On October 24, a significant musical event took place in the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, known as the 27th edition of the “Folk Song Grand View” series in Yunnan, titled “Heart Blooms as I Sing for the Great River.” Local singers and artistic groups came together to fill the Nujiang Grand Canyon with their melodious voices.
We spoke with Jiang Mingchu, a renowned lyricist and the planner behind “Folk Song Grand View.” He emphasized the deep-rooted musical traditions of the region, stating, “In Nujiang, nearly every villager has an innate ability to perform their ancient folk songs using a unique blend of techniques influenced by social media and polyphonic singing.”
Nestled in a dramatic landscape where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates collide, Nujiang Prefecture features a staggering elevation difference of 4,390 meters. For a long time, this region remained relatively unknown, often referred to as a “hidden paradise.” However, its rich history dates back thousands of years, evidenced by archaeological findings such as the Yushui Ping Paleolithic site and ancient rock paintings at Lasaidi, indicating human activity in the area for at least three to four millennia.
The diverse communities of the Lisu, Nu, Drung, Pumi, and Han peoples have coexisted harmoniously for centuries, creating a vibrant tapestry of history and culture enriched by unique customs, music, dance, attire, architecture, cuisine, and mythology.
In the Nujiang Grand Canyon, songs are woven deeply into everyday life, even influencing local dispute resolution methods. The Lisu people’s approach to settling conflicts through song is remarkable; when disagreements arise, the plaintiff presents their case through singing, placing a stone on the table for each point made. Conversely, the defendant sings their defense, adding a stone for each rebuttal. A village “judge” sings to mediate until a resolution is reached.
The latest “Folk Song Grand View” featured impressive performances from talented singers such as Rongbaxinna, Apusasa, and Nadasha. They were accompanied by cultural groups including the Nujiang Ethnic Culture Work Team and various choirs, showcasing traditional songs like the Lisu’s “Bashai,” “Jiazi: Song of Love for Herbs,” and “Guan Si Diao,” along with pieces from the Nu, Pumi, and Drung communities.
This popular folk music series broadcasts through multiple platforms including the China News app, its website, and social media like Facebook, TikTok, and Douyin, reaching audiences both domestically and internationally. It has garnered support from several overseas media outlets across Southeast Asia.
“Folk Song Grand View” is guided by the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party’s Propaganda Department and is hosted by China News Service alongside the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. The initiative aims to present the rich, diverse ethnic music culture of China to a global audience, further promoting cross-border cultural exchanges and enhancing the visibility of Chinese culture. Since its launch in 2022, the series has accumulated over 415 million views online.
