Sun Zhengyao – Representative Inheritor of Yi Folk Song Project in Shiping County, Honghe 

Sun Zhengyao – Representative Inheritor of Yi Folk Song Project in Shiping County, Honghe

Sun Zhenyao is a provincial-level representative inheritor of the Yi (Huayao) folk song intangible cultural heritage (ICH) project in Shaochong Town, Shiping County, Honghe Prefecture. Below is a summary of his background and related information:

1. Identity as an Inheritor and Subsidies

  • Level and Certification: Sun Zhenyao is a provincial-level representative inheritor of the Yi (Huayao) traditional cultural ecological protection zone in Shaochong Town, which was officially recognized as a provincial-level cultural ecological protection zone in 2018.
  • Subsidy Standards: According to the Honghe Prefecture Culture and Tourism Bureau, provincial-level inheritors receive an annual subsidy of 8,000 CNY to support their inheritance activities.

2. Involvement in ICH Projects and Activities

  • Project Preservation: The Yi (Huayao) folk songs in Shaochong Town are a provincial-level ICH project. Sun Zhenyao actively participates in their living inheritance through performances, training programs, and “ICH into schools” initiatives. Examples include cultural performances during the Shiping Ancient Town Spring Festival tour and the International Tourism Trade Fair.
  • Performances and Promotion: In 2023, Yi folk songs were showcased at major events such as the 7th South Asia Expo and the Creative Yunnan Cultural Industry Expo, where Sun likely contributed to cross-cultural exchanges.

3. Overall Context of ICH Preservation in Shaochong Town

  • Inheritance System: The town has established a four-tier ICH inheritor system (national, provincial, prefectural, and county levels), with 7 provincial-level ICH projects, including folk songs, embroidery, and paper-cutting. Sun’s work is central to the folk song preservation efforts.
  • Policy Support: Local authorities support ICH through measures such as special funding applications (e.g., a 2024 proposal for a 500,000 CNY workshop renovation project), cultural-tourism integration plans (e.g., “agriculture-culture-tourism” development), and academic research (e.g., philosophy and social science studies).

4. Related Activities and Impact

  • Cultural Branding: Shaochong Town leverages Yi (Huayao) culture to build brands like the “Xiumei Yishan” cooperative, promoting commercialization of folk song-inspired products (e.g., embroidered cosmetics). Sun’s work aligns with such innovative initiatives.
  • Tourism Integration: Folk song performances are integrated into tourism experiences, such as ICH-themed tour performances in the Tuolonghei Ecological Wellness Zone, amplifying their cultural reach.

Summary

As a provincial ICH inheritor, Sun Zhenyao plays a vital role in preserving, performing, and innovating Yi (Huayao) folk songs. His efforts are bolstered by systematic support from Honghe Prefecture and Shaochong Town, including funding, policies, and cultural-tourism integration. For detailed activity records or personal profiles, consult official announcements from the Honghe Culture and Tourism Bureau or contact the local ICH preservation center.

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