Originating from the work and life of Hainan people, Yazhou Folk Songs feature rich content, lively and interesting lyrics, and melodious tunes, covering a wide range of topics like local social conditions, economic life, literature, and arts.
As a unique folk art in the city of Sanya with a history of over 600 years, the songs are a type of Chinese ballad intonated in the Hakka dialect in ancient Yazhou areas.
It is believed that Yazhou Folk Songs first arose in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), and prospered in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). They are of great significance in deciphering the socioeconomic development of ancient Yazhou and to learn about its local culture.
Most of the lyrics lines consist of seven Chinese characters, with content themed around social life, legends, folklore, history, landscape, and daily work.
In 2006, Yazhou Folk Songs were included in the national-level intangible cultural heritage list.
Young people from Hainan learn about Yazhou Folk Songs from inheritor Zhang Yuanlai. [Photo by Chen Xingfei/Hainan Daily]
Watching lantern shows and eating sweet dumplings have long been Chinese Lantern Festival traditions. However, Hainan...
Overview
Haikou 
Sanya 
