Music
Our Music section brings together the soul of Lisu culture through sound. Discover an extensive collection of traditional Lisu melodies, folk instrument demonstrations, and contemporary compositions that bridge the past and present. Explore audio recordings, videos of performances, and detailed descriptions of musical instruments that have been central to Lisu celebrations and daily life for generations. We also highlight music events and live performances, connecting users with current cultural expressions and community gatherings.
音乐
Traditional Lisu Music
Folk Instruments
Lisu
Bands
Events and
Performances
Traditional Lisu Music 傈僳传统音乐
Lisu Polyphonic A Cappella Choir 傈僳族多声部无伴奏合唱
The Lisu polyphonic a cappella choir is a precious heritage of primitive polyphonic music, with a history spanning over a thousand years. Featuring up to seven vocal parts, it is more complex and resonant than the typical four-part harmony. The performance usually takes the form of call-and-response, with a lead singer initiating the verses and the choir joining in with fixed concluding lines.
The Lisu Farmers' Choir has gained international acclaim for its performances of both traditional and global masterpieces, often described as "heavenly voices." Their artistry has challenged the long-held notion that China lacked polyphonic musical traditions. Recognized for its cultural significance, the Lisu polyphonic choir has been included in Yunnan Province's Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection List, preserving this unique musical tradition for future generations.
The Three Major Tunes of Lisu Folk Songs: Cultural Treasures and Musical Heritage
Lisu folk songs are renowned for their unique "Muga," "Baishi," and "Yoye" tunes, celebrated as the "Melody of the Gorges." In 2006, Lisu folk songs were inscribed on China's National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
1. Muga: Meaning "ancient songs," Muga is the most important narrative folk song of the Lisu people, covering themes of ethnic history and daily life. Its melodies are solemn and traditional, often performed during festivals. Representative works include The Epic of Creation and The Song of Labor.
2. Baishi: The most iconic mountain song of the Lisu, Baishi features high-pitched, passionate tunes and improvisational lyrics, commonly sung at celebrations. The annual "Hot Spring Singing Festival" in Lushui County is its highlight. Representative works include Love Song at the Hot Spring and Climbing the Slope.
3. Yoye: Meaning "love songs," Yoye is the primary way for Lisu youth to express affection, with lyrical and graceful melodies. Representative works include The Elopement Song and The Hunting Song.
Lisu folk songs are not only musical art but also a record of social history and emotions. Through dedicated preservation efforts, this precious cultural heritage continues to thrive and be passed down.
Folk Instruments民间乐器
Qiben 起奔: The Soul of Lisu Music
The Qiben is a traditional instrument of the Lisu ethnic group, primarily found in Fugong, Lanping, and Lushui within China’s Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture. Known for its deep, resonant tones, it is played both as a harmonic accompaniment and a solo instrument, often evoking the Lisu’s ancient stories. Its name, derived from the Lisu language, means “to pull over” (Qi) and “to pluck out” (Ben), reflecting the finger movements used in playing.
Music is central to Lisu life, accompanying festivals, daily tasks, and even dispute resolutions. Among their rich musical traditions—folk songs, dance music, and instrumental pieces—the Qiben stands out. Crafted from materials like lacquer tree wood or red pine, it features intricate carvings and a distinctive “sheep leg” shape, traditionally strung with sheep gut but now often using nylon or metal strings for a brighter sound.
Played with techniques like glissandos and vibratos, the Qiben conveys a range of emotions. It can be performed solo, in ensembles, or alongside instruments like the kou xian (mouth harp). Iconic pieces include "Bai Shi Tiao", evoking nature, and "Lisu Celebration Song", a festive favorite. In 2017, it was listed as provincial intangible cultural heritage, ensuring its preservation and introducing its unique charm to a wider audience.
Dilitu 笛哩图
The "Dilitu," 笛哩图 known as "竖笛" (shù dí) in Chinese, is a traditional musical instrument of the Lisu people in Nujiang. Compact and delicate, it features a slender, short bamboo body about 30 centimeters long, with five finger holes—four in front and one at the back. Its soft, melodious tones follow a pentatonic scale, producing a clear, ethereal sound that embodies the Lisu culture and regional identity. Often played during festivals, weddings, rituals, and romantic encounters, the Dilitu is a vital instrument for emotional expression and social interaction. Originally inspired by "broad bean pods," its design evolved to bamboo for better sound stability, earning it the nickname "short flute." Though its volume is modest and range limited, its expressive richness makes it beloved by Lisu women, who wear it as a chest ornament and play it during leisure. A Dilitu gifted by a Lisu girl signifies affection. In 2006, it was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, a treasured symbol of Lisu cultural heritage.
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Mouth Harp 口弦
The mouth harp 口弦, known as "Maguo" in Lisu and "Jiwei" in Nu, is a unique traditional instrument of the Lisu people in Nujiang and one of China's oldest musical tools. Compact in design, it is typically made from bamboo or metal strips with a reed in the center. Played by plucking the reed and using oral resonance, it produces a trembling, melodious sound reminiscent of mountain breezes. The Lisu mouth harp comes in two types: single-reed ("Maguo Badi") and triple-reed ("Chuchu"), with the latter divided into high ("Saibai"), middle ("Daida"), and low registers, offering crisp, soft, and deep tones respectively. Used in courtship, festivals, and daily entertainment, it serves as a vital medium for emotional expression and cultural heritage. Legend says it mimics the human tongue, acting as a "speaking" instrument. Known as "Kouqin" in ancient texts, it was described in Ming Dynasty records as a tool for romantic communication. Though its volume is low, its speech-like tones convey rich emotions. The mouth harp has long been cherished by the Lisu people, inspiring traditional dances. In 2006, it was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, symbolizing the Lisu cultural legacy.
Lisu Bands 现代傈僳音乐
木火乐团 Muhuo Music Ensemble
In the heart of Yunnan's Nujiang region, a unique musical ensemble thrives—the Muhuo Music Ensemble. Founded in 2015 by Nu ethnic singer Jiang Xiaochun and his wife Chunli Xiaohui in their hometown of Laomudeng, the name "Muhuo" (meaning "wood fire") symbolizes the ancient wisdom of fire-making by friction, as well as the inherit of musical culture.
As the core of the ensemble, Jiang Xiaochun brings a distinctive creative approach. Using the guitar as his primary instrument, he incorporates the tuning techniques of the Nu ethnic "Dabiya," blending Western instruments with ethnic musical traditions. The ensemble also integrates African drums, the Lisu "Dilitu," and other instruments, creating a rich and diverse sound. Jiang believes that "ethnic music belongs to the world, but it must evolve to truly reach a global audience." Through their music, the Muhuo Music Ensemble tells the stories of Nujiang, allowing ethnic music to shine with its unique charm.
三江组合 San Jiang Ensemble
The Sanjiang Ensemble is a renowned original music group of the Lisu ethnic group in China, established on June 12, 2004. The name "Sanjiang" refers to the Nujiang, Lancangjiang, and Jinshajiang rivers, which hold profound significance for the Lisu people—not only as their homeland but also as the cradle of their cultural heritage. The group's name symbolizes their deep love for their hometown and ethnic culture.
The ensemble consists of Zhu Lifan, Zhu Jianke, and Zhu Leizheng. Zhu Lifan, deeply influenced by the traditional Nipa culture of the Lisu people, has always been passionate about music. He once said, "Growing up immersed in the Nipa culture of the Lisu, and combined with my love for music, I have always persevered."
Their works are filled with profound emotions for their homeland and ethnic identity. Songs like *Hometown in the Colored Clouds* express love and admiration for Yunnan, while *Waiting for Your Return* conveys longing for loved ones. Their music blends traditional folk elements with modern sounds, preserving ethnic authenticity while embracing contemporary appeal. During performances, they wear traditional attire, singing and dancing with vibrant energy, showcasing the Lisu people's passion and vitality.
The Sanjiang Ensemble has appeared on CCTV and other major TV programs, and has performed in countries like Thailand and Myanmar, bringing Lisu music to a broader global stage.
Interviews
Li Xuehua 李学华
Male, resident of Luzhang Village, Luzhang Town, Lushui City.
- Began studying the vocal techniques and repertoire of Lisu folk songs under the guidance of his grandfather and master performers at the age of 7.
- Commenced training in the "qiben" (a traditional Lisu plucked string instrument) at the age of 14.
- Served as the director of the "Lufeng Folk Art Troupe" since 2007.
- Recipient of the "Yunnan Provincial Ethnic Folk Music and Dance Performance Award".
- In 2009, was officially recognized by the State Council of China as a "National Representative Inheritor* of the "Intangible Cultural Heritage" (third batch) for "Lisu folk songs".
Deng Fusheng 邓福声
During the 2024 Spring Festival, my family and I arrived at a village in Fugong County, Nujiang, accompanied by the rumble of a tractor. We were fortunate enough to step into Deng Fusheng’s "Deng Saisai Ethnic Musical Instrument Studio." Nestled deep in the mountains, the studio was filled with traditional Lisu musical instruments—qiben, jaw harps, and dilitu—arranged on wooden shelves. Sunlight streamed through the window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the workbench covered in wood shavings.
In this space alive with musical echoes, Mr. Deng personally demonstrated the enchanting melodies and sounds of the Lisu ethnic instruments—the jaw harp, dilitu, and qiben. Through music, we experienced the hidden aesthetic of Nujiang’s mystical landscape.
Cui Huanyue 崔欢月
Cui Huanyue, also known by her Lisu name “Ana”, is a native Lisu from Bajigu Village, Fugong County, Nujiang Prefecture, and the founder of the “Akeji Lisu Cultural Heritage Center”. For over a decade, she has trekked across mountains and rivers, tirelessly collecting traditional Lisu artifacts and safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
During the 2025 Spring Festival, I had the privilege of visiting Ms. Cui and exploring the “Lisu Folk Culture Museum” she established. Join us for an intimate fireside conversation as we delve into her inspiring story.
Jiang Xiaochun and Zhang Xiaohui Couple 江晓春夫妇
During the 2025 Spring Festival, I had the privilege of interviewing Jiang Xiaochun and Zhang Xiaohui, a couple from the Nu and Lisu ethnic group, in their courtyard in Laomudeng. We delved into the differences between the Nu people’s 'Dabiya' and the Lisu people’s 'Qiben' instruments, explored the unique characteristics of Nu music, and learned about the couple’s tireless efforts to preserve and promote their cultural heritage. Unfortunately, I couldn’t edit the full hour-long interview, so I’ve selected a short clip of them performing two pieces: 'O Dedé' and 'Night in Laomudeng.' Through their music, you’ll witness a beautiful fusion of tradition and modernity, as well as the deep ethnic pride and joy of life expressed in their songs.