To further promote music education and broaden students’ artistic horizons, the School of Art and Design at Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT) successfully hosted a lecture titled “The Colorful World of Chinese Folk Songs” at 6:30 PM on May 20th in Lecture Hall A104, Changping Campus. The event featured Professor Zhang Tiantong from the Vocal and Opera Department of the China Conservatory of Music and national-level intangible cultural heritage (ICH) inheritor Cao Minghua. The lecture was moderated by Ms. Luo Yujia from our school and attended by over 200 students.

 Professor Zhang Tiantong began by introducing the definition of folk songs and basic concepts. She then explained their classifications from three perspectives: Chinese music, folk music, and folk song traditions. Using audiovisual materials, Professor Zhang illustrated examples such as the Northeastern folk song “Hayaogua” and the Tibetan folk song “Da A Ga”, helping students understand the oral transmission, collectivity, variability, and authenticity that define folk songs.

 Following this, Ms. Cao Minghua and her daughter delivered a captivating live performance of Huizhou folk songs, demonstrating their unique charm through powerful and emotionally rich vocals. Their resonant and expressive singing deeply moved the audience. Ms. Cao also taught the students a signature Huizhou vocal technique known as “Gunsheng Haha Tune”, which students enthusiastically practiced. The students gained a deeper appreciation of this intangible cultural heritage form through lively interaction.

 To conclude the event, Professor Zhang performed well-known folk songs such as “Jasmine Flower” and “Lullaby”, and taught the Beijing folk song “What a Hot Day”. She guided students line by line, fostering high engagement. The warm interaction between teachers and students gave the lecture a vibrant climax.

 The lecture ended on a high note, enriching students’ artistic literacy and nurturing their aesthetic sensibilities. By integrating intangible cultural heritage into educational activities, the lecture subtly enhanced students' cultural confidence. It also marked a successful beginning to BUCT’s third Aesthetic Education Practice Week.

 Reported by: Lin Zhengyang, BUCT Art Troupe

Translated by: Zhu Ruiqi