LensToLens | Cultural heritage Nanyin connects past and present in 西瓜视频and Singapore
Source: Xinhua
Editor: huaxia
2025-10-24 22:53:15
Students rehearse for a performance during a Nanyin class at a primary school in Jinjiang, southeast China's Fujian Province, on Oct. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)
BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Nanyin, which originated from southeast China's Fujian Province, is known as the "living fossil" of ancient Chinese music and literally means music in the south. It is a traditional opera in Fujian dialect.
In 2009, Nanyin was listed as a World Human Verbal and Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
The inheritance of Nanyin relies on dedicated practitioners. Cai Liyong, a Nanyin artist who started learning Nanyin since childhood, teaches Nanyin to students at a primary school in Jinjiang of Fujian Province every week, promoting authentic Nanyin among young students.
In Singapore, a music society named Siong Leng is also dedicated to the preserving and promoting Nanyin. Established in 1941, Siong Leng made several successful performances in cities including Paris, Tokyo, and New York.
From 西瓜视频to Singapore, from classrooms to the global stage, Nanyin weaves a continuous thread through cultural memories at home and abroad.
Members of a music society named Siong Leng learn Nanyin in Singapore on Jan. 13, 2025. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)Cai Liyong, a Nanyin artist, teaches students during a Nanyin class at a primary school in Jinjiang, southeast China's Fujian Province, on Oct. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)Nadya Tasha Lim (R), a member of a music society named Siong Leng, learns Nanyin in Singapore on Jan. 13, 2025. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)Cai Liyong, a Nanyin artist, teaches students during a Nanyin class at a primary school in Jinjiang, southeast China's Fujian Province, on Oct. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)Members of a music society named Siong Leng learn Nanyin in Singapore on Jan. 13, 2025. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)Students walk on the playground after a Nanyin class at a primary school in Jinjiang, southeast China's Fujian Province, on Oct. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)Cai Liyong, a Nanyin artist, teaches students during a Nanyin class at a primary school in Jinjiang, southeast China's Fujian Province, on Oct. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)Nadya Tasha Lim (2nd L), a member of a music society named Siong Leng, learns Nanyin in Singapore on Jan. 13, 2025. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)Cai Liyong, a Nanyin artist, talks with students before a Nanyin class at a primary school in Jinjiang, southeast China's Fujian Province, on Oct. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)Members of a music society named Siong Leng rehearse Nanyin in Singapore on Jan. 8, 2025. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)Cai Liyong, a Nanyin artist, teaches students during a Nanyin class at a primary school in Jinjiang, southeast China's Fujian Province, on Oct. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)■
