Cai Xuezhen – Inheritor of Lisu Folk Song and Dance in Huaping County, Lijiang 

Cai Xue Zhen (蔡学珍) is a renowned inheritor of Lisu singing and dancing from Ding Wang Village (丁王村), Tong Da Township (通达乡), Hua Ping County (华坪县), Lijiang City (丽江市). She was born in 1957 and grew up immersed in the rich traditions of Lisu folk arts. From a young age, she developed a deep passion for singing and dancing, learning from local folk artists and mastering traditional Lisu songs and dances.

In 1980, Cai Xue Zhen participated in the National Minority Nationalities Art Performance, where she performed traditional Lisu songs such as “Bitter Song” and “Sweet Song,” earning high praise from national leaders and winning an outstanding performance award. Her song “Pig Herding Tune” became widely popular and is considered a masterpiece of Chinese folk art.

Cai Xue Zhen has been actively involved in preserving and promoting Lisu culture. In 2002, she was honored with the title of “Chinese Folk Musician” by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Civil Affairs. In 2006, she formed the Lisu singing and dancing troupe “A Chi Luo Ma” to continue promoting Lisu culture. She has also established a Lisu cultural heritage workshop, where she collects and displays traditional Lisu handicrafts and costumes, providing a space for cultural exchange and learning.

Cai Xue Zhen has trained over 40 amateur Lisu performers, many of whom have gone on to perform on various stages. She emphasizes the importance of passing down traditional skills to the younger generation, ensuring that the unique art forms of the Lisu people continue to thrive. Through her efforts, she has not only preserved the cultural heritage of the Lisu people but also introduced it to a broader audience.

Cai Xue Zhen’s dedication to preserving and promoting Lisu culture has made her an iconic figure in the field of folk art. Her work highlights the importance of cultural heritage and the need to protect and pass down traditional arts for future generations.