The Land of Folk Songs Amidst Green Mountains and Clear Waters—Ziyang

When mentioning Ziyang, an vivid picture of verdant mountains and winding clear waters immediately comes to mind. Even more enchanting are the moving mountain songs that have echoed through the valleys and riversides for thousands of years. This small city located in southern Shaanxi, in the heart of the Qinba Mountains, is rightfully known as the "Hometown of Mountain Songs." Let us step into this poetic and picturesque place together. --- A Landscape Painting: Nature’s Gift Ziyang lies on the dividing line between northern and southern China, with the Han River running through the entire region and the Ren River joining the Han River here. Its unique geographical location creates a landscape that combines the grandeur of the north with the elegance of the south. · Verdant Mountains: The county town is built along the mountains, with houses stacked layer upon layer, earning it the nickname "Mountain City." The mountains here are not tall but graceful, the forests not deep but lush, often shrouded in mist. Especially after rain when the sun first appears, a thin fog rises over the river, resembling a fairyland. · Flowing Green Waters: The Han River and Ren River, like two emerald ribbons, gently encircle Ziyang. The water is clear and serves as an important water source conservation area for the national "South-to-North Water Diversion" middle route project. Boating on the river, watching the green mountains reflected on both banks, brings a refreshing and peaceful feeling. This beautiful landscape not only nurtures abundant natural resources but also nourishes the spirit of the Ziyang people’s love for singing. --- A Sea of Songs: The Soul of Ziyang Folk Songs If the landscape is the body of Ziyang, then the folk songs are its ever-flowing blood and soul. · Long History: Ziyang folk songs are inherited from the ancient "Bashu folk songs" and have integrated cultures brought by immigrants from Huguang and Minyue during the Ming and Qing dynasties, forming a unique artistic style. They have been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. · Rich Content, Ready to Sing: The content of Ziyang folk songs covers all aspects of life. · Labor Songs: Tea-picking songs on the tea mountains, boatmen’s shouts by the river, and grass-cutting drum songs in the fields. · Emotional Tunes: Songs expressing love between men and women, such as "Sister Songs" and "Brother Songs," with melodious tunes and sincere, passionate emotions. · Life Rhythms: Folk songs for weddings and funerals, festival celebrations, and even playful teasing. · Living "Intangible Heritage": In Ziyang, folk songs are not museum exhibits but a living presence. You might hear elderly people humming on the street, see tea-picking women singing while working in the tea gardens, or enjoy professional folk song performances during festivals. --- Tea and Song as One: Savoring the Taste of Ziyang Ziyang is the northernmost ecological tea region in China, famous for producing selenium-rich Ziyang selenium-enriched tea. Here, tea and song blend perfectly. · Songs in the Tea Gardens: During the spring tea-picking season, the lush green tea gardens are filled with tea-picking girls dressed in blue floral cloth, their fingers flying as they sing out loud. The melodious tea songs and the aroma of tea create the most classic scene of Ziyang. · Honoring Tea with Song: Locally, when offering guests a good cup of tea, it is common to present a passionate "tea honoring song," allowing guests to savor not only the tea but also the deep friendship. --- How to Experience the Charm of Ziyang? 1. Listen to an authentic folk song performance: If possible, visit during traditional festivals like the lunar "March 3rd" or the Dragon Boat Festival to witness large-scale folk song gatherings. At other times, you can feel the atmosphere in the county square or cultural center. 2. Boat on the Han River: Take a small boat and listen to the boatmen’s shouts while drifting among the green mountains and clear waters, experiencing the feeling of "the boat moves on the river, and people travel within a painting." 3. Stroll the Tea Mountains: Visit tea-producing areas like Huangu Town or Xiangyang Town to experience tea picking and processing, and listen to authentic tea-picking songs. 4. Explore the Old Streets of the Mountain City: Walk along the steep stone steps of Ziyang County, flanked by quaint old buildings. Occasionally, a folk song melody drifting from a window will instantly transport you through time. --- In summary, Ziyang is a beautiful place that must be listened to with your ears. Its beauty lies not only in the green mountains and clear waters seen by the eyes but also in the melodious and sincere songs that echo through the mountains and rivers from the depths of history. The green mountains and clear waters are its form, and the melodious mountain songs are its soul. The fusion of form and soul makes Ziyang truly unique.