Han Shangyun - Lusheng Player in Malong County, Qujing 

Introduction

Han Shangyun (韩尚云) is a distinguished Miao Lusheng (芦笙) music master from Jiaozishan Village (轿子山村), Wangjiazhuang Subdistrict (王家庄街道, formerly 王家庄乡), Malong District (马龙区), Qujing City (曲靖市), Yunnan Province. Born in 1979, he is recognized as a provincial-level representative inheritor of intangible cultural heritage (second batch).

Known as the "King of Lusheng," Han Shangyun has dedicated his life to performing, teaching, and innovating Miao Lusheng music, ensuring the vitality and continuity of this ancient cultural tradition.

Early Life and Training

Family and Mentorship

• Born in 1979 in Jiaozishan Village, Han Shangyun began learning the Lusheng at age 12 from local master Zhang Kaifa (张开发).

• From early on, he displayed extraordinary perseverance and dedication: practicing late into the night, enduring pain and injuries, and mastering complex techniques.

Skill Development

• Learned not only Lusheng playing but also physical performance techniques: standing, rolling, climbing, squatting, jumping, handstands, and "Golden Rooster" balancing.

• Developed a comprehensive performance skillset, combining music and acrobatics, laying the foundation for his later innovations.

Artistic Achievements and Style

Musical Mastery

• Can perform over 60 traditional Miao melodies, including welcome songs, wedding songs, and folk tunes.

• Famous works include:

  • Lusheng Love Song (芦笙恋歌) – multiple gold awards at city and provincial exhibitions

  • Amou Cuoge Afei (阿卯磋格阿飞) – lively, humorous interpretation of Miao life

Performance Innovations

• Created unique acrobatic techniques for Lusheng performance:

  • “Golden Hook Inversion” (倒挂金钩): Performs while hanging upside down from a tree, Lusheng sound clear and unbroken.

  • “Handstand Dance” (倒立舞): Balances head on the ground while legs move freely, combining strength and agility.

Performance Style

• Miao Lusheng can be performed standing, sitting, walking, or jumping. Han Shangyun masters all postures, blending traditional and innovative elements.

Representative Works and Awards

Other creations under his leadership include Lusheng Everlasting (笙声不息), Melody of Lusheng (笙之韵), and Endless Lusheng Love (笙声情悠悠), which have been performed widely and awarded in local and provincial cultural events.

Social Impact and Recognition

• Official Recognition: Named "Yunnan Province Folk Music Artist" in May 2002.

• Media Coverage: Featured in China Culture Daily, Yunnan Daily, Guangming Online, People’s Daily, and more.

• Community Status: Revered locally as the "King of Lusheng," representing Malong Miao Lusheng culture.

• Government Support: Receives funding and policy support from provincial and district cultural departments.

Teaching and Cultural Transmission

Mentorship Philosophy

• Trained 30–40 students across more than ten villages.

• Son Han Jiangbo is his most prominent apprentice and successor.

• Teaches in schools, including hand-on Lusheng instruction at Shengou Primary School.

• Philosophy: "No rush; Miao melodies need to grow slowly," emphasizing patience and respect in passing on traditions.

Contributions to Miao Culture

1. Cultural Preservation:

   • Collects, organizes, and preserves over 60 traditional Miao melodies.

   • Prevents loss of this rich musical heritage.

2. Cultural Transmission:

   • Passes both technical skills and Miao cultural identity to the next generation.

   • Instills pride in students about being part of the Miao community.

3. Cultural Innovation:

   • Introduces acrobatic and modern elements to traditional Lusheng performances.

   • Leads the creation of new compositions and music dramas, like Love of Lusheng, reflecting contemporary Miao culture.

Lusheng Music and Miao Cultural Context

Historical Significance

• The Lusheng is a symbol of Miao identity with a long history.

• Recorded in ancient texts such as The Book of Songs (《诗经》) thousands of years ago.

• Introduced to Malong region during Miao migrations over 100 years ago.

• Integral to festivals, ceremonies, and daily life, used to express emotion, communicate, and celebrate.

Performance Techniques

Cultural Preservation in Malong District

• Establishment of Lusheng practice and innovation bases for apprentices.

• Organization of cultural events like Flower Mountain Festival and Lusheng dance exhibitions.

• Integration of intangible heritage into tourism, schools, and community projects.

• Government policies provide financial support and encourage innovative initiatives like “Shenghua Music Volunteer Project” linking Lusheng culture with rural development.

Conclusion

As a leading Miao Lusheng artist and provincial intangible cultural heritage inheritor, Han Shangyun has devoted over 30 years to preserving, innovating, and transmitting Miao musical traditions. His performances, teaching, and creativity ensure the vitality of Miao Lusheng culture while inspiring appreciation for ethnic diversity in Yunnan and beyond.