Chongqing - To further promote cultural exchange and mutual learning while showcasing the unique charm of the ethnic cultures in Western China, the "Western China's Melody: Stories of Chinese Folk Songs" international co-production music documentary project, organized by the Western International Communication Center, has officially launched. This program will invite internationally renowned musicians to blend the diverse ethnic musical traditions of China's western regions with contemporary electronic music, creating a music documentary series with global impact. The project aims to bring Chinese folk music to international attention, especially among young overseas audiences.

The poster of the music documentary "Western China's Melody" (Poster/ Li Jiao)

Western China, vast and mysterious, has nurtured numerous brilliant ethnic cultures. The region's mountains, grasslands, and rivers interweave to form a rich and diverse natural landscape, while the ethnic groups inhabiting this land have created cultural treasures with unique charm. From the soulful long songs of the Xizang people to the vibrant drumming of the Uyghurs, from the melodic horse-head fiddle of the Mongolians to the expressive mountain songs of the Miao people, each note carries centuries of historical legacy and emotional resonance, weaving touching melodies about homeland, faith, and human emotions.

These ethnic musical traditions not only symbolize the soul of Chinese culture but also reflect the harmony between nature and the human spirit. The music embodies reverence for nature, love for life, and the longing for freedom, conveying emotional connections that transcend time and space. This raw, authentic music from the heart of Western China is like a song of nature, rich in local characteristics yet infused with a universal appeal that resonates with global music.

Exploring the folk songs of 10 ethnic groups

The "Western China's Melody" series will have ten episodes, each lasting 25 minutes. Every episode will tell the story behind an ethnic folk song, feature one traditional folk song, and present an electronic music remix. The series will deeply explore the musical stories of various ethnic groups, highlighting the cultural characteristics, achievements, and changes in the lives of the people of Western China.

International musicians will visit the ethnic communities of western China, uncovering folk songs from ten ethnic groups: Han, Xizang Uyghur, Mongolian, Hui, Zhuang, Kazakh, Miao, Yi, and Dai. They will listen to the stories of folk song inheritors and blend Chinese folk music with global trends through international electronic music adaptations. The program will incorporate the cultural characteristics, development, customs, and natural landscapes of western China, creating cross-cultural music works with global appeal. This will enhance the international influence of Chinese culture and increase its visibility abroad. Centered on "cultural exchange and mutual learning," the program will showcase universal human emotions such as love for one’s homeland, family, and friendship, conveying the unique culture and lifestyle of China's ethnic minorities.

Collaborating with international musicians

The Western International Communication Center will collaborate with internationally recognized musicians registered on the global music platform Spotify to explore and adapt folk songs. The adapted works will be released on various domestic and international music platforms, and the documentary will be promoted on iChongqing’s website, Bridging News app, as well as on global social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook, further expanding the international influence of Western Chinese culture.

The international co-production music documentary "Western China's Melody: Stories of Chinese Folk Songs" will air in 2025. Stay tuned!

For partnership opportunities with brands in automotive, electronics, music rights, personal care, and more, please contact:  

Cao Xiangyi at +86 17830576785 or via email at caoxy@ichongqing.info.