Chinese Folk Songs and Musical Traditions

Chinese folk songs (minge) are among the oldest and most diverse musical traditions in the world. Thousands of distinct regional styles have been sung for centuries, passed down orally and preserving melodies that often reach back to the Han Dynasty.

Huaer: Songs of the Northwest

The Huaer of Gansu and Qinghai provinces are among the most vibrant folk song traditions in China. Sung at annual festivals, Huaer addresses love, loss, and the beauty of the landscape.

Erhuang and Xipi

The Erhuang and Xipi melodies form the basis of Beijing opera. Erhuang is characterized by gravity and melancholy; Xipi is more energetic and suited to scenes of action and comedy.