Xiaochang folk songs echo rural life in new era

A folk song performace in Xiaochang. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Xiaochang folk songs were created by local people in their daily lives, known for their simple forms and content. Rich in traditional culture, they reflect rural life and are suitable for various occasions.

These songs draw influence from Xiaochang Dagu (a traditional drum-accompanied storytelling art) and Siping Diao from Chu Opera. They possess elements of storytelling and singing art, with vivid characters, plots and language. They use pentatonic scales, focus on themes like farming and love, and hold significant value for artistic and literary research.

Xiaochang folk songs were included in the sixth batch of Xiaogan's intangible cultural heritage items in 2024, imbuing them with new vitality. Seizing this opportunity, the Xiaochang county cultural center launched systematic preservation efforts.

In 2024 and 2025, the songs participated in Xiaogan's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, showcasing their charm to residents. At the end of 2024, the center established a compilation committee and organized over 20 enthusiasts to conduct field surveys.

Five folk song lovers were recognized as county-level inheritors in the third batch of county-level intangible cultural heritage inheritors in 2025. The center invited these inheritors to give lectures and set up a vocal chorus class.

The center plans to integrate adapted folk songs into chorus works, hold special performances and shoot MVs at festivals to better promote this cultural treasure.                                             

The center has recruited young professionals to be a part of the inheritance team. These young talents re-notated the scores of collected folk songs and attempted to adapt some of the songs into orchestral works, ensuring that Xiaochang folk songs can stand the test of time.