On October 1, the highly anticipated non-heritage musical “Great River Long Song” premiered in Xinzhou, Shanxi Province, against the stunning backdrop of Hequ County, famous for its proximity to the scenic “Nine Bends of the Yellow River.” This production artfully weaves together local customs, geographical features, and cultural symbols to honor the rich traditions of the area.

Hequ County sits at the crossroads of Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia, making it a vital region for traditional culture. It’s often dubbed the “Ocean of Folk Songs,” the “Hometown of Er Ren Zhuan” (a form of folk art), and the “Hometown of Northern Chinese Folk Songs.” Notably, Hequ’s folk songs, Er Ren Zhuan, and the He Lantern Festival have all been acknowledged as part of China’s national intangible cultural heritage.

The musical chronicles a journey from 1979 to 2019, spotlighting He Changge, celebrated as the “King of Folk Songs,” along with his daughter He Juanjuan and Wang Yuming, as they work to preserve and promote Hequ’s folk songs as a national intangible cultural treasure. The narrative beautifully encapsulates the deep love of the Yellow River’s inhabitants for their homeland and their steadfast dedication to preserving this cultural legacy.

Wang Waning, who embodies the new generation of Hequ folk song and Er Ren Zhuan inheritors, shared her insights on the creative process. “We dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to developing our characters during rehearsals. The scene where the daughter argues with her father not only showcases her rebellious spirit but also symbolizes the blending of traditional and contemporary ideas,” she remarked.

Actor Hu Xinghao, portraying He Changge’s wife, Jin Ling, expressed her hopes for the musical. “I aspire for this performance to introduce a wider audience to the beauty of Hequ folk songs and Er Ren Zhuan culture. I want the world to hear and see the stories of Hequ,” she stated passionately.

“Great River Long Song” is a collaborative endeavor produced by several organizations, including the Publicity Department of the Xinzhou Municipal Committee of the Communist Party, the Xinzhou Culture and Tourism Bureau, the Hequ County Committee of the Communist Party, and the Hequ County People’s Government. Renowned director Lang Kun, former head of the Art Center at CCTV, served as the chief director.

As Hequ embarks on a new era of development, local officials are optimistic that this musical will serve as a springboard for increased awareness and appreciation of the region, inviting more people to explore the unique charms of Hequ.