By Xinyi Li, EDITOR
Chuanjiang Haozi has been recognized and approved by the Chinese Government, to be included in the first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage List, on May 20, 2006. Whistling sirens signify, the end of the wooden-boat age. Since most man-powered boats have been replaced by machine-powered boats.
Because of the rapid development and progress in transportation and technology, the lifestyle of the people of Chongqing has taken a great leap, but unfortunately, the art of Chuangjiang Haozi could not adapt to the changes. The machine has replaced the man, dictating the art to vanish, forever. However, there are still people are still striving to recall this art.
Chuanjiang Haozi, a form of folk singing is facing a serious threat of extinction because of the changes that occurred in the lifestyle of the people over the recent decade. Without proper measures of revival, Haozi may die a silent death in the next 2-3 decades and may be forgotten forever.