Xiuyan Dongbei Dagu: Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Liaoning Province, China

This article explores Dongbei Dagu, a prominent vocal music genre from Xiuyan County, Liaoning Province, emphasizing its status as an intangible cultural heritage. Tracing its origins from the Tang Dynasty to contemporary times, the study examines the genre’s musical characteristics, historical development, and the challenges faced in its transmission and preservation amidst modernization and cultural shifts. Using qualitative methods including interviews and participant observation, the research highlights the cultural and social dynamics that sustain Dongbei Dagu. It also proposes innovative strategies for its preservation, integrating traditional and modern methods to ensure its continuity as a vibrant element of China’s cultural heritage. This approach not only safeguards the music’s historical integrity and enhances its relevance and accessibility to contemporary audiences, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on the preservation of intangible cultural heritage globally.