On September 29, I had the pleasure of attending an event called “A Life Called Yunnan – The First Yunnan Folk Song Chorus” at the Nie Er Music Square in Yuxi, Yunnan Province. It was a beautiful collaboration among various organizations, such as the Yuxi Cultural Center and the Yuxi Lantern Theater, showcasing 16 classic folk songs that truly captivated the audience.
Yuxi, located in central Yunnan, is renowned for its crystal-clear streams, which inspire its name that reflects its pristine waters. The city is lovingly referred to by many nicknames, including “The Origin of Life,” “Hometown of Nie Er,” “Hometown of Lanterns,” and “Water Town on the Plateau.”
The concert kicked off with an energetic performance of “The Rice is Ripe” by the Hua Yao Dai choir, setting a lively tone for the evening.
The first segment, titled “Melodies of Yuxi,” featured songs from the Yi and Hani ethnic groups, such as “Yi Village Love Song” and “Let’s Sing Happily.” It also included delightful Hua Yao Dai selections like “Masked Love Song” and “Call of the Moon,” all highlighting the rich cultural heritage and unique charm of Yuxi.
In Yunnan, many ethnic groups express their emotions through song and drink, making drinking songs an integral aspect of folk music. The second segment, “Joyful Wine Songs of Yuxi,” introduced four songs that provided a glimpse into the vibrant daily lives of the Miao, Hani, and Yi people, exuding a wonderful sense of boldness and warmth.
As the concert continued, the third segment, “Sounds of Yuxi,” featured heartfelt renditions of songs like “I’m Waiting for You in Yuxi,” “Noodle Song of Joy,” “Come to Eat Mushrooms,” and “The Oranges are Ripe.” These performances transported the audience, evoking the beautiful landscapes and delicious cuisine of Yuxi.
With the theme “Yunnan Folk Songs Unite the Chinese Nation as One Family,” this event was organized by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with the Publicity Department and the United Front Work Department of the Yuxi Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China. The aim was to preserve and promote traditional Chinese culture, enhance cultural life at the grassroots level, and explore the integration of folk music culture within festive tourism.
