STUDYING THE “LIUPANSHAN HUA’ER” FOLK SONG OF HUI ZU IN NINGXIA, CHINA FOR PRESERVATION

Abstract

In the context of growing global interest in cultural diversity and the safeguarding of intangible heritage, this research addresses the preservation and promotion of the "Liupanshan Hua’er" folk song tradition of the Hui ethnic group in Ningxia, China. As global cultural exchange deepens, the protection of regional and ethnic music traditions becomes essential to maintaining cultural identity and enriching the world's cultural landscape. This study explores the "Liupanshan Hua’er" as a vital form of Chinese folk expression, highlighting its significance within both local and global cultural frameworks. Employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the research was carried out in three phases: documentary research using primary and secondary sources, extensive fieldwork through interviews with key cultural inheritors and participation in the Hua’er Festival, and systematic data analysis. Key informants--three provincial-level inheritors--shared their expertise, shedding light on performance practices and improvisational techniques. The findings were compiled into the Ningxia Liupanshan Hua’er Folk Song Guidebook, which includes detailed documentation of cultural background, musical and lyrical structures, performance theory, and preservation strategies. Evaluated by experts and applied in the "Three Zones" Talent Training and Hua’er Seminar in Tongxin County, the guidebook demonstrated strong educational and cultural value, as confirmed by a satisfaction survey of 234 participants. This research not only contributes to the academic understanding of ethnic music traditions but also provides a practical model for sustaining intangible cultural heritage in a globally interconnected world.