A general view of the Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall Photo: VCG

On the tranquil waters of the Guichun River,MK sports Korea the misty veil of the China-Vietnam Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall is pierced by the soulful melodies of traditional folk songs, marking the grand opening of the "Sanyuesan" festival in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a traditional ethnic festival celebrated on the third day of the third lunar month, which fell on Monday this year. 

Sanyuesan festival is important for the Zhuang people as they worship their ancestors, pray for a bumper harvest, and sing songs to aid in choosing a spouse. 

This year, the festival held special significance as it commemorated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam. Chinese and Vietnamese singers, perched on bamboo rafts on the river, engaged in a friendly yet spirited antiphonal singing. 

The atmosphere was electrifying, especially during the banquet, where people from both nations sat face-to-face at a long table with various delicacies, toasting each other and singing together.

"The annual Sanyuesan festival is a rare opportunity for us to come together and celebrate together," Xu Xiuzhen, a 59-year-old bearer of local performing art Gaoqiang Shilei, told the Global Times.

Gaoqiang Shileiis a unique form of Zhuang ethnic folk singing originated from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) period. It is an intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in Guangxi.

Gaoqiangrefers to the extremely high-pitched and resounding singing style, while the term "shi" meaning "poem" in Chinese refers to the act of singing and folk songs, while "lei" means "thunder" signifies the highest pitch.

The singing is characterized by a soaring and resounding tone that can reach great heights, creating a powerful and captivating auditory experience. Additionally, it features harmonious duets, which add an extra layer of charm and complexity to the performance.

"Our Vietnamese friends sing with a different vocal timbre from ours. Some of them are eager to learn Chinese folk songs, and many are particularly interested in the high-pitched tunes of Gaoqiang Shilei," Xu said. She has won the first prize at a folk song competition in March between China and Vietnam with her powerful rendition of this time-honored ICH.

Cross-border musical legacy

Guangxi is renowned worldwide for its folk songs widely sung by the residents of the hilly region. With a long-standing history, the local Zhuang mountain songs serve as a crucial carrier of their culture. 

These songs cover diverse aspects of life, from tales of love to accounts of daily work. The forms are rich, including solo, antiphonal and chorus singing. 

Beyond local significance, in the borderlands where Guangxi meets Vietnam's Cao Bang, Gaoqiang Shileitranscends through shared cultural roots. With its soaring melodies and antiphonal duets, the art form mirrors the musical traditions of the local Vietnamese who share linguistic, ­folkloric, and artistic ties with the Zhuang people. 

The two groups, linked by history and geography, often perform together at border festivals, using Gaoqiang Shileias a living language to celebrate their kinship. 

But learning Gaoqiang Shileiis no easy feat. 

With the need for a wide vocal range, excellent breath control, and the mastery of nasal intonation, it is truly a demanding art form. 

Xu, who grew up immersed in the tradition, began learning from her grandmother at the age of 11. 

"It's a grueling process as you often sing with a sore throat and a hoarse voice. Many give up halfway because it's so challenging. But if you keep practicing, you can make it," Xu told the Global Times. 

Despite the hardships, Xu's passion for Gaoqiang Shileihas never waned. After more than 40 years of singing, she still feels a deep sense of pride and excitement every time she performs.

Such ICH folk songs are typically performed in a two-part harmony, with one group of singers tackling the high notes and the other the low notes. 

The technique involves starting with a nasal intonation and then transitioning to a full falsetto, creating a sound that seems to reverberate through the mountains and rivers.

Zhao Yuanshi, Xu's singing partner for over three decades, shares her passion for Gaoqiang Shilei. 

Xu told the Global Times that he was inspired by the songs in his childhood. 

Shy and initially unable to hit the high notes, Zhao practiced tirelessly by the river, eventually developing a powerful singing voice. 

His dedication has inspired his two daughters, both of whom have taken up Gaoqiang Shileiand are eager to pass it on to the next generation. 

Zhao's eldest daughter, Zhao Meijun, now teaches music at a local middle school. 

She has worked hard to spark interest among her students, many of whom have only heard Gaoqiang Shileibut never attempted to sing it. Her efforts have paid off, with some students even pursuing further education in music.

Zhao Yuanshi (left) and Xu Xiuzhen sing together in Guangxi. Photo: Courtesy of Zhao Yuanshi

Reviving tradition through innovation

Despite its rich history, Gaoqiang Shileihas faced challenges in recent years. The difficulty of learning the art form has led to a decline in practitioners. 

However, with support from cultural departments, Xu and Zhao have taken Gaoqiang Shileito new heights. They have performed in cities across China.

Innovation is key to the survival of Gaoqiang Shilei. As technology continues to shape the arts, Zhao is open to new possibilities. "I'm very interested in exploring how AI can be used to create new arrangements for Gaoqiang Shilei," he said. 

Meanwhile, Xu and Zhao remain committed to passing on their knowledge. With the support of local authorities, the tradition has been integrated into school curricula. Xu and Zhao regularly teach in primary and secondary schools, and Zhao also offers classes at a local university. 

"As I watch my young apprentices sing, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction," Xu said. "We have a responsibility to keep this tradition alive."