Long Qionglin – Zhuang Folk Song Singer in Malipo County, Wenshan

Artistic Career and Achievements

Folk Song Inheritance:
Born in 1909, Long Qionglin is a Zhuang ethnic folk singer from Nandu Village (or Nanduo Village), Malipo Town, Malipo County, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province. She began learning Zhuang folk mountain songs at an early age and became skilled in traditional narrative folk songs such as “Gu Yuan Diao,” “Guo Shan Diao,” “Zai Yang Diao,” “Zhu Fan Diao,” and “Gai Fang Diao.” She could sing for three days and nights without repeating songs.

Key Performances:

• 1956: During a folk art exchange at the China-Vietnam border, her singing was widely praised.
• 1964: She performed in Beijing and was received by national leaders, including Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai.
• Late Years: Even in her 90s, Long Qionglin continued to perform impromptu, hosting United Nations officials and scholars from both China and abroad.

Versatility:
In addition to singing, she was proficient in Zhuang brocade embroidery and could create intricate designs of flowers, birds, and insects by hand on fabric.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection and Social Impact

As a representative inheritor of Yunnan Province’s intangible cultural heritage, her artistry has been listed in the protection registry, symbolizing the Zhuang ethnic culture.
In the 2000s, she was designated as a key inheritor by the Yunnan Province Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center, ensuring the continuation of her art.

Later Years and Inheritance Status

In her later years, Long Qionglin continued to reside in Nanduo Village, Malipo County, an area with more than 90% forest cover and tranquil surroundings.
Due to her advanced age, the inheritance of her skills faces challenges, but her influence continues to inspire younger generations of Zhuang singers.

For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2766.html