Chongqing - On a chilly winter evening, the soothing melodies of leaf music filled a free class at the Cultural Center of Chongqing Wulong District. At the center of attention was Zhang Qilin, producing cheerful folk tunes and birdsong with a fresh leaf that captivated the curious children around him.

Zhang Qilin is not an ordinary musician. He is a celebrated inheritor of the Shiqiao Leaf Music, a municipal intangible cultural heritage of Chongqing, and has spent 32 years in his rural hometown, bringing joy to countless children through the art of leaf playing.

Zhang Qilin is giving a lesson to children. (Photo/Li Yuheng)

Turning a joke into reality

Zhang’s passion for leaf music began modestly. After completing his studies in 1992, he returned to his hometown to teach Chinese language. In 1995, he became a music teacher at Shiqiao Primary School in Wulong District, a school nestled in the mountainous Shiqiao Miao and Tujia Township.

During breaks, Zhang entertained students with leaf music and soon recognized its potential to enrich their lives. He formed after-school interest groups and joked about making every child love leaf playing, though it seemed unlikely at the time.

In 2012, driven by growing interest, Zhang founded the Zhang Qilin Leaf Music Studio and introduced a curriculum titled “Leaf Music, Joyful Childhood.” He also compiled three teaching materials to promote the art.

Zhang Qilin is teaching a girl how to play the leaf step by step at the Chongqing Wulong District Cultural Center on December 22. (Photo/Li Yuheng)

Today, Shiqiao Primary School stands as a model of cultural integration, blending ethnic traditions with modern education. Its music program enriches students’ lives while defining the school as a vibrant rural institution.

Inspiring cultural confidence

“Why teach children to play the leaf?” and “What do rural children truly need?” These questions have shaped Zhang’s work for decades.

Unlike conventional instruments, leaf playing demands exceptional natural talent and intuition. While Zhang seeks to preserve this heritage by nurturing talented apprentices, he remains committed to making the art accessible to all. “Many shy and introverted children have found confidence through music, and that is deeply rewarding,” Zhang said. “This leaf is my secret weapon for connecting with kids. I love my work and want to be a good teacher for life.”

Zhang also uses music to foster pride in local culture. By sharing the history and evolution of leaf playing, he inspires students to value their heritage. He often leads them outdoors to listen to nature’s sounds, weaving these elements into their performances.

This harmony between music and culture has transformed rural education. It has also helped parents and teachers appreciate music’s role in fostering creativity and a sense of belonging among children.

Music as a lifeline for rural children

Music has become a source of companionship and expression for many students, especially left-behind children whose parents work far from home. “Music provides a sense of belonging in group activities,” Zhang explained.

Zhang’s dedication goes beyond teaching. He mentors and supports his students, visiting their homes with supplies and offering personalized “leaf music sessions.” He also partners with organizations to create performance opportunities, helping students expand their horizons.

Over the years, many of Zhang’s students have reached significant milestones. Some have pursued higher education, while others now perform leaf music at renowned tourist sites like Zhangjiajie in Hunan and Wulong’s Tiansheng Sanqiao (Three Natural Bridges). “Watching these children grow into confident individuals gives me hope for rural culture’s future,” Zhang said. “As long as one child is willing to learn, I’ll keep teaching so the melodies of leaf music continue to echo in our villages.”

Zhang Qilin is conducting a harmonica class for a boy in the school corridor. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

Zhang’s impact extends well beyond his classroom. Recently, he received a handwritten thank-you letter from a 70-year-old fan who learned leaf music through his online tutorials—a heartfelt testament to his wide-reaching influence.

Beyond his classroom, Zhang and his wife conduct free leaf music workshops in nearby villages and communities. In October, he established a district-level Master Craftsman Studio for Leaf Music to attract young learners and breathe new life into the ancient art.

“Through this platform, I hope to inspire more young people to engage with leaf music and carry forward this tradition,” Zhang shared. “With their participation, we can ensure that this cultural treasure thrives for generations to come.”

(Yang Xiao and Li Yuheng, reporters from Chongqing Daily, and Niu Penglin, an intern from Chongqing Daily, contributed to the Chinese version of this report.)