Shanxi's musical heritage echoes through folk performances

A cultural event celebrating the rich heritage of Chinese folk music concluded Saturday in Shanxi province, marking the final stop of a five-region reading campaign across northern China.

Titled "Alternative Reading: Folk Song Journey through Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, and Inner Mongolia", the event was held at the Shanxi Library and attracted more than 200 participants on site, with over 30,000 tuning in via livestream.

Centered on the theme "Music of the Taihang Mountains," the session offered a deep dive into Shanxi’s renowned folk traditions, which are widely recognized as a cornerstone of northern China’s musical culture.

"Shanxi is known as the land of folk songs," said Zhao Xujiong, deputy director of Shanxi Library. "We hope this event inspires greater appreciation for our region’s cultural roots and strengthens efforts to preserve our intangible heritage".

The program featured performances of classics accompanied by expert commentary from Wang Jingrong, composer and head of the "Root of Huaxia" Art Troupe. Wang traced the evolution of Shanxi folk songs from ancient times to the present day, highlighting their emotional depth and ties to migration and everyday life.

At the session’s conclusion, representatives from the five provincial libraries jointly sealed a commemorative scroll, symbolizing regional collaboration and cultural exchange.

The event was part of a broader initiative to revitalize traditional literature and folk art through cross-provincial partnerships and public engagement.