Chinese folk music

Chinese folk music encompasses a diverse range of traditional melodies and styles rooted in the country’s regional cultures and histories. It reflects local stories, customs, and livelihoods, often performed with traditional instruments like the erhu, pipa, and dulcimer. Characterized by its melodic expressiveness, rhythmic patterns, and use of pentatonic scales, it varies greatly across regions—from the lively, narrative folk operas to gentle lullabies. These songs serve as cultural narratives, social functions, and spiritual expressions, preserving historical sentiments and community identities. Chinese folk music remains a vital link to the nation’s rich cultural heritage.