Naxi Ancient Music

When walking on the ancient streets of the

Lijiang Old Town

, you will undoubtedly hear the wonderful Naxi (also spelt Nakhi or Nahi) Ancient Music, the traditional Naxi classical music is regarded as a "living fossil of Chinese music".

A crystallization of Taoist rite, Confucian ceremony, and the literary lyrics, poetic topics and musical tones of the Tang, Song and Yuan Dynasties, Naxi Ancient Music has developed its own unique style and traits - the result of 500 hundred years of evolution. It originally included three parts - Baisha Fine Music (Baisha Xiyue), Dongjing Music (Dongjing Yinyue), and Huangjing Music (Huangjing Yinyue), the last of which has long been lost in the river of time. Played on venerable Chinese musical instruments such as flute, shawm, Chinese lute, plectrum, and zither, Naxi Music has the power to cleanse the heart and relax the mind.

Dongjing Music

: T

At least four unabridged orchestras exist in and around Lijiang, and these characteristic bands are famous for their "three-olds" : first, old men (most of the players are over 70 years old); second, old musical instruments (many are antiques dating back more than 100 years, some of which can not be seen in other places); third, old songs (all are antiquated classical music). Members of the bands are drawn from all kinds of occupations including teachers, artisans, farmers, butchers and clerks. Naxi Ancient Music Bands have been invited to perform in Hong Kong, Great Britain, America, Holland, Belgium and Norway, exercising great influence and gaining attention from all over the world.

Generations of national musicians devote themselves to Naxi Ancient Music and make it a part of Naxi culture. Music can represent a nation's spirit and offer a better way to know the people who play and enjoy it, so take the opportunity to hear Naxi Ancient Music ; it is guaranteed to be an unforgettable life experience.