Fujian ICH: Nanyin

Nanyin, a performing art that combines singing and instrumental music, is one of the oldest surviving musical genres in China. It was inscribed in 2009 on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Originating from the Minnan region in southern Fujian province, nanyin features the Quanzhou dialect and employs distinctive instruments such as the pipa (a crooked-neck lute), dongxiao (a bamboo flute), erxian (a two-stringed instrument), sanxian (a three-stringed instrument), and clappers. With a repertoire of over 3,000 ancient scores, nanyin preserves a wide array of musical styles from the Jin (265-420) to the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Characterized by its elegant and delicate style, nanyin performances are categorized into three types: instrumental pieces, vocal pieces, and ballads accompanied by an ensemble.

These performances are deeply embedded in the social and cultural life of the Minnan people, featuring prominently in ceremonies, weddings, funerals, and festive celebrations. Nanyin not only enriches the cultural heritage of Minnan communities but also serves as a vital link to their ancestral roots, resonating as the sound of the motherland for Minnan populations both in China and overseas.