to corruption.
The saying, as it is considered in China, has multiple meanings. Often it involves something minor such as walking on the grass when no one is watching, ignoring a command because the father is far away, cutting timber when not permitted, or ignoring the one-child policy. It is also used to describe a lawless place far from the authorities.
The original variation is also still heard: shan gao, huangdi yuan, meaning the mountains are high and the emperor is far away.